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exact model and see every recall for it.
Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.
US recalls (14)
Air bags: frontal
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.
Risk and remedy
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S65. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 14, 2026.
Engine and engine cooling: engine, hard parts internal/mechanical
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
Risk and remedy
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 28, 2026.
Engine and engine cooling: engine, hard parts internal/mechanical
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure.
Risk and remedy
Risk: Engine failure can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing oil to leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine long blocks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S58. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 18, 2026.
Seats: front assembly, power adjust
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
Risk and remedy
Risk: Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Risk and remedy
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Engine and engine cooling: engine, hard parts internal/mechanical
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk and remedy
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S35. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system, fan/motor
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.
Risk and remedy
Risk: An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S22. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 3, 2026.
Engine and engine cooling: engine, hard parts internal/mechanical
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer and Mustang vehicles. The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to a loss of drive power.
Risk and remedy
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S23. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
Seat belts
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Risk and remedy
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Exterior lighting: headlights
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk: A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C12. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Visibility: windshield
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Risk and remedy
Risk: In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C02. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 22, 2026.
Engine
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in engine seizure and loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly, free of charge. All affected vehicles are still within dealership inventory and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 24, 2025.
Visibility: windshield
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."
Risk and remedy
Risk: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C60. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 27, 2025.
Trailer hitches
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
Risk and remedy
Risk: While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Canadian recalls (9)
Show 9 Canadian recalls
Engine
2026-08-26 · campaign 2026-411
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the engine pistons may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the pistons may crack and cause the engine to fail. If this happens, there could be a sudden loss of power to the wheels.
Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 1.5 L or 2.3 L engine.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine.
Seats and restraints
2026-07-14 · campaign 2026-339
Issue:
On certain vehicles the recall repairs completed by a Ford dealer during recall 25S67 (Transport Canada recall no. 2025-328) may not be effective. As a result, a second repair is required.
On certain vehicles, the trim for the seat fold switch on the second-row outboard seats could become stuck. If this happens, the seat(s) could fold and/or move unexpectedly.
Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-328. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall also require this repair.
Safety Risk:
A seat that folds and/or moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Corrective Action:
Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the seat fold switch trim and housing for one with an improved design.
Seats and restraints
2026-07-14 · campaign 2026-340
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the driver's seat could recline on its own when using certain remote features including remote door unlocking, remote start and/or approaching the vehicle with the key fob. As a result, the second-row passenger could become trapped between the seat and the seatback.
Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with memory seats.
Safety Risk:
A seat that reclines on its own could increase the risk of injury and/or entrapment.
Corrective actions:
Ford will notify owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development.
Engine
2026-05-27 · campaign 2026-258 · 159 vehicles
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the engine may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the engine could fail and cause a loss of power to the wheels.
Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 2.3 L engine.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the engine.
Heater and defroster
2026-04-01 · campaign 2026-159 · 5 vehicles
Issue:
On a small number of vehicles, the ground connection for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor may not have been secured properly. As a result, the defroster could stop working, and you may not be able to defog or defrost the windshield.
Safety Risk:
A windshield defroster/defogger that doesn't work could cause reduced visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, secure the ground connection(s) in the instrument panel.
Seats and restraints
2026-03-17 · campaign 2026-124 · 44 vehicles
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the second-row outboard seat belt anchor bolt(s) may be loose or missing. As a result, the seat belt(s) could detach in a crash.
Safety Risk:
A seat belt that detaches could increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, install, tighten or replace seat belt anchor bolt(s).
Lights and instruments
2026-03-03 · campaign 2026-099
Issue:
On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the right headlamp to become incorrectly aimed when turning the steering wheel. As a result, the vehicles may not meet certain requirements of Canadian regulations.
Note: This recall only affects the Platinum models equipped with the dynamic bending light feature.
Safety Risk:
A headlamp that isn't aimed correctly could cause glare for oncoming drivers and could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the headlamp control module software.
Structure
2026-01-21 · campaign 2026-019 · 5 vehicles
Issue:
On a small number of vehicles, the windshield may not be properly attached and could separate from the vehicle in a crash.
Safety Risk:
A windshield that detaches in a crash could create an increased risk of injury.
Corrective Actions:
Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to reinstall the windshield.
Structure
2025-10-11 · campaign 2025-548 · 102 vehicles
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the trailer hitch bolts may not have been tightened properly. As a result, the bolts could loosen and the hitch could detach from the vehicle.
Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with the trailer tow package.
Safety Risk:
A trailer hitch and/or towed trailer that detaches from a vehicle could create a road hazard for others and/or create the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, tighten or replace the trailer hitch bolts.
Owner complaints (42)
Owners filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2026 Ford Explorer (3 crashes, 3 injuries reported). Among 44 model years of this model, it ranks #34 for the most complaints (median 630).
| Most-reported problem | Complaints | |
|---|
| Unknown or other | 11 | |
| Electrical system | 9 | |
| Seats | 7 | |
| Engine | 6 | |
| Visibility/wiper | 5 | |
| Forward collision avoidance | 4 | |
| Power train | 3 | |
| Lane departure | 3 | |
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2026 Ford Explorer.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|
| 2026 FORD EXPLORER GAS SUV N/A RWD | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 4★ |
| 2026 FORD EXPLORER GAS SUV N/A 4WD | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 4★ |
| 2026 FORD EXPLORER HEV SUV HEV RWD | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 4★ |
| 2026 FORD EXPLORER HEV SUV HEV 4WD | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 4★ |
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for each 2026 Ford Explorer version.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|
| Explorer AWD 2.3 L Automatic 10-spd | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Explorer AWD 3.0 L Automatic (S10) | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Explorer RWD 2.3 L Automatic 10-spd | 20 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Explorer RWD 3.0 L Automatic (S10) | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Explorer Tremor AWD 2.3 L Automatic (S10) | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Explorer Tremor AWD 3.0 L Automatic (S10) | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
Need this data in your app?
Recalls, complaints, crash ratings and fuel economy as a JSON API. Decode up to 50 VINs per call and get a daily feed of new recalls.
Explore the API →Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport
Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada).
Recalls updated 2026-10-29.