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Model year record

2026 Ford Explorer recalls & problems

The 2026 Ford Explorer has 14 safety recalls and 42 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (11 complaints).

Recalls14safety recalls
Complaints42filed by owners
Crashes · fires3 · 0reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2026 Ford Explorer in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bagsSep 9, 2026

Frontal

Recall 26V5810007 vehicles

Problem
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
An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
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 coolingAug 25, 2026

Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical

Recall 26V54800010,001 vehicles

Problem
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
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
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 coolingAug 13, 2026

Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical

Recall 26V5320006 vehicles

Problem
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
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.
Fix
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.
SeatsJul 21, 2026

Front assembly › Power adjust

Recall 26V47000076,748 vehicles

Problem
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
Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
SeatsJul 14, 2026

Mid/rear assembly

Recall 26V451000387,911 vehicles

Problem
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
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
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 coolingMay 27, 2026

Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical

Recall 26V3430001,536 vehicles

Problem
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
A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
VisibilityMar 31, 2026

Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor

Recall 26V20200055 vehicles

Problem
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
An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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 coolingMar 31, 2026

Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical

Recall 26V205000278 vehicles

Problem
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
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
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 beltsMar 17, 2026

Seat belts

Recall 26V159000561 vehicles

Problem
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
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
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 lightingMar 3, 2026

Headlights

Recall 26V12100035,772 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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
A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
VisibilityJan 21, 2026

Windshield

Recall 26V0240008 vehicles

Problem
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
In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
EngineDec 1, 2025

Engine

Recall 25V8280006 vehicles

Problem
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
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.
Fix
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.
VisibilityOct 24, 2025

Windshield

Recall 25V73000056,841 vehicles

Problem
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
Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
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 hitchesOct 10, 2025

Trailer hitches

Recall 25V6870001,412 vehicles

Problem
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
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.
Fix
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2026 FORD EXPLORER GAS SUV N/A 4WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk15.1%

2026 FORD EXPLORER GAS SUV N/A RWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk14.7%

2026 FORD EXPLORER HEV SUV HEV 4WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk15.1%

2026 FORD EXPLORER HEV SUV HEV RWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk14.7%
2026 Ford Explorer NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2026 Ford Explorer NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Explorer RWD

24mpg combined
City / highway20 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Explorer AWD

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Explorer RWD

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Explorer Tremor AWD

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 23 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Explorer AWD

20mpg combined
City / highway18 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Explorer Tremor AWD

19mpg combined
City / highway17 / 22 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Unknown or other11102—
Electrical systemInstrument cluster/panel9101—
Seats7000—
Engine6000—
Forward collision avoidanceAdaptive cruise control; Automatic emergency braking5000—
Visibility/wiper5000—
Power train3100—
Lane departureBlind spot detection; Assist3000—
Fuel/propulsion system3000—
Vehicle speed control2000—
VisibilitySun/moon roof assembly; Power window devices and controls2000—
Service brakes2001—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.