Vehicle Recall IndexVIN decoding & NHTSA recall records

Model year 2026 · Ford

2026 Ford Explorer recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 15 safety recall campaigns for the 2026 Ford Explorer. The most recent was reported on September 9, 2026. Campaigns are matched by the model names in NHTSA's records: EXPLORER, EXPLORER HYBRID.

NHTSA data through October 6, 2026 · How these pages are built

Campaigns at a glance

Recall campaigns for the 2026 Ford Explorer, newest first
NHTSA numberReportedComponent
26V581000September 9, 2026Air Bags › Frontal
26V548000August 25, 2026Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical
26V532000August 13, 2026Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical
26V470000July 21, 2026Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust
26V451000July 14, 2026Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly
26V415000June 30, 2026Back Over Prevention › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert
26V343000May 27, 2026Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical
26V205000March 31, 2026Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical
26V202000March 31, 2026Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/HVAC System › Fan/Motor
26V159000March 17, 2026Seat Belts
26V121000March 3, 2026Exterior Lighting › Headlights
26V024000January 21, 2026Visibility › Windshield
25V828000December 1, 2025Engine
25V730000October 24, 2025Visibility › Windshield
25V687000October 10, 2025Trailer Hitches

Systems involved: Engine And Engine Cooling (4) · Visibility (3) · Seats (2) · Air Bags (1) · Back Over Prevention (1) · Engine (1) · Exterior Lighting (1) · Forward Collision Avoidance (1) · Seat Belts (1) · Trailer Hitches (1)

Recall records

NHTSA 26V581000Manufacturer no. 26S65

Air Bags › Frontal

Report received by NHTSA
September 9, 2026
Owner notification
September 16, 2026
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
7 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2026 Ford Explorer
August 2, 2026 – August 2, 2026
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V581000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 26V548000Manufacturer no. 26S61

Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical

Report received by NHTSA
August 25, 2026
Owner notification
Not yet in the record
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
10,001 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2026 Ford Explorer
February 20, 2026 – April 18, 2026
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V548000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 26V532000Manufacturer no. 26S58

Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical

Report received by NHTSA
August 13, 2026
Owner notification
August 25, 2026
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
6 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2026 Ford Explorer
February 10, 2026 – February 17, 2026
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V532000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 26V470000Manufacturer no. 26S53

Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust

Report received by NHTSA
July 21, 2026
Owner notification
September 3, 2026
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
76,748 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V470000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 26V451000Manufacturer no. 26S52

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly

Report received by NHTSA
July 14, 2026
Owner notification
August 21, 2026
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
387,911 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2026 Ford Explorer
Not reported – June 24, 2026
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V451000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 26V415000Manufacturer no. 26S51

Back Over Prevention › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert

Report received by NHTSA
June 30, 2026
Owner notification
August 7, 2026
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
66,383 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER HYBRID

Components: Back Over Prevention › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert; Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert

Defect summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.

Safety risk

A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Note: This is an expansion of Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed. Ford will release an over-the-air (OTA) update or dealers will update the APIM software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S51. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 7, 2026.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V415000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 26V343000Manufacturer no. 26S35

Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical

Report received by NHTSA
May 27, 2026
Owner notification
Not yet in the record
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
1,536 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2026 Ford Explorer
Not reported – May 1, 2026
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V343000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 26V205000Manufacturer no. 26S23

Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical

Report received by NHTSA
March 31, 2026
Owner notification
April 10, 2026
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
278 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2026 Ford Explorer
February 17, 2026 – February 26, 2026
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V205000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 26V202000Manufacturer no. 26S22

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/HVAC System › Fan/Motor

Report received by NHTSA
March 31, 2026
Owner notification
April 10, 2026
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
55 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2026 Ford Explorer
October 19, 2025 – January 12, 2026
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V202000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 26V159000Manufacturer no. 26C18

Seat Belts

Report received by NHTSA
March 17, 2026
Owner notification
March 30, 2026
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
561 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2026 Ford Explorer
Not reported – January 21, 2026
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V159000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 26V121000Manufacturer no. 26C12

Exterior Lighting › Headlights

Report received by NHTSA
March 3, 2026
Owner notification
March 23, 2026
Recall initiated by
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Units potentially affected
35,772 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2026 Ford Explorer
Not reported – November 23, 2025
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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."

Safety 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V121000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 26V024000Manufacturer no. 26C02

Visibility › Windshield

Report received by NHTSA
January 21, 2026
Owner notification
January 30, 2026
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
8 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2026 Ford Explorer
October 19, 2025 – October 20, 2025
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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."

Safety 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 26V024000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 25V828000Manufacturer no. 25SD3

Engine

Report received by NHTSA
December 1, 2025
Owner notification
Not yet in the record
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
6 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2026 Ford Explorer
November 3, 2025 – November 12, 2025
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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.

Safety 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 25V828000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 25V730000Manufacturer no. 25C60

Visibility › Windshield

Report received by NHTSA
October 24, 2025
Owner notification
November 6, 2025
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
56,841 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2026 Ford Explorer
Not reported – September 5, 2025
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

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."

Safety 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 25V730000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 25V687000Manufacturer no. 25SA3

Trailer Hitches

Report received by NHTSA
October 10, 2025
Owner notification
October 29, 2025
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
1,412 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
EXPLORER

Defect summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.

Safety 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.

Source: NHTSA recall 25V687000, filed by Ford Motor Company. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

Records reproduce NHTSA's published text for each campaign. Last record date for this page: September 9, 2026.