Recall homework
There are 8 official recalls listed for this model year. Before buying, use the VIN to confirm which campaigns are still open and ask for dealer repair records on completed work.
Vehicle report
2026 Ford Explorer
Recalls, consumer complaints, safety ratings, fuel cost estimate, and next steps from official public data sources.
8 Total recalls
Mar 31, 2026 Latest recall date
10 Complaint reports
$2,622 Estimated fuel cost
Buyer interpretation
What this record means before you buy
The useful question is not just whether this page has records. It is what those records should make you verify before money changes hands.
Owner complaint pattern
Owner complaints most often mention unknown or other, electrical system, engine. Scan those categories before the test drive so you know what symptoms, warning lights, or service history to ask about.
Service bulletin signal
34 manufacturer communications are listed. These are not recalls, but they can reveal repair instructions, warranty extensions, software notices, or known service patterns.
Ownership-cost check
The fuel-cost estimate is based on a representative EPA match, not every trim. Confirm the actual engine, drivetrain, and tire setup before comparing this listing with another year or model.
Questions to ask the seller
- Can you show the current VIN recall status for this 2026 Ford Explorer?
- Do you have dealer invoices or campaign paperwork for the listed recall repairs?
- Have you noticed any issues related to unknown or other, electrical system, engine?
- Can I review recent maintenance records before the test drive?
Used-car checklist
Thinking of buying this vehicle?
Use our buyer checklist to know what to inspect, ask, and verify before the test drive.
2026 Ford Explorer Regular Gasoline
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Safety ratings
Official safety ratings were found for 4 tested variants of the 2026 Ford Explorer.
Safety ratings can vary by tested body style, trim, drivetrain,
or variant. Do not assume every trim has the same rating unless
the official record says so.
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 FORD EXPLORER GAS SUV N/A RWD Default | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| 2026 FORD EXPLORER GAS SUV N/A 4WD | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| 2026 FORD EXPLORER HEV SUV HEV 4WD | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| 2026 FORD EXPLORER HEV SUV HEV RWD | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Explorer have?
Verify with official VIN lookup8 official recalls on record for the 2026 Ford Explorer. 7 matched quarterly completion reports are available.
Latest recall: March 31, 2026
Recall data is based on official records. This page is not an official VIN
recall check. Always confirm open recalls with an official VIN lookup, the
manufacturer, or an authorized dealer.
Completion reports are campaign-level, delayed, and not VIN-specific.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Consequence | Remedy | Date | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V205000 | 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. | An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. | 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. | Mar 2026 | |
| 26V202000 | 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. | An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. | 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. | Mar 2026 | |
| 26V159000 | 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. | A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. | 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. | Mar 2026 | 2026-1 |
| 26V121000 | 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." | A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. | 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. | Mar 2026 | 2026-1 |
| 26V024000 | 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." | In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury. | 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. | Jan 2026 | 2026-1 |
| 25V828000 | 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. | 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. | 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. | Dec 2025 | |
| 25V730000 | 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." | Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash. | 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. | Oct 2025 | 2026-1 |
| 25V687000 | 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. | 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. | 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. | Oct 2025 | 2026-1 |
Are there manufacturer notices for the 2026 Ford Explorer?
Official records show 34 manufacturer communications on record for the 2026 Ford Explorer.
0 warranty 0 service campaigns 4 software/OTA
Manufacturer communications are not recalls. They can include
service bulletins, repair instructions, warranty extensions,
software updates, service campaigns, and other notices.
| Date | Type | Component | Summary | ID / document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick, 2024-2026 Mustang/Ranger/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the turbocharger wastegate control actuator linkage for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-04 Fuel Charging and Controls - Turbocharger - 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost > Removal and Installation > Wastegate Control Actuator Linkage service procedure been added. In addition, the wastegate actuator rod (9E408), associated retention springs (9342) and retaining clips (00817) have been released as lower-level components to complete the repair without replacing the entire turbocharger wastegate actuator assembly. | 11032924 |
| May 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Some 2024-2026 Nautilus and 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with power autofold exterior mirrors may exhibit concerns with the passenger mirror not automatically folding in or out at times, while the driver side mirror automatically folds properly. This may be due to the software in the driver door module (DDM) and passenger door module (PDM). To correct the condition, reprogram the DDM and PDM using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and labor operation MT14B291SSM up to 0.4 hours. | 11032762 |
| May 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | POWER TRAIN | Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front drive halfshaft inner/outer CV joint boot for various reasons. If Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-04 > Diagnosis and Testing leads to CV joint boot replacement, L1MZ-3A331-G (Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility front inner/outer CV joint boot kit), L1MZ-3A331-H (Aviator front inner/outer CV joint boot kit), L1MZ-3A331-F (Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility front inner CV joint boot kit) and L1MZ-3A331-E (Aviator front inner CV joint boot kit) have been released for service. Refer to WSM, Section 205-04 for Removal and Installation procedures. | 11032760 |
| May 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This bulletin supersedes 25-2621. Reason for update: add 2026 model year vehicles and Transit, update the causal part number (15604), update the Service Procedure, update the service labor operations for 2023 F-Super Duty, and add service labor operations for Transit. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a no crank/no start condition where the customer cannot start their vehicle. The vehicle may also exhibit a "No Key Detected" message displayed on the instrument panel cluster (IPC), and no key fob works in the back up slot. The remote keyless entry (RKE) functionality will work to lock/unlock the vehicle. | 11032693 |
| May 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Some 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator and 2026 Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit an intermittent inoperative remote start feature using either the key fobs or the Ford/Lincoln App. This may be due to the software in the body control module (BCM). After replicating the concern, use the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) to monitor the RMTSTRT_F_ARB_LST and RMTSTRT_F_TRGT_NM parameter identification (PIDS) in the BCM. If both PID values show "true" in any of the last 5 saved values, engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition that is expected in Q4 2026. Schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available. If either of the BCM PID values do not show "true" in any of the saved values, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-14 Handles, Locks, Latches, Entry Systems > Diagnosis and Testing > Locks, Latches and Entry Systems > Pinpoint Test R (Explorer/Aviator)/Pinpoint Test V (Expedition/Navigator) for normal diagnostics and repair as necessary outside of this article. For claiming, use causal part 15604 and labor operations 12651D and 12651D45 | 11032685 |
| May 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ENGINE | Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may be unable to enter electric-only drive modes as expected during normal drive cycles. This may be due to the software within the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). For vehicles with this condition, follow Pinpoint Test I: Battery Isolation/Voltage Stabilization Control Circuit Carry Outance located in the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-06D and repair the vehicle as necessary. Note that the BISG is on backorder status at the time of this publication and Ford is working to make parts available. Engineering is investigating this concern. Monitor PTS for updates. | 11032565 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Some 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and built on 16-Aug-2025 and through 5-Mar-2026 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0335 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). DTC P033F may also be stored in the PCM. This may be due to a pin fit concern at PCM connector C1381E pin 7. To correct this condition, install a new terminal in wiring harness connector C1381E pin 7 (GN/BN) using terminal repair kit DU2Z-14474-CA. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 5 for wiring repair information. For claiming use causal part 12A581 and labor operations 12650D and 12650D45WR. | 11032248 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Some 2020-2023 Aviator and 2025-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility hybrid vehicles may exhibit a "Refuel Error See Manual" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after installing a replacement fuel filler door assembly (7827936). This may be due to a concern with the replacement fuel filler door assembly. This condition does not affect vehicle durability and no additional diagnosis or service is required for this condition at this time. Inform customers that they can continue to drive the vehicle and Ford is currently working on a solution for this condition that is expected Q3 2026. Further replacement of the fuel filler door assembly will not resolve this condition at this time. Monitor Professional Technician System (PTS) for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available.<br /><br /> If a customer vehicle exhibits this concern, submit a Vehicle Concern Report. To submit a report, click on the "Submit Global Concern Report (GCR)" link at the upper right of the PTS Vehicle ID screen (vehicle identification number ÝVIN¨ required) a | 11032247 |
| Apr 2026 | Over The Air | SEAT BELTS | Quality improvements include: -Updates the Restraint Control Module to prevent a potential internal fault that may cause a warning light to illuminate for one key cycle | 11031922 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This bulletin supersedes 26-2100. Reason for update: To update vehicle symptoms, affected vehicle lines, and model years. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: Poor speaker sound quality (static, pop, crackle) while using Apple CarPlay® or Bluetooth audio Poor or muffled outbound phone call sound quality while using Apple CarPlay® or Bluetooth audio This may be due to the software in the accessory protocol interface module (APIM). | 11032256 |
What are the most common 2026 Ford Explorer complaints?
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 1
ENGINE 1
LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 1
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 1
STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE 1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 1
VISIBILITY 1
10 total complaints on record
How much does the 2026 Ford Explorer cost in fuel?
Estimated annual cost $2,622 $219/month at 12,000 miles/year
Effective efficiency 20.6 MPG
Energy used 583 gal/yr
Price assumption $4.50 $/gal
Assumptions: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG · Regular Gasoline · efficiency ratings from official public data when available · fuel price default: official public data (U.S. average, Jun 3, 2026)
439 g/mi CO2Fuel score 4/10