CarRecallWatchThe 2026 Ford Explorer has 14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 44 complaints with NHTSA, including 3 crashes, 3 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (11 reports).
2026 Ford Explorer recalls
Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy Properly in a Crash
A vent on the passenger-side front air bag may not open as intended, which can stop the air bag from deploying properly.
Engine Piston Defect Can Cause Sudden Loss of Power
Certain 2026 Ford Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles may have engine pistons with incorrectly manufactured piston domes.
Engine Bearings May Seize, Risking Power Loss and Fire
Certain 2026 vehicles equipped with a 2.3-liter engine may have engine connecting rod bearings that seize.
Driver's Seat May Recline Unexpectedly, Trapping Rear Passengers
Certain 2025-2027 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles have a power-adjustable front seat that may recline on its own while the driver's seat is unoccupied, for example during a remote unlock or remote start.
Second-Row Seats May Unlatch or Slide in Crash Risk
Certain Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs may have a switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats that can bind or stick.
Engine May Fail, Causing Sudden Loss of Power
Certain 2025-2026 Ford Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles may have an engine that can fail internally.
HVAC Fan Failure Can Disable Windshield Defrosting
The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system in these vehicles may fail, which can cause the windshield defrosting and defogging system to stop working.
Engine May Lose Power Suddenly, Raising Crash Risk
Some engines in these vehicles may have had piston circlips installed incorrectly during manufacturing.
Loose Rear Seat Belt Anchor May Fail in a Crash
Some Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs from model years 2020 through 2023 may have seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions that are not properly secured.
Passenger headlight may aim wrong in curves, raising crash risk
Certain 2025 and 2026 Ford Explorers may have a software problem in the Dynamic Bending Light system.
Windshield may not be bonded properly and could detach in a crash
Some 2026 Explorer vehicles may have had their windshield improperly bonded to the body during manufacturing.
Engine Oil Leak Can Cause Fire or Engine Failure
The cylinder head on certain engines may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail and lead to an engine oil leak.
Windshield Air Bubbles Can Block Driver View
Certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles may have visible air bubbles in the windshield glass.
Loose Trailer Hitch Bolts Can Cause Trailer Detachment
The trailer hitch assembly bolts on certain vehicles may be loose.
Most common 2026 Ford Explorer problems
Problem areas named in the 44 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 11 |
| Unknown Or Other | 11 |
| Seats | 7 |
| Engine | 6 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 5 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Lane Departure | 3 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
What owners report
I purchased a brand-new 2026 Ford Explorer on XXX. Approximately five weeks later, I experienced a terrifying and potentially life-threatening malfunction while traveling approximately 70 mph in the left lane of [XXX] in [XXX]. An 18-wheel tractor-trailer was traveling beside me when, without warning, my Explorer suddenly stopped responding to the accelerator. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. The engine continued running, but the vehicle would no longer accelerate. I was unable to maintain my speed or immediately move into the adjacent lane because of the 18-wheeler. As my vehicle slowed, I struggled to maneuver across traffic toward the right shoulder. Looking in my r
I purchased a new 2026 Ford Explorer and had owned the vehicle for approximately three days when the driver-side front power window failed at approximately 315 miles. The failure occurred on the evening of October 23, 2026, while the vehicle was parked in my driveway. I operated the driver-side window normally and heard loud crunching/mechanical noises from inside the driver door as the window went down. The glass went fully down and then would not raise. When I attempted to operate the window switch afterward, additional crunching noises could be heard from inside the door, but the glass would not move. Because the Ford service department was already closed, I was unable to have the vehic
Traveling of the freeway at 80 mph, pull left to pass Semi, upon getting halfway past the truck the adaptive cruise Control activates and brings the vehicle to under 65 mph extremely fast. After a few seconds the vehicle rapidly accelerates back to 80 mph. This has happened at least four times since purchasing the vehicle new. The problem is very erratic and only happens when passing a Semi while driving up a hill or passing on a left turning bend on the freeway. The incident that disturbed me the most was when this malfunction happened the last time a vehicle following me had to take to the borrow pit to prevent collision with my vehicle. Fortunately there was no accident or injuries that
Rear liftgate window spontaneously shattered while sitting in my driveway.
The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. While the contact's wife was driving 45 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the hood latch independently released. The contact stated that the hood opened independently and fractured the front windshield. The contact stated that the front windshield was shattered. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 1,623.
2026 Ford Explorer questions
Does the 2026 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls for the 2026 Ford Explorer: Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy Properly in a Crash; Engine Piston Defect Can Cause Sudden Loss of Power; Engine Bearings May Seize, Risking Power Loss and Fire; Driver's Seat May Recline Unexpectedly, Trapping Rear Passengers; Second-Row Seats May Unlatch or Slide in Crash Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Ford Explorer?
Based on 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (11), Unknown Or Other (11), Seats (7).
How do I check if a recall on my 2026 Ford Explorer has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.