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Ford Explorer Recall 26V448: Roof Rail Covers May Detach, Creating Crash Risk

NHTSA campaign 26V448, reported July 14, 2026, 288,314 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain 2016-2019 Ford Explorers may have roof rail covers that loosen and can come off the vehicle while driving. A detached cover can land on the road and create a hazard for other drivers, which increases the risk of a crash.

If you own an affected vehicle, dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers as needed, at no cost to you. Owners will receive interim notification letters, with additional letters expected once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. You can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall number 26S54. This recall expands previous recall 21V316, and you can check whether your VIN is involved through NHTSA.gov.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 26V448Ford Motor Company
Component
STRUCTURE:BODY
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Risk
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

Affected vehicles

Ford Explorer2016201720182019