2026 Ford Explorer Gas Ice recalls & complaints

1. Visibility (wipers / glass)

What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. 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."

What could happen: Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

The 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 N…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 EXPLORER GAS ICE.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 25V730000 (manufacturer code 25C60).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

2. Engine

What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.

What could happen: 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.

The 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 (VI…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 EXPLORER GAS ICE.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 25V828000 (manufacturer code 25SD3).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

3. Trailer Hitches

What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.

What could happen: 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.

The 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 rec…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 EXPLORER GAS ICE.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 25V687000 (manufacturer code 25SA3).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

4. Visibility (wipers / glass)

What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. 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."

What could happen: In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.

The 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 Janua…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 EXPLORER GAS ICE.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V024000 (manufacturer code 26C02).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

5. Lights

What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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."

What could happen: A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

The 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) in…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 EXPLORER GAS ICE.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V121000 (manufacturer code 26C12).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

6. Seat belts

What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

What could happen: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

The 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…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 EXPLORER GAS ICE.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V159000 (manufacturer code 26C18).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

7. Visibility (wipers / glass)

What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.

What could happen: An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

The 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 searc…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 EXPLORER GAS ICE.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V202000 (manufacturer code 26S22).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

8. Engine

What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. 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.

What could happen: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

The 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) inv…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 EXPLORER GAS ICE.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V205000 (manufacturer code 26S23).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

9. Engine

What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.

What could happen: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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 rec…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 EXPLORER GAS ICE.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V343000 (manufacturer code 26S35).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

10. Seats

What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

What could happen: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

The 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…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 EXPLORER GAS ICE.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V451000 (manufacturer code 26S52).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

11. Engine

What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. 3L engine. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure.

What could happen: 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.

The 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…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 EXPLORER GAS ICE.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V532000 (manufacturer code 26S58).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

12. Engine

What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.

What could happen: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

The 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 serv…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 EXPLORER GAS ICE.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V548000 (manufacturer code 26S61).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

13. Airbags

What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.

What could happen: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

The 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…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 EXPLORER GAS ICE.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V581000 (manufacturer code 26S65).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

14. Seats

What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.

What could happen: Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

The 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…

What to do

1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2026 EXPLORER GAS ICE.
2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 26V470000 (manufacturer code 26S53).
3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Most complained-about parts: Unknown Or Other (11), Electrical system (9), Visibility (wipers / glass) (7), Seats (7), Engine (6).

Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.