InsightArise CarsU.S. Owner Complaint Index
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2026 Ford Explorer problems, complaints & recalls

Typical Rising

NHTSA has received 42 owner complaints about the 2026 Ford Explorer, or 42.0 per year on the road — a typical number of complaints (complaint index 1.04, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 73 model-year 2026 vehicles we track, it ranks #60 of 73 by complaints per year (#1 = fewest). Against other Ford models its rate is 17% lower; against other Midsize SUVs it is 20% lower.

Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count

Complaints filed between 2026-03-31 and 2026-10-13. Median delay from incident to filing: 6 days.

42Complaints
42.0Complaints per year on the road
1.04Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
14Recalls
7.1%Share involving a crash or fire
42Last 12 months

Analysis

The previous model year (2025) drew 58.7 complaints per year, more than this one.

The most common problem area is Body & structure (21.4% of complaints), followed by Other (19.0%) and Unspecified or other (16.7%). Body & structure complaints are 2.4 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. 3 reports (7.1%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 3 injuries and 0 deaths.

Half of the reported incidents happened within 6 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was the first year (100% of incidents). In the last 12 months 42 complaints were filed, versus none in the 12 months before.

NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls for this model year.

Complaint index

  • vs. all tracked vehicles1.04
  • vs. other Ford models0.83
  • vs. other 2026 models1.69
  • vs. other Midsize SUVs0.8
  • #60 of 73 · 2026Rankings ›

1.00 means the same rate as the comparison group. 2.00 means twice as many complaints per year on the road.

Other model years

  • 201883.6 per year2.07
  • 201938.4 per year0.95
  • 2020181.9 per year4.51
  • 202177.7 per year1.93
  • 202256.6 per year1.4
  • 202329.6 per year0.73
  • 20247.5 per year0.19
  • 202558.7 per year1.45
  • 202642.0 per year1.04

Ford Explorer problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›

What owners complain about

  • Body & structure9 · 21.4% · 2.35×
  • Other8 · 19.0% · 10.29×
  • Unspecified or other7 · 16.7% · 1.86×
  • Engine6 · 14.3% · 0.64×
  • Electrical5 · 11.9% · 0.76×
  • Airbags & seat belts2 · 4.8% · 1.26×
  • Driver-assist systems2 · 4.8% · 0.84×
  • Transmission / powertrain1 · 2.4% · 0.21×

vs. all vehicles: 1.00 = All-vehicle average

Problem areas: Transmission / powertrain · Body & structure · Electrical · Unspecified or other · Engine · Brakes · Wheels, tires & suspension · Fuel system · Airbags & seat belts · Steering · Lighting · Driver-assist systems

When complaints were filed

2026: 42 42 2026
  • Crashes reported: 3
  • Fires reported: 0
  • Injuries: 3
  • Deaths: 0

Vehicle age at incident

  • <1 yr100.0%
  • 1–2 yrsnot reached yet
  • 2–3 yrsnot reached yet
  • 3–5 yrsnot reached yet
  • 5+ yrsnot reached yet

Median age at incident: 6 months

What owners report

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.

Segment peers · 2026 · Midsize SUVs

ModelsComplaintsComplaints per year on the roadComplaint index
2026 Kia Sorento88.00.2
2026 Nissan Pathfinder1111.00.27
2026 Dodge Durango1414.00.35
2026 Honda Pilot2323.00.57
2026 Chevrolet Traverse2525.00.62
2026 Subaru Outback3535.00.87
2026 Ford Explorer4242.01.04
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee5050.01.24
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe5454.01.34
2026 Honda Passport6868.01.69
2026 Hyundai Palisade129129.03.2

Safety recalls (14)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Campaign 26V581000 · 2026-09-09

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.

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL Campaign 26V548000 · 2026-08-25

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.

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL Campaign 26V532000 · 2026-08-13

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.

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.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST Campaign 26V470000 · 2026-07-21

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.

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.

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY Campaign 26V451000 · 2026-07-14

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.

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL Campaign 26V343000 · 2026-05-27

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.

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.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR Campaign 26V202000 · 2026-03-31

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.

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL Campaign 26V205000 · 2026-03-31

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.

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.

SEAT BELTS Campaign 26V159000 · 2026-03-17

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.

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Campaign 26V121000 · 2026-03-03

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."

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.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD Campaign 26V024000 · 2026-01-21

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."

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.

ENGINE Campaign 25V828000 · 2025-12-01

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.

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.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD Campaign 25V730000 · 2025-10-24

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."

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.

TRAILER HITCHES Campaign 25V687000 · 2025-10-10

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.

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.

How to check whether your car has an open recall ›

Investigations

No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.