2026 Ford Explorer Safety Overview
The 2026 Ford Explorer has been closely monitored for safety issues.
Official NHTSA Recalls
The NHTSA has issued 9 official safety recalls for this vehicle. Key affected components include:
- Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
- Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:fan/motor
- Seat belts
Severe Defect Warnings
Notably, some of these defects carry severe risks, such as a sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Consumer Complaints
To date, there have been no consumer complaints filed with the NHTSA for this model year.
Why It Matters
Staying informed about these safety records is critical for Ford Explorer owners to ensure ongoing reliability and safety on the road. Always consult an authorized dealer for official remedy repairs.
Latest Vehicle Recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles.
A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
A safety recall has been issued concerning engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. If ignored, asudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.. To fix this, dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles.
An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
A safety recall has been issued concerning visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:fan/motor. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. If ignored, an inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.. To fix this, dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer and Mustang vehicles.
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
A safety recall has been issued concerning engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer and Mustang vehicles. If ignored, an unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.. To fix this, dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles.
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
A safety recall has been issued concerning seat belts. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. If ignored, aloose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.. To fix this, dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles.
A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
A safety recall has been issued concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. If ignored, aheadlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.. To fix this, the headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles.
In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
A safety recall has been issued concerning visibility:windshield. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. If ignored, in the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.. To fix this, dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Ex...
Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
A safety recall has been issued concerning visibility:windshield. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. If ignored, reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.. To fix this, dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator v...
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.
A safety recall has been issued concerning trailer hitches. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. If ignored, while towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. To fix this, dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 ...
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.
A safety recall has been issued concerning engine. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. If ignored, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a fire. To fix this, dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly, free of charge.
Recent Complaints
No complaints reported.