2016-2019 Ford Explorer recall: Roof Rail Covers May Detach
Report received by NHTSA: July 14, 2026.
Built by the Tribune's code from NHTSA's official records. No AI wrote this page. Updated Nov. 4, 2026.
- What's recalled
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
- The risk
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Who's affected
288,314 vehicles potentially affected, according to NHTSA. Models: 2016-2019 Ford Explorer.
- Compared with
Ford Motor Company has 84 NHTSA recalls in 2026 so far, compared with 153 in all of 2025.
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- Before this
610 earlier NHTSA recalls by Ford Motor Company since Nov. 1, 2016; the 5 most recent:
- July 14, 2026 Ford Motor Company equipment recall: Trailer Brakes and Lighting May Be Lost/FMVSS 108
- June 30, 2026 2024-2026 Ford Mustang, 2025-2026 Ford Mustang GTD recall: Windshield Wiper and Washing System Malfunction
- June 30, 2026 2021-2023 Ford Mustang Mach E recall: Rear Differential Pinion Shaft May Fracture
- June 30, 2026 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid, 2025-2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid recall: Missing Pedestrian Warning Sound
- June 24, 2026 2022-2026 Ford Bronco recall: Fender Flare May Detach
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- What to do and when
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.
NHTSA's record, word for word
- Check it yourself
NHTSA's VIN lookup shows whether a specific vehicle has an open recall.
Models in this recall
- Ford Explorer 2016-2019
The record as NHTSA published it
| NHTSA recall number | 26V448000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Recall type | Vehicle |
| Component | STRUCTURE |
| Report received by NHTSA | July 14, 2026 |
| Potentially affected | 288,314 vehicles |
| Manufacturer's recall number | 26S54 |
| “Do not drive” warning | No |
| Fire risk when parked (“park outside”) | No |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall records (public domain). NHTSA's record