2026 Ford Explorer recall: Engine Rod Bearing Failure
Report received by NHTSA: Aug. 13, 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 2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure.
- The 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.
- Who's affected
6 vehicles potentially affected, according to NHTSA. Models: 2026 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
616 earlier NHTSA recalls by Ford Motor Company since Nov. 1, 2016; the 5 most recent:
- July 28, 2026 2023-2026 Ford F-250 SD, 2021-2023 Ford F-150 recall: Obstructed Rearview Camera Image/FMVSS 111
- July 28, 2026 2023-2025 Ford Mustang Mach E recall: Window Glass Trim Pieces May Detach
- July 21, 2026 2025-2027 Ford Explorer, 2025-2027 Lincoln Aviator recall: Driver's Seat May Recline Unexpectedly
- July 20, 2026 2021-2026 Ford Bronco recall: Engine Compartment Fire
- July 14, 2026 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2026 Ford Explorer recall: Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- What to do and when
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.
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 2026
The record as NHTSA published it
| NHTSA recall number | 26V532000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Recall type | Vehicle |
| Component | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING |
| Report received by NHTSA | Aug. 13, 2026 |
| Potentially affected | 6 vehicles |
| Manufacturer's recall number | 26S58 |
| “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