2026 Ford Bronco, 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, 2026 Ford Explorer and 2 more models recall: Improperly Manufactured Pistons May Fail
Report received by NHTSA: Aug. 25, 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, 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.
- The risk
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Who's affected
10,001 vehicles potentially affected, according to NHTSA. Models: 2026 Ford Bronco, 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, 2026 Ford Explorer, 2026 Ford Mustang, 2026 Ford Ranger.
- 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
618 earlier NHTSA recalls by Ford Motor Company since Nov. 1, 2016; the 5 most recent:
- Aug. 25, 2026 2024-2026 Ford Mustang recall: Wiring Harness Ground Connection Failure/FMVSS 104, 108
- Aug. 13, 2026 2026 Ford Explorer recall: Engine Rod Bearing Failure
- 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
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- What to do and when
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.
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 Bronco 2026
- Ford Bronco Sport 2026
- Ford Explorer 2026
- Ford Mustang 2026
- Ford Ranger 2026
The record as NHTSA published it
| NHTSA recall number | 26V548000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Recall type | Vehicle |
| Component | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING |
| Report received by NHTSA | Aug. 25, 2026 |
| Potentially affected | 10,001 vehicles |
| Manufacturer's recall number | 26S61 |
| “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