2026-2027 Ford Explorer recall: Map Lights May Remain Illuminated/FMVSS 101
Report received by NHTSA: Nov. 2, 2026.
Built by the Tribune's code from NHTSA's official records. No AI wrote this page. Updated Nov. 11, 2026.
- What's recalled
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026-2027 Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles. A phantom "Global On" command in the overhead console may illuminate the map lights and prevent them from being turned off. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 101, "Controls and Displays."
- The risk
Overhead map lights that illuminate unintentionally and cannot be turned off may distract the driver or cause interior glare, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Who's affected
33,578 vehicles potentially affected, according to NHTSA. Models: 2026-2027 Ford Explorer.
- Compared with
Ford Motor Company has 88 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
87 earlier NHTSA recalls for these models since Nov. 1, 2016; the 5 most recent:
- Sept. 9, 2026 2026 Ford Explorer recall: Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Improperly
- Aug. 25, 2026 2026 Ford Bronco, 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, 2026 Ford Explorer and 2 more models recall: Improperly Manufactured Pistons May Fail
- Aug. 13, 2026 2026 Ford Explorer recall: Engine Rod Bearing Failure
- July 21, 2026 2025-2027 Ford Explorer, 2025-2027 Lincoln Aviator recall: Driver's Seat May Recline Unexpectedly
- 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 overhead consoles on vehicles built prior to July 9, 2026. Dealers will inspect the overhead console for a "SW2" marking on vehicles built after July 9, 2026 and replace as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C50. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 6, 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 2026-2027
The record as NHTSA published it
| NHTSA recall number | 26V726000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Recall type | Vehicle |
| Component | INTERIOR LIGHTING |
| Report received by NHTSA | Nov. 2, 2026 |
| Potentially affected | 33,578 vehicles |
| Manufacturer's recall number | 26C50 |
| “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