2026 Ford Explorer Problems: 13 Known Issues
2026 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026 Ford Explorer has 13 documented known issues, with 9 rated critical. The most serious are Piston Circlip Recall: Possible Engine Damage and Loss of Drive Power (26V205 / 26S23) ($0-$0 repair), Trailer hitch bolts may be under-torqued — recall 25V687, Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451, Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159, 2.3L connecting rod bearing may seize — recall 26V532, 2.3L piston domes may crack — recall 26V548, Windshield may not be properly bonded — recall 26V024, Passenger air bag vent may not open — recall 26V581 and Engine Failure Requiring Long Block Replacement (Recall 26V343 / Ford 26S35) ($0-$0 repair). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 13 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls41 recalls
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Explorer problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026 Ford Explorer has 13 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Piston Circlip Recall: Possible Engine Damage and Loss of Drive Power (26V205 / 26S23), Trailer hitch bolts may be under-torqued — recall 25V687, Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451. Of these, 9 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
The 2026 Ford Explorer has 13 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 9 issues are rated critical: Piston Circlip Recall: Possible Engine Damage and Loss of Drive Power (26V205 / 26S23) and Trailer hitch bolts may be under-torqued — recall 25V687 and Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451 and Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159 and 2.3L connecting rod bearing may seize — recall 26V532 and 2.3L piston domes may crack — recall 26V548 and Windshield may not be properly bonded — recall 26V024 and Passenger air bag vent may not open — recall 26V581 and Engine Failure Requiring Long Block Replacement (Recall 26V343 / Ford 26S35). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Explorer issues range from $0 to $0, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Piston Circlip Recall: Possible Engine Damage and Loss of Drive Power (26V205 / 26S23), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2026 Ford Explorer Piston Circlip Recall: Possible Engine Damage and Loss of Drive Power (26V205 / 26S23)?
Ford recall 26V205000 / 26S23 includes 210 specific 2026 Explorers with the 2.3L engine, built February 17-26, 2026. Missing or incorrectly installed piston circlips can cause piston failure, engine damage and loss of propulsion. Increasing knocking is a reported possible warning… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2024-2026 Ford Explorer Trailer hitch bolts may be under-torqued — recall 25V687?
Bolts attaching the trailer tow hitch may be below specified torque because the line operator did not complete the bolt secure. Towing handling can suffer and, in the worst case, the hitch can detach while towing; a rattle from the rear may be the warning. Applies to: 1,237 speci… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer Second-row easy-entry switch can stick, seat may tip or slide — recall 26V451?
The bezel around the second-row outboard easy-entry (tip-and-slide) switch can become misaligned or unseated, letting the switch bind or stick down. The seat can then tip or slide unexpectedly, possibly while driving, increasing injury risk in a crash. With the button stuck down,… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer Second-row outer seat-belt lower anchors may be loose — recall 26V159?
On a small number of Explorers, the left and/or right second-row seat-belt lower anchor may not be secured to the body because of an incomplete repair at the assembly plant. A loose anchor may not restrain an occupant properly in a crash; a rattle may be the only warning. Applies… Severity: high.
What is the 2026 Ford Explorer 2.3L connecting rod bearing may seize — recall 26V532?
A connecting rod bearing may seize, causing engine failure and loss of motive power; an engine block breach can also raise fire risk. An engine knocking noise may come before the failure. Ford says the cause is still under investigation. Applies to: 6 specific 2026 Ford Explorers… Severity: high.
What is the 2026 Ford Explorer 2.3L piston domes may crack — recall 26V548?
A supplier machining fault may have cracked pistons at the Ni-Resist ring insert, which can lead to piston dome failure and loss of motive power. Warnings can include the check-engine light, engine noise or misfire. Applies to: 3,071 specific 2026 Ford Explorers with the 2.3L eng… Severity: high.
What is the 2026 Ford Explorer Windshield may not be properly bonded — recall 26V024?
An equipment failure at the assembly plant may have left improperly applied urethane between the windshield and its frame, so the windshield may not stay retained in a crash and the vehicle may not meet FMVSS 212. Increased wind noise or water leaks can be signs. Applies to: 8 sp… Severity: high.
What is the 2026 Ford Explorer Passenger air bag vent may not open — recall 26V581?
The active vent on the passenger air bag may not open as intended in a crash that deploys it, leaving a higher-pressure cushion against the occupant and increasing injury risk. Ford lists no warning. Applies to: 7 specific 2026 Ford Explorers built August 2, 2026 (recall 26V581,… Severity: high.
What is the 2025-2026 Ford Explorer Engine Failure Requiring Long Block Replacement (Recall 26V343 / Ford 26S35)?
Recall 26V343000 / Ford 26S35 concerns certain 2025-2026 Explorers with the 2.3L engine: 895 Explorers were identified. An incorrectly positioned camshaft roller finger follower can cause engine failure, no-start or loss of drive power. Ticking/tapping, a small engine leak or the… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2026 Ford Explorer HVAC blower can stop, losing defrost — recall 26V202?
The HVAC blower-motor electrical ground joint may not have been secured during instrument-panel assembly, so the HVAC system can become inoperable. Without airflow the windshield cannot be defrosted or defogged, reducing visibility. Applies to: 50 specific 2026 Ford Explorers bui… Severity: medium.
What is the 2026-2027 Ford Explorer Empty driver seat can recline on its own — recall 26V470?
With a recline motor introduced in November 2025, the driver seat's memory recall can recline the empty seatback when the doors are remotely unlocked, the vehicle is remote-started, the key fob approaches, or a memory position is recalled. The seatback can reach the second row an… Severity: medium.
What is the 2025-2026 Ford Explorer Windshield may have air bubbles in the laminate — recall 25V730?
Air trapped during windshield lamination can leave visible bubbles in the laminate layer, which can impair the driver's view and may not meet FMVSS 205. Applies to: Certain 2025–2026 Ford Explorers built July 7 to September 5, 2025 (recall 25V730, Ford 25C60; also Aviator and Cor… Severity: medium.
What is the 2025-2026 Ford Explorer Passenger-side bending headlight swivels the wrong way — recall 26V121?
Incorrect headlamp control module software makes the passenger-side Dynamic Bending Light swivel away from the curve instead of with it. That increases glare to other road users and fails FMVSS 108; Ford lists no warning to the driver. Applies to: Certain 2025–2026 Ford Explorers… Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.