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Your vehicleHome›Ford›Explorer› 2026
Ford · Large SUV

2026 Ford Explorer

Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
6 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
53 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
RecallsNHTSA campaigns 15
Complaints3 crash · 3 injured reported 42
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 24 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2026 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Explorer RWD, is EPA-rated at 24 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 42 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Ford Explorer — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Ford Explorer · Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Trims & pricing

Source: manufacturer press kitCompare a trim →
TrimPowertrainDriveMSRPWheels
Active BaseGasRWD—18 in
Active BaseGas4WD—18 in
ActiveGasRWD—18 in
ActiveGas4WD—18 in
ST-LineGasRWD—20 in
ST-LineGas4WD—20 in
Tremor 2.3LGas4WD—18 in
Tremor 3.0LGas4WD—18 in
STGasRWD—21 in
STGas4WD—21 in
PlatinumGasRWD—20 in
PlatinumGas4WD—20 in

MSRP excludes destination. Open a trim for the complete spec sheet and standard/optional equipment. Have the car in front of you? Decode its VIN to see which of these trims it is and what it was priced at.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Explorer RWDGasRWD2.3L 4-cyl turbo202924$2,800
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)2.3L 4-cyl turbo202723$2,900
Explorer RWDGasRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182521$3,200
Explorer Tremor AWDGas4WD (part-time)2.3L 4-cyl turbo192321$3,200
Explorer AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.0L 6-cyl turbo182520$3,350
Explorer Tremor AWDGas4WD (part-time)3.0L 6-cyl turbo172219$3,550

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 49878, 49907, 49877, 49908, 49906, 50012.

New-vehicle warranty

Source: manufacturer press kits, make-level
Basic 3 yr / 36,000 mi Powertrain 5 yr / 60,000 mi Roadside 5 yr

As stated in Ford's press kits for the 2025–2026 model years (8 kits); this model year's own kit states no warranty terms, so the make's are shown. Confirm the term for this car with the dealer.

Also on file Beside the 2026 Explorer
Head to head vs the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ranking Safest large SUVs Report card The 2026 year, graded Other years The 2027 Explorer
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The cheapest ownership win

Insurers price the 2026 Explorer very differently, and the gap between the best and worst quote on the same car and driver is usually larger than any option you are weighing on this page.

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Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

Recalls (15)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Air Bags

26S65
7 vehicles 29% reported repaired built Aug 2, 2026 – Aug 2, 2026
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly. Risk An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash. Fix Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S65. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 14, 2026.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V581000 reported Sep 9, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

26S61
10,001 vehicles built Feb 20, 2026 – Apr 18, 2026
Problem 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. Risk An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V548000 reported Aug 25, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

26S58
6 vehicles 67% reported repaired built Feb 10, 2026 – Feb 17, 2026
Problem 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. 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V532000 reported Aug 13, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Seats

26S53
76,748 vehicles 43% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V470000 reported Jul 21, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

26S52
387,911 vehicles 3% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly. Risk A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V451000 reported Jul 14, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

26S51
66,383 vehicles 26% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds. Risk A vehicle that does not produce a warning sound may fail to alert pedestrians of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Note: This is an expansion of Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed. Ford will release an over-the-air (OTA) update or dealers will update the APIM software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Own
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V415000 reported Jun 30, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

26S35
1,536 vehicles
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power. Risk A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S35. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFInterim owner letter PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V343000 reported May 27, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

26S23
278 vehicles 77% reported repaired built Feb 17, 2026 – Feb 26, 2026
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer and Mustang vehicles. The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to a loss of drive power. Risk An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S23. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V205000 reported Mar 31, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Visibility

26S22
55 vehicles 49% reported repaired built Oct 19, 2025 – Jan 12, 2026
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative. Risk An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S22. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 3, 2026.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V202000 reported Mar 31, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

26C18
561 vehicles 32% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured. Risk A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V159000 reported Mar 17, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Exterior Lighting

26C12
35,772 vehicles 84% reported repaired
Problem 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." Risk A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C12. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V121000 reported Mar 3, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Visibility

26C02
8 vehicles 88% reported repaired built Oct 19, 2025 – Oct 20, 2025
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting." Risk In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury. Fix Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C02. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 22, 2026.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V024000 reported Jan 21, 2026 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine

25SD3
6 vehicles built Nov 3, 2025 – Nov 12, 2025
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak. Risk An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in engine seizure and loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly, free of charge. All affected vehicles are still within dealership inventory and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 24, 2025.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V828000 reported Dec 1, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Visibility

25C60
56,841 vehicles 73% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials." Risk Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C60. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 27, 2025.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V730000 reported Oct 24, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Trailer Hitches

25SA3
1,412 vehicles 61% reported repaired
Problem Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose. Risk While towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V687000 reported Oct 10, 2025 Ford Motor Company the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

Whether any of this applies to one specific Explorer

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2026 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Ford publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Ford’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2026 Ford Explorer, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2026 Ford Explorer

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

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Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
42complaints filed

3 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 3 injuries · 0 deaths reported

3.2 per 10,000 built · Ford reported 132,778 Explorer built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2026: 42

Most-cited components

Unspecified 11
Electrical System 9
Visibility/Wiper 7
Seats 7
Engine 6
Forward Collision Avoidance 5

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

On XXX around 6:30pm: Car would not go into reverse. Upon pressing the gas a 2nd time, a loud pop was heard from the back of the car. The car was then able to drive forward, however, when pressing on the brakes, the rear end of the car would wobble, and the brakes were rubbing and making a loud noise.
Service Brakes Sep 5, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11762297
I had my car in drive in a parking spot. I was ready to go, put the car in drive, DID NOT MOVE but needed to put it in park fast to assist to a child in the back seat. I put it in park pretty fast. Took my seatbelt off and assisted child. It must have not engaged. Car rolled into my office metal mailbox. I 100% put it in park.
Electrical System Aug 25, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11759587
When using memory seat function and switching between driver profiles, the seat reclines too far back with no regard for the preset position. The height and forward adjustment is correct, but the recline function is not working correctly and it just keep reclining
Seats Aug 24, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11759026
While driving my 2026 Ford Explorer on the highway, the panoramic roof glass made an abnormally loud noise and completely shattered without any impact from an object or other vehicle. No other cars were nearby. The protective shade remained in place and no glass entered the cabin.
Visibility/Wiper Jul 26, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11752943
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint Narrative I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety incident involving the rear seat belt of a Ford rental vehicle obtained from Budget Rent A Car.
Seat Belts Jul 23, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11752314
This 2026 Ford Explorer has stopped, stalled, hesitated and jerks after fuel fill-ups. It stopped twice for myself in busy intersections. The dealer has had it for weeks and when driving the vehicle back to me, stalled and hesitated for Ford Service dept. twice. They told me I could not have my car back for safety reasons
Engine Jul 7, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11748926

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Ford itself: 3 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 3 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 2.3 per 100,000 built. Every Explorer model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%
SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%
SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆15%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Driver-assist crash reports (1)

Source: NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01
1report filed

1 no injury reported

Mar 2026 to Mar 2026 · 1 with an air bag deployment · 0 towed

What was engaged, and what was hit

System named: Co-Pilot 360 Active 2.0 (1)

Crash partner: Animal 1

Filed by: Ford Motor Company

IncidentSystemStruckInjury allegedStateSpeedReport
Mar 2026Level 2 · Co-Pilot 360 Active 2.0Animalno injury reportedAL74 mph502-14241

From the manufacturer’s own filing

The reporting entity’s narrative as NHTSA published it, with anything identifying removed and nothing added. A narrative is a notice, written before the entity had verified what happened.

On March [redacted], 2026, at approximately 7:42 AM, an incident occurred involving a Ford Explorer traveling southbound in a heavily wooded area on [redacted] near Dodge City, south of exit [redacted]. The driver reported that a deer entered the roadway from the oncoming lane, having jumped a fence, and subsequently ran in front of the vehicle.
Ford Motor Company report 502-14241 Mar 2026 NHTSA SGO filing

A report under the General Order is a notice the manufacturer or operator must file within days of hearing of a crash in which a Level 2 driver-assist or automated-driving system was engaged within 30 seconds of impact. It is filed before anything is verified, and entities with telematics hear of far more crashes than entities that rely on complaints, so counts say as much about the reporting as about the car and are not comparable across makes. Nothing is normalised by fleet size. Every report on file, by make and year → · NHTSA’s page and files

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 58
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-16
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 49 service bulletins, 6 over-the-air updates, 3 others

Most often about: Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Power Train, Structure, Fuel/Propulsion System.

  • SSM 55256 Service bulletin
    2026-10-16 · Electrical System
  • Some 2024-2026 Nautilus and 2025-2027 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with power folding mirrors may exhibit concerns with the auto folding mirror functionality not matching the status selected by the switch in the center display screen menu. Examples include mirror auto folding not operating when the switch is enabled and/or auto folding continuing to function when the switch is disabled. This
  • SSM 55228 Service bulletin
    2026-10-08 · Unknown Or Other
  • Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01 Engine > Removal and Installation > Engine Front Cover service procedure has been updated to include a new essential special service tool (ESST) guide pin alignment tool (
  • SSM 55220 Service bulletin
    2026-10-06 · Electrical System
  • Some 2024-2026 Nautilus and 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator/Expedition/Navigator vehicles may experience Android Auto connection or general Bluetooth pairing concerns for both Android and IOS after an APIM software update. This may be due to the APIM software. To temporarily correct the issue:<br /><br /> * For Android Auto related issues: Clear Android Auto app storage in the center display screen. Ve
  • SSM 55186 Service bulletin
    2026-09-18 · Unknown Or Other
  • Some 2026 Explorer vehicles may exhibit wind noise and/or water intrusion from the panoramic roof panel glass seal. Inspection may find that the seal is rolled or separated from the glass. The seal is not serviceable separately from the glass. To correct this condition, replace the panoramic roof panel glass assembly. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 501-11 > Removal and Installation > Panoramic
  • SSM 55131 Service bulletin
    2026-08-27 · Unknown Or Other
  • Some 2025-2026 Aviator/Explorer/Expedition/F-150/Mustang Mach-E/Nautilus/Navigator vehicles may exhibit the hands-free BlueCruise feature intermittently/consistently unavailable when BlueCruise is active and when traveling in a "Blue Zone". Speed sign recognition may also be inaccurate. If there are no active relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) present and the issue persists after multiple key
  • RGTM-26. AF Expl&Aviator Over-the-air update
    2026-08-27 · Unknown Or Other
  • Quality improvements include: -Rear Gate latch calibration update to permit unlatching via the release button when the system has lost position memory and is stuck in a middle-latch position
  • SSM 55116 Service bulletin
    2026-08-25 · Unknown Or Other
  • Some of the following vehicles: * 2025-2026 Expedition/Navigator built on or after 02-Feb-2025 * 2025-2026 F-Super Duty built on or after 02-Feb-2025 * 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator built on or after 02-Feb-2025 * 2025-2026 Nautilus built on or after 17-Feb-2025 * 2025-2026 F-150 built on or after 16-Jul-2025 may exhibit all of the following symptoms: - "No Key Detected" message displayed on the
  • SSM 55100 Service bulletin
    2026-08-22 · Seats
  • For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if the J-clip is completely detached from the seat cover and W715386-S424 if the clip is still partially attached. It is not necessary to replace the seat cover if only the J-clip is separating from the cov

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P0A1E
P0A1E on Ford →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train4 bulletins
U3008Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Steering3 bulletins
U3009Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Steering3 bulletins
P0300
P0300 on Ford →		Misfire detected, but not isolated to one cylinder.Unknown Or Other · Ignition coils →2 bulletins
P0335A fault in the crankshaft position sensor circuit — the computer has lost track of where the crank is.Power Train · Crankshaft position sensor →2 bulletins
P033FManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train2 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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Compare the 2026 Explorer with

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Head-to-headVerdict
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2026 Toyota Highlander · Large SUV · grade AHighlander +16.3
2026 Toyota 4Runner · Large SUV · grade AExplorer +7.8
2026 Toyota Sequoia · Large SUV · grade ASequoia +11.4
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander · Large SUV · grade CToss-up
2026 Jeep Wagoneer · Large SUV · grade BWagoneer +49.2

Explorer by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 B 2 0 23 mpg2026 this page F 15 42 24 mpg2025 F 22 109 24 mpg2024 F 10 21 24 mpg2023 F 15 113 27 mpg2022 F 25 273 27 mpg2021 F 27 455 27 mpg2020 F 35 1,247 28 mpg2019 D 6 299 22 mpg2018 F 7 737 22 mpg2017 F 14 1,712 22 mpg2016 F 14 2,484 22 mpg

Common questions about the 2026 Explorer

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2026 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 15 recall campaigns for the 2026 Ford Explorer. The most serious on file is 26V581000, covering Air Bags. 4 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. The manufacturer's own estimate for when a fix would be ready: December 2026, January 2027, November 2026. 2 campaigns are phased, so the repair reached some model years before others. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2026 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA gave the 2026 Ford Explorer 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (53/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Ford Explorer?

Across the 6 EPA-rated configurations of the 2026 Ford Explorer, the best EPA combined figure is 24 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What do owners complain about on the 2026 Ford Explorer?

Owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2026 Ford Explorer, most often about unspecified, electrical system, visibility/wiper. Of those, 3 involved a crash, 3 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

Are there service bulletins for the 2026 Ford Explorer?

The manufacturer has filed 58 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2026 Ford Explorer, most often covering electrical system, unknown or other, power train. The most recent is dated 2026-10-16. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

Is the 2026 Ford Explorer better than the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The Ford Explorer wins clearly, 93 to 52.9, on tech & comfort, safety, fuel & range. We publish a full side-by-side of the 2026 Ford Explorer against the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee — specifications by family, equipment feature by feature, safety record and ownership costs. You can re-weight what matters to you and the verdict recalculates.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations6 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificatesnoneEPA emission certificatesThe EPA published no certificate we could match to a configuration on this page.
Recalls15NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints42NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings4 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins58NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
InvestigationsnoneNHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationNo defect investigation has been opened.
Driver-assist crash reports1NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01Crashes the manufacturer or operator reported with a Level 2 or automated-driving system engaged. Notices, filed before verification; not comparable across makes.
Specifications filed with NHTSAnoneNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWe had no VIN pattern to decode for this model year, or the manufacturer filed nothing usable.
Trims, pricing & equipment12 trimsManufacturer press kitTranscribed from the manufacturer's own press material, every value carrying the document it came from.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Head to head 2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Scored on price, fuel, safety, space, performance and warranty — the weights are yours.Ranking Safest 2026 large SUVs Every large SUV of this model year by NHTSA recall record, best first.Report card Every 2026 vehicle graded F The 2026 model year graded A–F; this one sits in the F group.Recall Watch Watch this Explorer by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly. Trim-level specifications and pricing are transcribed from the manufacturer's official press kit; every value carries its source in the data file.

JSON for this page · API