2026 Ford Explorer Problems

The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly. 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.

The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power. 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.

3L engine. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure. 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.

An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start. 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.

The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly. 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.

The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power. A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge.

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. 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.

The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative. 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.

The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured. 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.

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." 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.

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." In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge.

The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak. 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.

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." Reduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge.

The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose. 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.