2026 Ford Explorer Engine Recall (26V532)

Recall 26V532 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2026 Ford Explorer in recall 26V532?

3L engine.

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.

Is it safe to drive a 2026 Explorer with recall 26V532?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: 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.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: 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.

NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the hard parts internal and mechanical.

Which vehicles are included in recall 26V532?

Recall 26V532 covers 6 vehicles: 2026 Ford Explorer.

NHTSA lists 6 vehicles in this campaign, built February 10, 2026 to February 17, 2026. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the Explorer engine recall?

Yes. Dealers will replace the engine long blocks, free of charge.

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.

When was recall 26V532 announced?

Ford Motor Company reported recall 26V532 to NHTSA on August 13, 2026. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as August 25, 2026.

This recall was filed 1 months ago, and vehicles were built over a span of 7 days. If your Explorer was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my Explorer is part of recall 26V532?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 26V532 is open on your Explorer, it will be listed there.

Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 26V532000 is open on your Explorer, it will be listed there, along with Ford recall number 26S58. You can also ask any Ford dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is printed on your registration and visible through the lower driver-side windshield.

What should Explorer owners do about recall 26V532?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 26V532000 applies to your Explorer.
2. Call a Ford dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
3. Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
4. Write down when symptoms involving the hard parts internal and mechanical happen: date, mileage, speed, weather and what you felt or heard. Photos and short videos help.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the recall repair does not fix it, or the vehicle keeps going back for the same issue, talk to a lemon law attorney.

What are Explorer owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 6 of them about the engine.

Too few NHTSA complaints about the engine have been filed since recall 26V532 was reported (1) to say whether the fix is holding.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 38 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 6 of them involve the engine. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.

• 2026 Ford Explorer: 38 complaints in total, 6 about the engine

A few excerpts from owner complaints filed with NHTSA (unverified, lightly trimmed):

While driving my new Ford explorer, with 638 miles on it, on the highway I heard a loud pop, and lost power steering. I was barely able to pull the vehicle over to the shoulder to get off the highway.

2026 Ford Explorer owner, WI, NHTSA complaint 11733462, filed April 23, 2026

At approximately 1,700 miles, my brand-new 2026 Ford Explorer ST (3.0L EcoBoost) suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure while driving, causing an immediate and dangerous loss of motive power. Prior to the failure, the engine experienced severe misfires.

2026 Ford Explorer owner, OH, NHTSA complaint 11737580, filed May 13, 2026

Description On your vehicle, some of the bolts used to attach the vehicle trailer tow hitch may have below-specification torque. Safety Risk This condition may affect vehicle handling characteristics or lead to loss of attachment of the trailer hitch while towing, increasing the risk of a crash.

2026 Ford Explorer owner, CA, NHTSA complaint 11744048, filed June 14, 2026

Can recall 26V532 make my Explorer a lemon in California?

Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.

A recall by itself does not make a car a lemon. Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, what matters is whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety, and whether the manufacturer or its dealers fixed it within a reasonable number of attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

An engine problem that leaves you stranded, or that keeps lighting up the check engine light after a repair, is the kind of defect that can substantially impair a vehicle's use, value or safety.

This campaign follows an earlier recall for the same issue. A second recall can mean the first remedy failed, and repeated repair attempts on the same defect are the core of most lemon law claims.

Earlier campaigns on these vehicles involving the same component: 24V635000, 25V344000, 26V205000, 26V343000.

For the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the Explorer went in two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for the same defect, or spent more than 30 days in the shop (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Direct notice to the manufacturer is required for some of these. The presumption is a shortcut, not the only path to a claim.

An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

Frequently asked questions about recall 26V532