I purchased a brand-new 2026 Ford Explorer on XXX. Approximately five weeks later, I experienced a terrifying and potentially life-threatening malfunction while traveling approximately 70 mph in the left lane of [XXX] in [XXX]. An 18-wheel tractor-trailer was traveling beside me when, without warning, my Explorer suddenly stopped responding to the accelerator. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. The engine continued running, but the vehicle would no longer accelerate. I was unable to maintain my speed or immediately move into the adjacent lane because of the 18-wheeler. As my vehicle slowed, I struggled to maneuver across traffic toward the right shoulder. Looking in my rearview mirror, I saw a wide-load vehicle approaching from behind. I was desperately trying to get out of traffic and toward the ditch to avoid being struck. I feared for my life. Fortunately, I reached safety without a collision, but my Explorer required towing. The vehicle was taken to Ford on XXX, with only 2,432 miles. It remained at the dealership until XXX. Ford’s repair documentation identified diagnostic trouble code P2138, associated with accelerator pedal/throttle position sensor correlation. The technician performed a wiggle test and discovered an intermittent electrical connection caused by poor pin fit at connector C140. Electrical connector terminals were replaced under warranty after the dealership obtained the necessary parts. I am extremely concerned that a defective electrical connection caused a nearly new vehicle to lose acceleration at highway speed, placing me and surrounding motorists in serious danger. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether similar electrical connector failures could affect other 2026 Ford Explorers and cause sudden, unexpected loss of acceleration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2026 Ford Explorer problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical11
- Seats7
- Engine6
- Visibility6
- Driver assistance5
- Fuel system3
- Transmission3
- Acceleration2
- Body2
- Brakes2
- Airbags1
- Locks1
- Seat belts1
- Steering1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2026 Ford Explorer
Recalls 14
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 on September 14, 2026.
Recall number 26V581000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 on August 28, 2026.
Recall number 26V548000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 on August 18, 2026.
Recall number 26V532000 · Recall details
Seats: front assembly: power adjust
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 26V470000 · Recall details
Seats: mid/rear assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on July 16, 2026.
Recall number 26V451000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 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 on May 28, 2026.
Recall number 26V343000 · Recall details
Visibility: defroster/defogger/HVAC system: fan/motor
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 beginning April 3, 2026.
Recall number 26V202000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 on April 2, 2026.
Recall number 26V205000 · Recall details
Seat belts
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 on March 19, 2026.
Recall number 26V159000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 on March 5, 2026.
Recall number 26V121000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 on January 22, 2026.
Recall number 26V024000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 on November 24, 2025.
Recall number 25V828000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 beginning October 27, 2025.
Recall number 25V730000 · Recall details
Trailer hitches
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 on October 15, 2025.
Recall number 25V687000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2026 Ford Explorer 60
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Quality improvemenrs include: -Software update to improve responsiveness of the door control system after...
- Some 2025-2027 Aviator/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a "Steering Fault Service...
- Some 2025-2027 Aviator/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit one of the front power...
- 2025-2027
- Some 2024-2026 Nautilus and 2025-2027 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with power folding mirrors may...
- Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel)...
- Some 2024-2026 Nautilus and 2025-2026 Explorer/Aviator/Expedition/Navigator vehicles may experience...
- A Cloud Assisted Diagnostic based on connected vehicle information is available for this VIN. The presence...
- Some 2026 Explorer vehicles may exhibit wind noise and/or water intrusion from the panoramic roof panel...
- Quality improvements include: -Rear Gate latch calibration update to permit unlatching via the release...
2026 Ford Explorer fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | RWD | 20 | 29 | 24 |
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 19-20 | 23-27 | 21-23 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 18 | 25 | 21 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 17-18 | 22-25 | 19-20 |
What 2026 Ford Explorer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I purchased a new 2026 Ford Explorer and had owned the vehicle for approximately three days when the driver-side front power window failed at approximately 315 miles. The failure occurred on the evening of October 23, 2026, while the vehicle was parked in my driveway. I operated the driver-side window normally and heard loud crunching/mechanical noises from inside the driver door as the window went down. The glass went fully down and then would not raise. When I attempted to operate the window switch afterward, additional crunching noises could be heard from inside the door, but the glass would not move. Because the Ford service department was already closed, I was unable to have the vehicle inspected that evening. With possible rain, I had to cover the open driver-side window with painter's plastic and tape to protect the interior of a vehicle that was only three days old. I took the vehicle back to the selling Ford dealership the following morning, October 24, 2026, as soon as the service department opened. The vehicle had approximately 328 miles when it was documented by the dealership. The Ford dealership subsequently verified the failure. According to the repair order, the technician found the driver-side window regulator binding. After removing the door panel and inspecting the regulator, the technician found that the window-regulator cable had detached from the regulator. The dealership removed and replaced the window regulator and retested the system. The replacement regulator listed on the repair order is Ford part number PB5Z-5823209-A. This was a confirmed mechanical failure of the driver-side window-regulator assembly on a vehicle that was approximately three days of use and had only about 315 miles when the failure occurred. I have also read and heard reports from multiple other Ford Explorer owners describing similar power-window and window-regulator failures, including reports from some owners that the problem has occurred again after repairs
Traveling of the freeway at 80 mph, pull left to pass Semi, upon getting halfway past the truck the adaptive cruise Control activates and brings the vehicle to under 65 mph extremely fast. After a few seconds the vehicle rapidly accelerates back to 80 mph. This has happened at least four times since purchasing the vehicle new. The problem is very erratic and only happens when passing a Semi while driving up a hill or passing on a left turning bend on the freeway. The incident that disturbed me the most was when this malfunction happened the last time a vehicle following me had to take to the borrow pit to prevent collision with my vehicle. Fortunately there was no accident or injuries that occurred but I can imagine that at one time this problem will take place and someone will have a serious accident. Contacted Ford Customer service and was given a case number to give to the dealer concerning this problem, upon taking the vehicle to the Dealer I have now been told that Ford stated that if the Dealer could not replicate the problem there was nothing that Ford will do about it. Adaptive cruise control is not a safe option on any vehicle if corrections cannot be made when there is a problem with the programming or the cameras that operate the system.
Rear liftgate window spontaneously shattered while sitting in my driveway.
The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. While the contact's wife was driving 45 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the hood latch independently released. The contact stated that the hood opened independently and fractured the front windshield. The contact stated that the front windshield was shattered. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 1,623.
- Driver seat back reclines by itself when vehicle is approached by key fob. As acknowledged by Ford, this situation could result in harm to a passenger sitting behind the driver. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. - This issue was demonstrated to several dealer service personnel as early as June 12, 2026, at which time there was no service recall or known fix available. A repair order dated August 28, 2026 indicates that seat was operating normally but that "easy exit" was turned on; service tech notes "easy exit" has been turned off. - We received a notice from Ford in late September 2026 that an open recall--26S53--has been issued. Took vehicle to dealer on September 30, 2026 and repair order states that they updated the driver seat module per the recall (Software validation #R47CF90GJUHMR. 26s53b-0.3). Issue continues after this update.
I was sold and delivered a car with an active safety recall for 2nd row seat easy entry. At the time of sale I was told the recall had been done. 2 days later the dealer called and said the recall had not been done and that the car had a do not sell or demonstrate destination. They wanted me to bring the car back to hold on the lot until parts become available. I would have never bought the car if I knew the recall had not been done. It’s now over 3 weeks and still waiting on parts. I feel the dealer just wanted the sale. I don’t see how this “mistake” happened. The dealer is telling me I have to bring the back to their dealership for the recall. I don’t trust them and want the recall done at another dealership.
Vehicle would not accelerate, was shuddering and continued shuddering while stopped and parked.
During a traffic accident the driver side seat airbag deployed. The airbag vent faces towards the driver when it deploys. The air escaping the vent burned through the shirt of the officer driving the vehicle and also caused a mixture of 2nd and 3rd degree burns to the hip and side abdomen region of their body.
The glass roof exploded while traveling down the road. No cause for failure present.
Compare the 2026 Ford Explorer
Explorer vs Dodge DurangoExplorer vs Kia SorentoExplorer vs Honda PilotExplorer vs Nissan PathfinderExplorer vs Toyota HighlanderExplorer vs GMC AcadiaExplorer vs Chevrolet TraverseExplorer vs Buick Enclave
Other model years
1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2026 Ford Explorer
Is the 2026 Ford Explorer reliable?
Owners have filed 44 complaints about the 2026 Ford Explorer, fewer than a typical Explorer model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2026 Ford Explorer?
Electrical system, with 11 complaints. Next is seats (7).
How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Explorer have?
14 recalls, covering air bags, engine and engine cooling and seats.
What year does the Ford Explorer have the most electrical problems?
The Ford Explorer model years with the most electrical complaints are 2020 (189 complaints), 2013 (163 complaints) and 2002 (148 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2026 Ford Explorer get?
Official estimates for the 2026 Ford Explorer range from 19 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 20 city and 29 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2026 Ford Explorer?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history