Ford Explorer 2026 recalled for passenger air bag deployment failure risk
What this means
Certain 2026 Ford Explorer vehicles have a passenger-side air bag vent that may not open as intended, which could prevent the air bag from deploying during a crash. This increases the risk of injury to passengers in a collision.
- Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) on NHTSA.gov to confirm if your 2026 Explorer is affected.
- Contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or visit your local Ford dealer.
- Schedule a dealer appointment to have the passenger air bag module replaced at no charge.
The agency's original wording
An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
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.
Official notice
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V581000More Ford Motor Company recalls
- NHTSA2026-09-22Ford Expedition and Super Duty trucks recalled for headlight failure risk
- NHTSA2026-09-22Ford 2026 Ranger recalled for rearview camera display failure
- NHTSA-Equipment2026-09-22Ford Ranger recalled for rearview camera display failure
- NHTSA2026-09-09Ford F-150 recalled for incorrect rear axle tail bearing causing wheel lock-up risk
- NHTSA2026-09-09Ford F-150 (2023–2027) recalled for fuel tank detachment and leak risk
Want us to check the next one for you?
We read every CPSC, FDA, USDA, and NHTSA notice and email you a plain-English Sunday brief covering drivers — free, no credit card. Or upgrade to as-it-happens alerts for the brands you actually own.