Ford recall: 2026 Bronco and 4 more – engine and engine cooling
Ford Motor Company is recalling 2026 Ford Bronco, 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, 2026 Ford Explorer and 2 more models because of a crash risk – 10,001 vehicles (potentially affected). The recall report reached NHTSA on August 25, 2026. Distributed nationwide.
Serious A safety recall: the manufacturer or NHTSA found a vehicle defect that poses a risk to safety, or a failure to meet a federal safety standard. The remedy is free.

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| Product | 2026 Ford Bronco, 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, 2026 Ford Explorer and 2 more models |
| Brand | Ford |
| Company | Ford Motor Company |
| Type | Vehicles |
| Classification | Vehicle |
| Report received | August 25, 2026 |
| Published by NHTSA | August 25, 2026 |
| Quantity | 10,001 vehicles (potentially affected) |
| Recall ID | 26V548000 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Ford | Bronco | 2026 |
| Ford | Bronco Sport | 2026 |
| Ford | Explorer | 2026 |
| Ford | Mustang | 2026 |
| Ford | Ranger | 2026 |
Identifiers and details
- NHTSA campaign number
- 26V548000
- Manufacturer recall number
- 26S61
- Component
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
- Built
- 2026-02-21 to 2026-04-20
- Recalled part
- Piston · 2.3L EcoBoost Piston · PB5E-6K100-AB
- Recalled part
- Piston · 1.5L Dragon B Piston · PV4E-6K100-CA
- Initiated by
- Manufacturer
Why it was recalled
The problem: a crash risk.
NHTSA's defect summary: “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.”
The consequence, according to NHTSA: “An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.”
What to do
NHTSA: “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.”
Enter your 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) at nhtsa.gov/recalls or on the manufacturer's site to see whether your vehicle is included. Safety recall repairs are free at an authorized dealer, even if the vehicle is used or out of warranty.
Official notice: NHTSA recall 26V548000.
Other Ford recalls
| Date | Recall | Problem | Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 6, 2026 | an injury risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle | |
| Oct 6, 2026 | a crash risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle | |
| Sep 22, 2026 | a crash risk Serious | NHTSA Vehicle | |
| Sep 22, 2026 | a crash risk Serious | NHTSA Vehicle | |
| Sep 9, 2026 | a crash risk Most serious | NHTSA Vehicle | |
| Sep 9, 2026 | a crash risk Lower risk | NHTSA Equipment | |
| Sep 9, 2026 | a crash risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle | |
| Sep 9, 2026 | a crash risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle | |
| Sep 9, 2026 | an injury risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle | |
| Sep 9, 2026 | a crash risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle | |
| Sep 9, 2026 | an injury risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle | |
| Sep 9, 2026 | a crash risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle |
About this recall
Is Ford 2026 Ford Bronco, 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, 2026 Ford Explorer recalled?
Yes. Ford Motor Company reported the recall to NHTSA on August 25, 2026; NHTSA published it August 25, 2026 (Vehicle). Only the vehicles listed on this page are included.
Why was it recalled?
Because of a crash risk. 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.
What should I do if I have it?
NHTSA says: 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.
Where was it sold?
Nationwide.
More recalls
Source: recall records published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (openFDA Enforcement Reports), the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, collected twice a day. Product names, lot codes, dates and model numbers are shown exactly as the agency lists them; the agency's notice is the authority. 77.today is not affiliated with any of these agencies.