Ford recall: 2026 Explorer – air bags
Ford Motor Company is recalling 2026 Ford Explorer because of an injury risk – 7 vehicles (potentially affected). The recall report reached NHTSA on September 9, 2026. Distributed nationwide.
Lower risk 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 Explorer |
| Brand | Ford |
| Company | Ford Motor Company |
| Type | Vehicles |
| Classification | Vehicle |
| Report received | September 9, 2026 |
| Published by NHTSA | September 9, 2026 |
| Quantity | 7 vehicles (potentially affected) |
| Recall ID | 26V581000 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Ford | Explorer | 2026 |
Identifiers and details
- NHTSA campaign number
- 26V581000
- Manufacturer recall number
- 26S65
- Component
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Built
- 2026-08-02 to 2026-08-02
- Recalled part
- Passenger Air Bag Module · Passenger Air Bag Module · RB5Z-78044A74-B
- Owners notified
- 2026-09-16
- Initiated by
- Manufacturer
Why it was recalled
The problem: an injury risk.
NHTSA's defect summary: “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.”
The consequence, according to NHTSA: “An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.”
What to do
NHTSA: “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.”
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 26V581000.
Other Ford recalls
| Date | Recall | Problem | Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 6, 2026 |  Ford recall: 2025–2027 F-150 – seatsVehicles · 2,276 vehicles (potentially affected) | an injury risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle |
| Oct 6, 2026 | Ford recall: 2015 Transit Connect – back over preventionVehicles · 506 vehicles (potentially affected) | a crash risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle |
| Sep 22, 2026 | Ford recall: 2026 Ranger – back over preventionVehicles · 11,405 vehicles (potentially affected) | a crash risk Serious | NHTSA Vehicle |
| Sep 22, 2026 | Ford recall: 2025–2027 Expedition and 4 more – exterior lightingVehicles · 41,748 vehicles (potentially affected) | a crash risk Serious | NHTSA Vehicle |
| Sep 9, 2026 | Ford recall: 2023–2027 F-150 – fuel systemVehicles · 223,472 vehicles (potentially affected) | a crash risk Most serious | NHTSA Vehicle |
| Sep 9, 2026 | Ford recall: Battery Energy Control Module – electrical systemVehicles · 83 units (potentially affected) | a crash risk Lower risk | NHTSA Equipment |
| Sep 9, 2026 | Ford recall: 2023–2025 Mustang Mach E – electrical systemVehicles · 86 vehicles (potentially affected) | a crash risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle |
| Sep 9, 2026 | Ford recall: 2026 F-150 – power trainVehicles · 37 vehicles (potentially affected) | a crash risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle |
| Sep 9, 2026 | Ford recall: 2026 F-150 – suspensionVehicles · 17 vehicles (potentially affected) | a crash risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle |
| Sep 9, 2026 | Ford recall: 2026–2027 Transit – seat beltsVehicles · 1,945 vehicles (potentially affected) | an injury risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle |
| Sep 9, 2026 | Ford recall: 2026 Bronco – air bagsVehicles · 2,711 vehicles (potentially affected) | a crash risk Lower risk | NHTSA Vehicle |
| Aug 25, 2026 | Ford recall: 2024–2026 Mustang – electrical systemVehicles · 148,663 vehicles (potentially affected) | a crash risk Most serious | NHTSA Vehicle |
About this recall
Is Ford 2026 Ford Explorer recalled?
Yes. Ford Motor Company reported the recall to NHTSA on September 9, 2026; NHTSA published it September 9, 2026 (Vehicle). Only the vehicles listed on this page are included.
Why was it recalled?
Because of an injury risk. 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.
What should I do if I have it?
NHTSA says: 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.
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.