2026 Ford Explorer & 2026 Ford Mustang recall: engine
⚠️ What's 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.
💥 The risk
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
🔧 The fix
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 NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
Is the fix free? Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)
- NHTSA campaign
- 26V205000
- Manufacturer recall #
- 26S23
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Vehicles affected
- 278
- Component
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
- Owner phone
- 1-866-436-7332
- NHTSA hotline
- 1-888-327-4236
- Owner letters mailed
- Apr 10, 2026
- Built
- Feb 17, 2026 – Feb 26, 2026
- Recall started by
- MFR