The 2026 Ford Explorer has zero owner defect complaints and 12 safety recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. EPA testing covers 6 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2.3l 4-cyl and 3l 6-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 19 to 24 MPG combined. Detailed NHTSA crash-test ratings are not available in the current AutoUtility dataset for this model year.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 0 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 12 campaigns
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: Not rated by NHTSA
- • EPA Efficiency: 19–24 MPG (6 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Explorer Tremor AWD | 2.3L 4-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 19 MPG | 23 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
| Explorer Tremor AWD | 3L 6-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 MPG | 22 MPG | 19 MPG | — | $3,250 / yr |
| Explorer RWD | 2.3L 4-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 20 MPG | 29 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,550 / yr |
| Explorer AWD | 2.3L 4-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 10-spd | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,650 / yr |
| Explorer RWD | 3L 6-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
| Explorer AWD | 3L 6-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 18 MPG | 25 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
NHTSA 5-Star NCAP laboratory crash evaluations are not currently on file for the 2026 Ford Explorer.
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Not Specified and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Not Specified in official NHTSA records for tested 2026 Ford Explorer models.
View complete 2026 Ford Explorer crash test & safety breakdown →
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2026 Ford Explorer problems & component breakdown (0 categories) →
Affected Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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 NHTSA.gov on August 18, 2026.
Affected Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed August 31, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.
Affected Component: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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 NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
View all 2026 Ford Explorer recalls & campaign history (12 campaigns) →