NHTSA recall,
Ford Explorer
Roof rail covers on certain Ford Explorer vehicles may detach, creating a road hazard and crash risk.
Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice
What happened
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles because the roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle. A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall affects 288,314 vehicles nationwide and was reported to NHTSA on July 14, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316.
Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027.
What to do
If you own a vehicle in this recall:
- Check your VIN (vehicle identification number) at nhtsa.gov/recalls. VINs are searchable from July 16, 2026.
- Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge.
- You may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
- Watch your mail. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027.
What you get Free repair
Full text from NHTSA
Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Is your Ford affected?
These models and years may be affected.
- Explorer, model years
Your VIN confirms it. Find the 17-character VIN on the driver's side of the dashboard or on your registration card.
Check your VIN on nhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)Recall details
- Reported to NHTSA
- Sold in
- Nationwide
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Component
- Vehicle structure defect
- Campaign
- 26V448000
- Vehicles affected
- 288,314
- Repair cost
- Free of charge
- Manufacturer's recall number
- 26S54
- Manufacturer phone
- 1-866-436-7332
All recalls from Ford Motor Company
Timeline
Reported to NHTSA
Listed on Recall Canary
Summary updated
