NHTSA recall, Sep 9, 2026

Ford 2026 Explorer Vehicles

The passenger air bag may not deploy properly, increasing injury risk in a crash.

Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles because the active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly. An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash. The recall was reported to NHTSA on September 9, 2026, and affects 7 vehicles nationwide.

The problem involves the passenger air bag module. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2026.

More air bag defect recalls

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 September 14, 2026.
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge.
You may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Look for the owner letter. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2026.

What you get Free repair

Read the notice on nhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)

Full text from 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.