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NHTSA recall,

Ford 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger Vehicles

Improperly manufactured pistons may fail, causing a loss of drive power and increasing crash risk.

Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice

What happened

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles because the engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power. An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. The recall was reported to NHTSA on August 25, 2026, and affects 10,001 vehicles nationwide.

Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026.

More engine defect recalls

What to do

If you own a vehicle in this recall:

  1. Check your VIN (vehicle identification number) at nhtsa.gov/recalls. VINs are searchable from August 28, 2026.
  2. Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge.
  3. You may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
  4. Watch your mail. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026.

What you get Free repair

Full text from NHTSA

Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 28, 2026.

Is your Ford affected?

5 models

These models and years may be affected.

Model years
2026

Ford

  • Bronco
  • Bronco Sport
  • Explorer
  • Mustang
  • Ranger

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
Engine defect
Campaign
26V548000
Vehicles affected
10,001
Repair cost
Free of charge
Manufacturer's recall number
26S61
Manufacturer phone
1-866-436-7332

All recalls from Ford Motor Company

Timeline

  1. Reported to NHTSA

  2. Listed on Recall Canary

  3. Summary updated

Other engine defect recalls

See all: Other engine defect recalls

Summary by Recall Canary, written with AI · summary updated Oct 2, 2026 · primary source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (opens in a new tab)