NHTSA Recall 26V205000: Hard parts internal/mechanical (engine and engine cooling)
Ford Motor Company reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 278 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Ford Explorer.
| NHTSA campaign | 26V205000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 26S23 |
| Component | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING › ENGINE › HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL |
| Report received | March 31, 2026 |
| Owner notification | April 10, 2026 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
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.
Safety risk
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Vehicles covered by recall 26V205000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.