Campaign 26V-532

Engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure

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.

Consequence

Engine failure can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing oil to leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

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.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file, campaign 26V532000. Text as published by NHTSA.

Vehicles covered

One product line is covered

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA about engine and cooling on these vehicles: 6, of which 0 involved a crash, fire, injury or death. Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Vehicles covered by campaign 26V-532
Make	Model	Model years	Complaints on this component
Ford	Explorer	2026	6

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls and complaints files. Equipment, tire and child-seat campaigns list products, not vehicles.

Investigation

No NHTSA investigation is linked to this recall

Most recalls are started by the manufacturer. This one lists "Manufacturer" as its origin.

Before the recall

No service bulletins on this component preceded the recall

Distinct manufacturer communications on the same component group, make, model and model year in the 24 months before the report date.

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications file.

Service bulletins

26V-548 Aug 25, 2026
Engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power
26V-343 May 27, 2026
Engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power
26V-205 Mar 31, 2026
Engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to…
26V-122 Mar 3, 2026
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power
25V-828 Dec 1, 2025
Cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak
25V-793 Nov 17, 2025
Engine cover may become excessively hot