The problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
The risk
In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
The fix
Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C02. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 22, 2026.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 26V-024 (26V024000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 26C02 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Visibility › Windshield |
| Report date | January 21, 2026 |
| Owners notified | January 30, 2026 |
| Vehicles affected | 8 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 26V-024 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C02.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 8 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.