The problem
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.
The risk
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 26V-205 (26V205000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 26S23 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical |
| Report date | March 31, 2026 |
| Owners notified | April 10, 2026 |
| Vehicles affected | 278 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the engine & cooling
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 26V-205 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 278 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.