The problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead 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 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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 26V-548 (26V548000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 26S61 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical |
| Report date | August 25, 2026 |
| Vehicles affected | 10,001 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the engine & cooling
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 26V-548 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 10,001 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.