The problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.
The risk
An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S65. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 14, 2026.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 26V-581 (26V581000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 26S65 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal |
| Report date | September 9, 2026 |
| Owners notified | September 16, 2026 |
| Vehicles affected | 7 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 26V-581 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S65.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 7 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.