Ford Explorer Trim Recall1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2025 · Free Repair
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Is Your Explorer Included?
Enter your 17-character VIN — we query NHTSA in real time and show whether 26V-448000 (and any other open campaign) applies to your exact vehicle.
What Happened — and How It's Fixed
NHTSA 26V-448000 · 2016–2019 · STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed August 24, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 26V-448000 on NHTSA.gov
NHTSA 25V-347000 · 2016–2017 · STRUCTURE:BODY
On certain Ford Explorer SUVs manufactured between June 11, 2015 and April 19, 2017, the trim on the pillar behind the front driver and passenger doors (the B-pillar) may detach due to design and manufacturing errors. A detached B-pillar trim can fall onto the roadway and create a road hazard for following vehicles. As of the recall filing, Ford was aware of 1,482 warranty claims of loose B-pillar trim, with no crashes or injuries reported. The investigation also triggered a broader read-across of trim attachment risks across Ford and Lincoln vehicles dating back to 2010, leading to additional related campaigns.
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford is still developing the final remedy for this campaign as of mid-2025. Owners will receive a second letter when the repair is available. All work will be performed free of charge.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 25V-347000 on NHTSA.gov
NHTSA 25V-316000 · 2025 · STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. A mounting bolt for the front subframe may have been tightened improperly.
A loose subframe bolt may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect and tighten the subframe bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2025. Ford's number for this recall is 25S43.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 25V-316000 on NHTSA.gov
NHTSA 24V-031000 · 2011–2019 · STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
On approximately 1.9 million Ford Explorer vehicles built between May 17, 2010 and March 3, 2019, the exterior A-pillar applique trim clips may not have been properly engaged during assembly or repair. The A-pillar trim borders both sides of the windshield. If the clips work loose, the trim panel can detach while driving and create a road hazard for following vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Some failures have occurred at highway speeds, with debris obstructing trailing vehicles. As of the recall filing, Ford was aware of 14,337 warranty claims, 671 owner complaints, one crash, and two injuries related to this defect. NHTSA initially declined to act in 2018 but reopened the matter in 2023 after additional incident reports.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers inspect the A-pillar exterior trim attachments and replace the trim with an updated version using added adhesive less prone to detachment, free of charge. Owner notification letters mailed March 13–25, 2024. Owners who previously paid out-of-pocket for A-pillar trim repairs may be eligible for reimbursement.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 24V-031000 on NHTSA.gov
NHTSA 22V-454000 · 2022 · STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. In addition, an engine rail may detach and contact the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge. If the engine rails require replacement, owners will have the option for a vehicle replacement or buyback. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C13.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 22V-454000 on NHTSA.gov
NHTSA 21V-316000 · 2016–2019 · STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 21V-316000 on NHTSA.gov
NHTSA 15V-171000 · 2011–2013 · STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 15V-171000 on NHTSA.gov
NHTSA 04V-442000 · 2002–2003 · STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED OR THE HINGE MAY FRACTURE ALLOWING THE GLASS TO FALL AND POSSIBLY BREAK.
IF THE HINGE SHOULD FRACTURE, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE GLASS TO FALL AND ULTIMATELY BREAK AND PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL HAVE THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT BRACKETS AND GLASS HINGES REPLACED. FOR THE VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2002, THE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HINGES AND LIFTGATE STRUT BRACKET. ON VEHICLES BUILT FROM MARCH 3, 2002 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2003, THE DEALERS WILL ONLY REPLACE THE HINGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. A POSTCARD WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 27, 2004, ADVISING THEM THAT PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 04V-442000 on NHTSA.gov
NHTSA 03V-094000 · 2000–2003 · STRUCTURE
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 03V-094000 on NHTSA.gov
NHTSA 99V-310001 · 1993–1995 · STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET WELDS COULD FRACTURE.
WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDER BALL STUD TO DISENGAGE, UNEXPECTEDLY ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL FROM AN OPEN POSITION.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL LIFTGATE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. DEPENDING UPON THE CONDITION OF THE LIFTGATE SHEET METAL IN THE AREA OF THE BRACKET, DEALERS MAY ALSO INSTALL A LARGER REINFORCEMENT.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 99V-310001 on NHTSA.gov
NHTSA 97V-235001 · 1991–1993 · STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED SUNROOF. THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL ASSEMBLY CAN SEPARATE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING DUE TO INCORRECT HINGE ENGAGEMENT. THIS WAS CAUSED BY IMPROPER SUNROOF INSTALLATION OF THE GLASS PANEL.
UNEXPECTED SEPARATION OF THE SUNROOF GLASS PANEL COULD POSSIBLY DISTRACT THE DRIVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN INSTRUCTION BOOKLET WHICH THOROUGHLY OUTLINES, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, THE PROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE REMOVAL, STORAGE, AND REINSTALLATION OF THE SUNROOF'S GLASS PANEL. A WARNING LABEL FOR ATTACHMENT TO THE SUNROOF'S LATCH KNOB WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THE OWNERS.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 97V-235001 on NHTSA.gov
NHTSA 97V-137000 · 1996 · STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LIFTGATE ASSIST GAS CYLINDER BRACKET ON THE RIGHT HAND BODYSIDE OUTER PANEL WAS INCORRECTLY WELDED.
THE GAS CYLINDER BRACKET MAY NOT PROPERLY SUPPORT THE LIFTGATE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENT WITH TWO POP RIVETS.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 97V-137000 on NHTSA.gov
NHTSA 95I-007000 · 1991–1995 · STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS OF THE REAR LIFTGATE GAS ASSIST CYLINDERS WHICH COULD PULL AWAY FROM THE INSIDE OF THE LIFTGATE.
IF A BRACKET AND GAS ASSIST CYLINDER WERE TO DETACH COMPLETELY FROM THE LIFTGATE AND NO LONGER BEAR AGAINST THE LIFTGATE AS INTENDED, THE REMAINING ASSIST CYLINDER WOULD NOT HOLD THE LIFTGATE IN AN OPEN POSITION. PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.
FORD DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 95I-007000 on NHTSA.gov
NHTSA 95V-164001 · 1992–1993 · STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDERS ARE ATTACHED TO BRACKETS THAT ARE WELDED TO THE LIFTGATE. THE BRACKET WELDS CAN FRACTURE.
WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDERBALL STUD TO DISENGAGE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 95V-164001 on NHTSA.gov
NHTSA 91V-026000 · 1991 · STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO FATIGUE CRACKING UNDER EXTENDED TRAILER TOW SERVICE WHEN USING A BUMPER-MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL.
UNDER EXTREME CONDITIONS, BUMPER COULD SEPARATE FROM THEVEHICLE WHEN USING A BUMPER MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL.
INSTALL TWO BRACKETS TO REINFORCE THE BUMPER.
Verified as of 2026-08-28 against NHTSA · Recall 91V-026000 on NHTSA.gov
What To Do
Run your VIN
Confirm 26V-448000 applies to your exact Explorer using the checker above.
Schedule the free repair
Book online or call .
Free, by law
Recall parts and labor are free regardless of age, mileage, or where you bought it.
Keep the paperwork
We provide written proof of completion — useful at resale.
Trim Recall FAQs
Is it safe to drive my Explorer before the trim recall repair?⌄
NHTSA issued no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory for any of the 15 campaigns on this page. Schedule the free repair promptly — until it is completed, the defects described above are still present on affected Explorer vehicles.
Which vehicles are affected?⌄
Campaign 26V-448000 covers certain 2016–2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. Model year alone does not settle it — run your VIN in the checker above, which is the definitive answer for your exact vehicle.
What does the repair cost?⌄
Nothing. By federal law, safety recall repairs are free — parts and labor — at any authorized Ford dealer, regardless of the vehicle’s age, mileage, or where it was bought.
I’m buying a used Explorer. Should I check this recall?⌄
Yes — run the VIN before you buy. If campaign 26V-448000 is still open on that vehicle, any authorized Ford dealer (including us) completes the repair free of charge, no matter where the vehicle was purchased.
