2026 Ford Explorer

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 8 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and 4 Early Warning Reporting “Death and Injury” reports alleging burn injuries following side airbag deployment in model years 2021-2026 Ford Explorer vehicles. Consumers have described that during a crash involving deployment of the seat-mounted side airbag, they sustained burn injuries. Burn injuries have been reported for both drivers and front passengers and were typically diagnosed as second or third-degree burns requiring medical treatment. Some of the VOQs report injuries to law enforcement officers following side airbag deployments in Ford Explorer Police Interceptors. ODI has opened this PE to evaluate the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

I purchased a brand-new 2026 Ford Explorer on XXX. Approximately five weeks later, I experienced a terrifying and potentially life-threatening malfunction while traveling approximately 70 mph in the left lane of [XXX] in [XXX]. An 18-wheel tractor-trailer was traveling beside me when, without warning, my Explorer suddenly stopped responding to the accelerator. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. The engine continued running, but the vehicle would no longer accelerate. I was unable to maintain my speed or immediately move into the adjacent lane because of the 18-wheeler. As my vehicle slowed, I struggled to maneuver across traffic toward the right shoulder. Looking in my rearview mirror, I saw a wide-load vehicle approaching from behind. I was desperately trying to get out of traffic and toward the ditch to avoid being struck. I feared for my life. Fortunately, I reached safety without a collision, but my Explorer required towing. The vehicle was taken to Ford on XXX, with only 2,432 miles. It remained at the dealership until XXX. Ford’s repair documentation identified diagnostic trouble code P2138, associated with accelerator pedal/throttle position sensor correlation. The technician performed a wiggle test and discovered an intermittent electrical connection caused by poor pin fit at connector C140. Electrical connector terminals were replaced under warranty after the dealership obtained the necessary parts. I am extremely concerned that a defective electrical connection caused a nearly new vehicle to lose acceleration at highway speed, placing me and surrounding motorists in serious danger. I request that NHTSA investigate whether similar electrical connector failures could affect other 2026 Ford Explorers and cause sudden, unexpected loss of acceleration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774557

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

I purchased a new 2026 Ford Explorer and had owned the vehicle for approximately three days when the driver-side front power window failed at approximately 315 miles. The failure occurred on the evening of October 23, 2026, while the vehicle was parked in my driveway. I operated the driver-side window normally and heard loud crunching/mechanical noises from inside the driver door as the window went down. The glass went fully down and then would not raise. When I attempted to operate the window switch afterward, additional crunching noises could be heard from inside the door, but the glass would not move. Because the Ford service department was already closed, I was unable to have the vehicle inspected that evening. With possible rain, I had to cover the open driver-side window with painter's plastic and tape to protect the interior of a vehicle that was only three days old. I took the vehicle back to the selling Ford dealership the following morning, October 24, 2026, as soon as the service department opened. The vehicle had approximately 328 miles when it was documented by the dealership. The Ford dealership subsequently verified the failure. According to the repair order, the technician found the driver-side window regulator binding. After removing the door panel and inspecting the regulator, the technician found that the window-regulator cable had detached from the regulator. The dealership removed and replaced the window regulator and retested the system. The replacement regulator listed on the repair order is Ford part number PB5Z-5823209-A. This was a confirmed mechanical failure of the driver-side window-regulator assembly on a vehicle that was approximately three days of use and had only about 315 miles when the failure occurred. I have also read and heard reports from multiple other Ford Explorer owners describing similar power-window and window-regulator failures, including reports from some owners that the problem has occurred again after repairs

NHTSA ID

11774330

Incident

Oct 23, 2026

Traveling of the freeway at 80 mph, pull left to pass Semi, upon getting halfway past the truck the adaptive cruise Control activates and brings the vehicle to under 65 mph extremely fast. After a few seconds the vehicle rapidly accelerates back to 80 mph. This has happened at least four times since purchasing the vehicle new. The problem is very erratic and only happens when passing a Semi while driving up a hill or passing on a left turning bend on the freeway. The incident that disturbed me the most was when this malfunction happened the last time a vehicle following me had to take to the borrow pit to prevent collision with my vehicle. Fortunately there was no accident or injuries that occurred but I can imagine that at one time this problem will take place and someone will have a serious accident. Contacted Ford Customer service and was given a case number to give to the dealer concerning this problem, upon taking the vehicle to the Dealer I have now been told that Ford stated that if the Dealer could not replicate the problem there was nothing that Ford will do about it. Adaptive cruise control is not a safe option on any vehicle if corrections cannot be made when there is a problem with the programming or the cameras that operate the system.

NHTSA ID

11770883

Incident

Sep 28, 2026

Rear liftgate window spontaneously shattered while sitting in my driveway.

NHTSA ID

11770804

Incident

Oct 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Ford Explorer. While the contact's wife was driving 45 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the hood latch independently released. The contact stated that the hood opened independently and fractured the front windshield. The contact stated that the front windshield was shattered. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 1,623.

NHTSA ID

11769843

Incident

Oct 6, 2026

Mileage

1,623 mi

- Driver seat back reclines by itself when vehicle is approached by key fob. As acknowledged by Ford, this situation could result in harm to a passenger sitting behind the driver. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. - This issue was demonstrated to several dealer service personnel as early as June 12, 2026, at which time there was no service recall or known fix available. A repair order dated August 28, 2026 indicates that seat was operating normally but that "easy exit" was turned on; service tech notes "easy exit" has been turned off. - We received a notice from Ford in late September 2026 that an open recall--26S53--has been issued. Took vehicle to dealer on September 30, 2026 and repair order states that they updated the driver seat module per the recall (Software validation #R47CF90GJUHMR. 26s53b-0.3). Issue continues after this update.

NHTSA ID

11768817

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

I was sold and delivered a car with an active safety recall for 2nd row seat easy entry. At the time of sale I was told the recall had been done. 2 days later the dealer called and said the recall had not been done and that the car had a do not sell or demonstrate destination. They wanted me to bring the car back to hold on the lot until parts become available. I would have never bought the car if I knew the recall had not been done. It’s now over 3 weeks and still waiting on parts. I feel the dealer just wanted the sale. I don’t see how this “mistake” happened. The dealer is telling me I have to bring the back to their dealership for the recall. I don’t trust them and want the recall done at another dealership.

NHTSA ID

11767505

Incident

Sep 5, 2026

Vehicle would not accelerate, was shuddering and continued shuddering while stopped and parked.

NHTSA ID

11767080

Incident

Sep 26, 2026

Quality improvemenrs include: -Software update to improve responsiveness of the door control system after the vehicle enters a low-power state

Some 2025-2027 Aviator/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a "Steering Fault Service Required" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) C1B00, U2016, and/or U3000:96 set in the power steering control module (PSCM) after using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) scan tool to reprogram the steering column control module (SCCM) and/or the gearshift module (GSM). To correct this condition, perform the following: <br /><br /> - To clear DTCs C1B00 and U2016, disconnect the 12-volt battery for 5 minutes, then reconnect the battery. On hybrid vehicles, the auxiliary battery must also be disconnected.<br /> - To clear DTC U3000:96, download and run the "PSCM - Reset the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM)" application using the latest software version of the FDRS scan tool.<br /> - If U211B is set in the PSCM, download and run the "Trusted Real-Time Operation Network (TRON) Module Authentication" application using the latest software version of the FDRS scan tool. When prompted, select the "TRON Diagnosis and Repair" option.<br /><br />

Some 2025-2027 Aviator/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit one of the front power windows stuck down or inoperative with a window regulator cable that has come off of the window regulator pulleys. The torque specification is being increased for the 2 upper window regulator nuts from 97 lb-in (11 Nm) to 115 lb-in (13 Nm). Use a torque wrench to apply the updated 115 lb-in (13 Nm) torque specification when installing a new front window regulator. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-11 is in the process of being updated to reflect this change.<br /><br /> Engineering is currently working on a permanent solution for this condition. If the vehicle exhibits this condition, submit a Vehicle Concern Report. To submit a report, click on the "Submit Global Concern Report (GCR)" link at the upper right of the Professional Technician System (PTS) Vehicle ID screen (vehicle identification number ÝVIN¨ required) and fill out the form. Do not use the "Report A Problem" link to submit a report for this condition.

2025-2027 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility non-hybrid vehicles built on or after 05-Mar-2025 and 2025-2027 Aviator vehicles built on or after 24-Apr-2025 are no longer equipped with the passenger side underbody air deflector. The vehicle is not misbuilt. Do not submit a claim for this condition.

Some 2024-2026 Nautilus and 2025-2027 Explorer/Aviator vehicles equipped with power folding mirrors may exhibit concerns with the auto folding mirror functionality not matching the status selected by the switch in the center display screen menu. Examples include mirror auto folding not operating when the switch is enabled and/or auto folding continuing to function when the switch is disabled. This may be due to the software in the driver door module (DDM) and passenger door module (PDM). Power folding mirror operation from the physical button is not affected by this condition. Inform customers that engineering is currently working on a solution for this condition that is expected by the end of Q2 2027. Replacement or reprogramming of the accessory protocol interface module (APIM), DDM, or PDM will not resolve this condition. Monitor Professional Technician System (PTS) for additional information and schedule service appointments for customers once the repair becomes available.<br /><br /> If the vehicle exhibits this condition, submit a Vehicle Concern Report. To submit a report, click on the "Submit G

Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01 Engine > Removal and Installation > Engine Front Cover service procedure has been updated to include a new essential special service tool (ESST) guide pin alignment tool (303-1790) that is used to align the engine front cover to the engine block, preventing the O-ring seal on the engine oil galley feed tube from getting damaged during installation.