The 2026 Ford Explorer has a low safety risk profile with 5 recall campaigns and 0 NHTSA complaints. Before buying, verify that all recalls have been completed. It's free at any dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

26V0240002026-21-01

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

26V1210002026-03-03

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

A headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

26V1590002026-17-03

SEAT BELTS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

View all 5 recalls

26V2020002026-31-03

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.

An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

26V2050002026-31-03

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

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.

An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Ford Explorer Fuel Economy

19–24mpg combined

17-20city

22-29hwy

$1,800-$2,300/yr

Across 6 configurations, the 2026 Ford Explorer returns 19–24 MPG combined. Choose the thriftier option if you're commuting; the sportier setup if you're not counting gallons.

By Trim

Explorer RWD - Automatic 10-spd

24mpg

2.3L 4-cyl Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive

20 city29 hwy~$1,800/yr5/10 Average

Explorer AWD - Automatic 10-spd

23mpg

2.3L 4-cyl Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

20 city27 hwy~$1,900/yr5/10 Average

Explorer RWD - Automatic (S10)

21mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive

18 city25 hwy~$2,100/yr4/10 Average

Explorer Tremor AWD - Automatic (S10)

21mpg

2.3L 4-cyl Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

19 city23 hwy~$2,100/yr4/10 Average

Explorer AWD - Automatic (S10)

20mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

18 city25 hwy~$2,200/yr4/10 Average

Explorer Tremor AWD - Automatic (S10)

19mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

17 city22 hwy~$2,300/yr4/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2026 Ford Explorer

37States

29%in top 3

12% of the market sits in Michigan, though listings span 37 states. Expand your search and you'll find more options at better prices.

MIMichigan

4,68912%

TXTexas

4,16411%

FLFlorida

2,6097%

PAPennsylvania

2,1445%

CACalifornia

1,8735%

ILIllinois

1,4664%

DEDelaware

1,4424%

GAGeorgia

1,3964%

MOMissouri

1,3573%

NYNew York

1,3413%

NJNew Jersey

1,1703%

OHOhio

1,1383%

NCNorth Carolina

1,0723%

DCWashington DC

9382%

AZArizona

8462%

TNTennessee

8442%

MDMaryland

8122%

COColorado

7382%

MN730

OKOklahoma

6512%

NH546

IN507

WA471

AL443

KY413

WI399

IA376

UT370

OR346

MA311

RI307

VA291

ID287

NV282

NE279

AR256

CT251

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2026.

Buying a 2026 Ford Explorer?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 2026 Ford Explorer a good car to buy?

The 2026 Ford Explorer has 5 recalls on record. There are 5 recalls on record, so check that they've been completed before buying. Review the safety data and pricing breakdown above.

Are there recalls on the 2026 Ford Explorer?

There are 5 documented recalls for the 2026 Ford Explorer. Don't let that scare you; most are routine. Just make sure they're all resolved before you sign. Details in the safety overview.

What's the gas mileage of the 2026 Ford Explorer?

Fuel economy ranges from 19 to 24 MPG combined. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, that gap is worth about $576 annually. See the fuel economy section for per-trim data.