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)

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Ford Explorer Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy data for all 2026 Ford Explorer trims

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)

Is the Sport XLT Worth It?

Common questions about the 2026 Ford Explorer Sport XLT

How does the Sport XLT compare to other Ford Explorer trims?

The Sport XLT occupies a distinct position in the Ford Explorer range. See how it stacks up on the 2026 overview page.

What should I know about maintaining the 2026 Ford Explorer Sport XLT?

Budget for standard Sport XLT maintenance plus any trim-specific items. The 2026 has 5 recalls on file. Review the known issues on the model year page for areas to inspect before purchasing.

What are the best years for the Ford Explorer Sport XLT?

For the Sport XLT, look at the price-to-mileage ratio across model years. Later model years before a redesign tend to be the most refined version of the platform. See the Ford Explorer buyer's guide.

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