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Ford Explorer engine may fail, causing power loss

NHTSA campaign 26V343000 · Reported 2026-05-27 · Ford Motor Company

high How serious is it? About this label

Serious, because the engine can quit without warning while you drive; the notice does not tell owners to park the vehicle, but drive cautiously and get the repair as soon as Ford says parts are available.

What's wrong, in plain English

Certain 2025-2026 Ford Explorer, Ranger and Bronco vehicles may have an engine that fails. If that happens, the vehicle suddenly loses drive power while you are moving, which can leave you unable to keep up with traffic or get out of the way. Ford has already mailed letters warning owners about the danger, but the repair — replacing the main part of the engine — is not ready yet. Ford expects it around November 2026, free of charge.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (VINs have been searchable since May 28, 2026). 2. Call your Ford dealer or Ford at 1-866-436-7332 (recall 26S35) and ask to be on the list for the repair. 3. Watch for Ford's second letter, then have the engine long block replaced free.

Affected vehicles (1)

2025 Ford Explorer

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Ford oil leaks and engine failures: which models are recalled? · all 13 Ford recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Safety risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S35. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.