NHTSA recall 26V-205 (26V205000)
engine and engine cooling recall reported March 31, 2026 - about 278 vehicles affected.
- NHTSA campaign number
- 26V205000
- Also written as
- 26V-205
- Manufacturer number
- 26S23
- Reported
- March 31, 2026
- Vehicles affected
- ~278
- Component
- engine and engine cooling
What is being recalled
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.
Why it is dangerous
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix (free at any franchised dealer)
Dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S23. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 26V-205 when calling a dealer.
Affected 2 models
Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.
Source: NHTSA recall campaign data (public domain), refreshed weekly. See also the latest recall campaigns.