---
title: "FORD EXPLORER recall: Passenger air bag vent malfunction"
description: Certain Ford Explorer vehicles have a passenger air bag vent that
  may not open as intended, which can prevent proper deployment; dealers will
  replace the passenger air bag module free of charge.
author: RecallWire Safety Desk
published: 2026-10-11T00:00:00.000Z
updated: 2026-10-11T00:00:00.000Z
editorial_status: reviewed
canonical_url: https://recallwire.news/articles/safety-recall-26v581000/
sources_checked: 2026-10-11T17:39:25.519Z
article_type: recall
manufacturer: FORD
manufacturers:
  - FORD
models:
  - EXPLORER
vehicles:
  - manufacturer: FORD
    model: EXPLORER
    years:
      - 2026
campaigns:
  - 26V581000
campaign: 26V581000
affected: 7
source_agency: NHTSA
---

# FORD EXPLORER recall: Passenger air bag vent malfunction

## Summary

Certain Ford Explorer vehicles have a passenger air bag vent that may not open as intended, which can prevent proper deployment; dealers will replace the passenger air bag module free of charge.

## At a glance

- Manufacturer: FORD
- Vehicle: EXPLORER
- NHTSA campaigns: 26V581000
- Potentially affected: 7

> Official recall facts are attributed to NHTSA. The surrounding summary and owner guidance are RecallWire editorial work. A campaign or model match does not confirm an individual vehicle’s recall or repair status; use the [official NHTSA VIN lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls).

Ford Explorer owners covered by this campaign should note a passenger air bag concern that could affect deployment in a crash. The listed remedy is replacement of the passenger air bag module at no cost.

## What the official recall record says

### FORD: EXPLORER

The passenger-side active vent may fail to open as intended. That can keep the air bag from deploying properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. The specified repair is replacement of the passenger air bag module by a dealer, free of charge.

**Owner information from the official record**

- **Repair and availability:** Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge.
- **Owner notices:** Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2026.
- **VIN lookup timing:** Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 14, 2026.
- **Manufacturer contact:** Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
- **Manufacturer recall reference:** 26S65

**Official record**

- **NHTSA recall ID:** 26V581000
- **Vehicles listed:** FORD EXPLORER (2026)
- **Potentially affected:** 7
- **Components:** AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- **Report received:** September 9, 2026
- **Owner notification:** September 16, 2026
- **Defect:** Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.
- **Safety consequence:** An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S65. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 14, 2026.

## What owners should do next

Use the official record to review the campaign details, and contact Ford or an authorized dealer regarding the specified repair.

A headline cannot confirm whether a particular vehicle is affected. Use the [official NHTSA recall lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) with the vehicle identification number and contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer for vehicle-specific guidance.

## Related RecallWire reporting

- [2026 Ford engine recall: piston failure can cut drive power](/articles/safety-recall-26v548000/)
- [Vehicle Recall Briefing: August 28, 2026](/articles/weekly-recall-briefing-2026-08-28/)

## Sources

- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Safety Recall Report: Campaign 26V581000. Report received 2026-09-09.

---

Source: RecallWire
Canonical URL: https://recallwire.news/articles/safety-recall-26v581000/