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FORD EXPLORER recall: Passenger air bag vent malfunction

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.

RecallWire Safety DeskPublished · 3 min read
Ford Explorer 4x4 Limited 2026 (1).jpg
Ford Explorer 4x4 Limited 2026 (1).jpg — Captainmorlypogi1959; Own work; CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original source · License terms · Cropped, resized, and converted to WebP by RecallWire.
Official sources reviewed This article has moved through RecallWire’s source-review step. See the references below and use the official VIN lookup for vehicle-specific confirmation.

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 with the vehicle identification number and contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer for vehicle-specific guidance.

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Official references

Sources used for this report.

References checked October 11, 2026.

  1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Safety Recall Report: Campaign 26V581000. Report received September 9, 2026. Accessed October 11, 2026.

To check a specific vehicle, use the official NHTSA VIN recall lookup.

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