What Was Recalled?
Ford is recalling 288,314 Explorer SUVs in a safety campaign reported to NHTSA on July 14, 2026.
Ford Motor Company, based in Dearborn, Michigan, has been making vehicles since 1903.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
| Vehicle | Model years | Vehicles affected |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer | 2016-2019 | 288,314 |
The recall is NHTSA 26V448 / Ford 26S54. Ford estimates about 1% of the recalled SUVs have the defect.
Affected vehicles were built from September 19, 2014 through March 3, 2019.
Why Were They Recalled?
The roof rail covers can loosen over time and detach while the Explorer is moving. A loose cover can fall into traffic and increase the risk of a crash.
Warning signs can include extra wind noise, squeaks, rattles or a visible gap between the cover and the roof.
Ford is aware of one alleged accident involving a cover that detached from a vehicle previously repaired with epoxy or adhesive. No injuries have been reported.
What Should Owners Do?
- Check your VIN using the NHTSA or Ford recall lookup below.
- Contact a Ford or Lincoln dealer if recall 26S54 appears as open and ask whether the repair is available yet.
Refund, Replacement or Repair Information
Dealers will first check whether the roof rail covers already have the added push-pin fasteners used in Ford’s repair. If they do, no further work is needed.
If not, the dealer will replace damaged clips or covers as necessary and secure each side with four additional plastic push pins.
The repair is free.
Ford also says its general recall reimbursement plan applies. The filing does not give specific reimbursement rules for this campaign, so owners who already paid for a related repair should keep the invoice and ask Ford whether it qualifies.
For questions, contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Why Is Ford Recalling Some Explorers Again?
Ford has dealt with similar Explorer roof rail problems before through customer satisfaction program 20N11 and safety recall 21V316 / 21S22.
The 20N11 repair relied on epoxy or adhesive. Ford later found that the result could depend on how the repair was performed, including whether damaged clips were replaced and whether the adhesive was applied and cured correctly.
The 2021 recall used mechanical push pins on certain Explorers with painted roof rail covers. Ford says those repairs are holding as intended.
The new recall also addresses retention problems found in some satin or chrome-plated covers and in some vehicles repaired under 20N11.
When Will Owners Be Notified?
Ford plans to mail interim notices from August 24 through August 28, 2026, followed by final remedy notices from September 21 through September 25, 2026.
How to Check If Your Ford Explorer Is Included
Use the NHTSA recall lookup and enter your 17-character VIN.
You can also use Ford’s Recall and Service Action Lookup. Ford planned to make the affected VINs searchable starting July 16, 2026.
What If the Roof Rail Cover Caused Damage?
If a detached cover caused a crash, injury or property damage, keep repair records, photos and any related medical or insurance documents.
How to Report a Problem
You can report a vehicle safety problem through NHTSA’s Report a Safety Problem page.
Include your VIN, vehicle model and year, what happened and whether the incident caused a crash or injury. NHTSA also accepts vehicle safety complaints by phone at 1-888-327-4236.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the entire roof rack detaching?
No. The recall specifically concerns the exterior roof rail covers, not the entire roof rack.
Is there a Do Not Drive warning for this recall?
Ford’s NHTSA filing does not include a Do Not Drive instruction.
About This Page
RecallRefunds.com is a consumer information site. We are not a recall administrator, a law firm, a government agency or Ford. This page summarizes a public vehicle recall and is general information, not legal or automotive advice.