2016–2019 Ford Explorer Recall: Roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle
NHTSA campaign 26V448000 · Structure · filed Jul 14, 2026 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
The risk
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed August 24, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Ford Explorer recalls
- 2026–2027 Ford Explorer and 1 other model — An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally…
- 2020–2026 Ford Explorer and 1 other model — Switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind…
- 2018–2021 Ford Expedition and 4 other models — Transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in…
- 2024 Ford Explorer — An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may…
- 2025–2026 Ford Bronco and 2 other models — Engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power
Other campaigns involving Ford vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 26V448000 (manufacturer number 26S54). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.