Recall 26V024 affects 8 2026 Ford Explorer vehicles for improperly bonded windshields. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 8 2026 Explorer vehicles because the windshield was not properly bonded during manufacturing and can detach in a crash. If the windshield separates during a crash, the risk of injury increases; the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The windshield on the 2026 Ford Explorer is more than a pane of glass. It is bonded to the body with urethane adhesive, a strong seal that holds the glass to the windshield frame and helps keep the opening intact during a crash. The bond also keeps water and wind out of the cabin.
On affected Explorers, an equipment failure at the assembly plant left gaps in the urethane between the windshield glass and the frame. Ford found skipped adhesive after water leak testing and follow-up windshield checks at the plant. If the bond is incomplete, the windshield is not secured the way the federal windshield mounting rule requires. In a crash, the glass can detach from the vehicle instead of staying bonded to the frame.
Owners can notice increased wind noise or water leaks around the windshield. Those are warning signs that the windshield seal is not holding as designed.
Who's affected?
| 2026 Ford Explorer | visibility component |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 8 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2026 Ford Explorer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the windshield is not properly attached, it can detach in a crash and increase the risk of injury. Increased wind noise or water leaks are warning signs to take seriously. Confirm whether your VIN is included, then schedule service promptly and avoid delaying the repair. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2026 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to ask whether the free windshield removal and replacement is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the windshield replacement once Ford confirms service for your VIN; the repair fixes the improper bond that lets the windshield detach in a crash.
- Bring the Ford owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 26V024 when you call.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions and ask about Ford recall 26C02.
What happens at the repair
Ford has described the dealer repair: a Ford technician removes the windshield and installs a replacement windshield so it is properly bonded to the vehicle. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for related windshield work, Ford's standard reimbursement plan applies to documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork and proof of payment to the service desk when you discuss the recall repair.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 21, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 22, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| January 22, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 22, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 30, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V024?
Recall 26V024 covers 8 2026 Ford Explorer SUVs with windshields that were not properly bonded during manufacturing. In a crash, the windshield can detach and increase injury risk. Ford dealers will remove and replace the windshield for free.
What should I do if my 2026 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 26V024. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule windshield removal and replacement. Reference Ford recall number 26C02 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford will remove and replace the windshield free of charge at a franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is windshield detachment during a crash. Ford says the windshield was not properly bonded to the vehicle during manufacturing, and detachment in a crash can increase the risk of injury. Ford mailed owner letters on January 30, 2026.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V024000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V024 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V024000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Remedy Instructions (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →