Recall 26V343 covers 1,536 2025-2026 Ford Bronco, Ranger, and Explorer vehicles for engine failure. Free repair once Ford opens it.
Ford is recalling 1,536 2025-2026 Bronco, Ranger, and Explorer vehicles under recall 26V343 because the engine can fail and cause a sudden loss of drive power. That loss of power can increase crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Ford opens the final remedy.
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What's wrong?
The 2.3L engine in the 2025-2026 Ford Bronco, Ranger, and Explorer uses roller finger followers in the valvetrain. Each follower is a small lever between the camshaft and a valve stem. As the camshaft turns, the follower passes that motion to the valve so the engine can breathe at the right time.
On affected vehicles, a roller finger follower was dislodged during camshaft installation at engine assembly. If the follower is out of position, the valve does not move the way the engine control system expects. That condition can lead to engine noise, a low-volume engine leak, engine failure, and loss of drive power.
Owners can notice a ticking or tapping noise from the engine while it is running. A low-volume engine leak can also appear, and the check engine light can turn on in the instrument panel.
Who's affected?
Covers Bronco, Ranger, and Explorer across the 2025 and 2026 model years, all tied to the same engine long block component.
| 2025 Ford Bronco | Hard parts internal/mechanical |
|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Bronco | Hard parts internal/mechanical |
| 2025 Ford Ranger | Hard parts internal/mechanical |
| 2026 Ford Ranger | Hard parts internal/mechanical |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | Hard parts internal/mechanical |
| 2026 Ford Explorer | Hard parts internal/mechanical |
| Units affected | 1,536 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash because the vehicle can lose propulsion while moving. Watch for engine ticking or tapping, a low volume engine leak while the vehicle is running, or a check engine light. If you notice these signs, stop using the vehicle and call a Ford dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once Ford opens it.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025-2026 Ford Bronco, Ranger, or Explorer is included in this recall.
- Wait for Ford's interim letter, expected June 15, 2026, and the final repair letter anticipated in November 2026.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions and reference recall number 26V343 (Ford recall 26S35).
- Use the final repair letter to schedule the free engine long-block replacement that fixes the engine-failure defect once Ford opens the remedy.
- Drive cautiously until Ford provides final repair instructions, and pull over safely if the vehicle loses drive power.
What happens at the repair
Ford has not opened the final dealer repair yet. Until it does, Ford is sending interim letters about the safety risk, with additional letters planned once the remedy is ready. When the repair opens, a Ford technician will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Ford's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. Keep repair invoices and contact Ford customer service or ask the dealer service desk how to submit them.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 27, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 28, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| May 28, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 28, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 15, 2026 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V343?
Recall 26V343 covers 1,536 2025-2026 Ford Bronco, Ranger, and Explorer vehicles with an engine defect that can cause sudden loss of drive power. Ford dealers will replace the engine long block for free once the final remedy opens.
What should I do if my 2025-2026 Ford Bronco, Ranger, or Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V343. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for interim guidance under Ford recall 26S35. The engine long block replacement will be free once Ford opens the final repair.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to owners. For recall 26V343, Ford dealers will replace the engine long block free of charge once the final remedy is available.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is sudden loss of drive power, which can increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, ask the Ford dealer whether your vehicle has any interim driving guidance before the engine long block replacement is available.
When will Ford notify owners about this recall?
Ford expects to mail interim owner letters on June 15, 2026, to explain the safety risk. Ford expects to send additional letters when the engine long block replacement is available, anticipated in November 2026.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V343000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V343 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V343000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 4, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →