Recall 26V448 affects 288,314 2016-2019 Ford Explorer SUVs for loose roof rail covers. Detached covers create road hazards. Free repair once Ford opens it.
Ford is recalling 288,314 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles because the roof rail covers can come loose and detach from the vehicle. A detached cover can create a road hazard and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Ford opens the final remedy.
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What's wrong?
The roof rail cover on the 2016-2019 Ford Explorer is the long trim piece that sits along the roofline beside the roof rail. Its job is to cover and finish the roof rail area while staying locked to the body as air moves over the SUV. The cover depends on its clips, adhesive, and fasteners to hold it flat against the roof.
On affected Explorers, that hold can weaken. Some vehicles had earlier repairs where damaged clips were not replaced, or the epoxy was not placed in the correct spot, applied in the correct amount, or cured correctly. On plated covers, age, heat cycles, and wear can loosen the retention clips. Once the cover starts lifting, airflow can pull it farther away from the roof and it can detach while the SUV is moving.
The warning signs are increased wind noise, squeaks, or rattles near the roof. A visible gap or misalignment between the roof rail cover and the roofline is also a warning sign.
Who's affected?
VINs became searchable on July 16, 2026.
| 2016 Ford Explorer | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Explorer | body structure |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | body structure |
| 2019 Ford Explorer | body structure |
| Units affected | 288,314 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose roof rail cover can detach while driving, create a road hazard, and increase crash risk. Listen for new wind noise, squeaks, or rattles, and look for a gap or misalignment along the roofline. Call the dealer promptly if those signs appear. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once Ford opens it.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2019 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Watch for Ford's interim safety letter expected August 24, 2026, then the remedy letter Ford expects in September 2026.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer after the remedy opens to schedule the free roof rail cover inspection and repair for covers that loosen and detach.
- Reference recall number 26V448 and Ford recall 26S54 when you call the dealer.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions before the remedy letter arrives.
What happens at the repair
Ford has not opened the final dealer repair yet. Ford sent interim owner letters to explain the safety risk, and additional letters are planned once the remedy is available. When the repair opens, a Ford technician will inspect the roof rail covers and repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers as needed. Parts and labor will be free under the recall. Ford used its general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. Keep prior repair invoices and ask Ford customer service how to submit them for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 14, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 16, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| July 16, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 16, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 24, 2026 | Interim owner notification (planned) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V448?
Recall 26V448 covers 288,314 2016-2019 Ford Explorer SUVs whose roof rail covers can loosen and detach, creating a road hazard and increasing crash risk. Ford dealers will inspect the covers and repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or covers for free once the remedy opens.
What should I do if my 2016-2019 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 26V448. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask about recall 26S54. Ford says interim owner letters are expected on August 24, 2026, with the final repair expected in September 2026.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Ford says dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a roof rail cover detaching from the Explorer while driving. A loose cover can fall into traffic, create a road hazard, and increase crash risk. Ford's free dealer repair is meant to secure or replace the affected roof rail parts.
What if I bought my Ford Explorer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Explorer is included, then contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 26V448 or Ford recall 26S54.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V448000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V448 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V448000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on July 26, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →