Incorrectly installed piston circlips
Defect Summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2026 explorer and mustang vehicles. The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to a loss of drive power.
Safety Consequence
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 10, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s23. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on nhtsa.gov on april 2, 2026.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Engine And Engine Cooling.
FAQ: Recall 26V205000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 26V205000?
NHTSA recall 26V205000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on March 31, 2026. It addresses: Incorrectly installed piston circlips. The recall affects approximately 278 vehicles, with the defect involving the Engine And Engine Cooling component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 26V205000 or the manufacturer campaign number 26S23. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-20. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.