2018 Ford Explorer Recall: Structure (NHTSA 26V448000)

NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) issued a recall affecting 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. Below is the official summary, the risk involved, and the fix available at no cost.

Table of contents
  1. What does the official notice say?
  2. Risk if left unaddressed
  3. Manufacturer's fix (remedy)
  4. How to check if your vehicle is affected
  5. Frequently asked questions

What does the official notice say?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

Risk if left unaddressed

A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer's fix (remedy)

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.

How to check if your vehicle is affected

Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the official NHTSA lookup tool at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in this campaign (number 26V448000).

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA recall 26V448000?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

What happens if this recall isn't fixed?

A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Is the repair free, and how do I check my VIN?

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. Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in campaign 26V448000.

Source: public NHTSA data, campaign 26V448000, reported on 14/07/2026. This content is for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and was compiled from official data with editorial review prior to publication.

Recall Radar

Recall Radar is the editorial team behind RecallRadar, tracking official NHTSA vehicle recalls and translating them into clear, practical guidance — what's affected, what's the risk, and how to get the free fix. Every post is compiled from public NHTSA data and reviewed before publishing.

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