Ford recalls 2026 Explorer SUVs over engine defect

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for six 2026 Ford Explorer SUVs equipped with 2.3-liter EcoBoost engines due to a potential defect in the connecting rod bearings. The issue was traced to a specific 30-minute production window at the Dearborn Engine Plant.

According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defective bearings could seize, leading to engine failure, sudden loss of drive power, or a breach of the engine block. Such a breach could result in oil leaks, increasing the risk of a fire.

Ford intends to replace the engine long blocks for the affected vehicles free of charge. While the number of vehicles impacted is exceptionally small, the company is notifying owners to address the potential safety risks of engine seizure and power loss.