Incorrectly Installed Piston Circlips
Ford Motor Company
Which vehicles may be affected?
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.
Potentially affected: 278
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What should owners do now?
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What NHTSA says
Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Consequence
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Is a fix available?
Call your dealership to schedule the repair. They can confirm whether the parts are in and order them if not.
Know someone who drives one of these vehicles? Share this recall.
Source
NHTSA campaign number: 26V205000
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V205000
Report date: March 31, 2026
Last updated: November 2, 2026
Recall information from NHTSA, shown as published. Car Czar is not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer.