GROUNDWORK — 26V205000: Engine and transmission recall for FORD EXPLORER / FORD MUSTANG FORD EXPLORER / FORD MUSTANG: check the listed vehicles, the reported issue and the manufacturer remedy for 26V205000. Keep the official status and service answers in one private record. Campaign: 26V205000 Official record checked: 2026-10-19T20:36:55.020Z Official campaign: https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/campaignNumber?campaignNumber=26V205000 Official VIN lookup: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls LISTED VEHICLES (VIN confirmation required) 2026 FORD EXPLORER 2026 FORD MUSTANG OFFICIAL REPORTED ISSUE 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. OFFICIAL REPORTED CONSEQUENCE An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. OFFICIAL REPORTED 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. OWNER PREPARATION Record an existing symptom and its date. Do not reproduce a loss of power, stall or transmission fault in traffic. REMEDY TIMING IN THE DATED SOURCE Confirm current remedy arrangements The source does not explicitly establish current remedy availability. Ask the manufacturer about the applicable remedy, required parts or software, appointment arrangements and any interim instructions. Current availability for your VIN: unconfirmed. YOUR SERVICE QUESTIONS 1. Does the manufacturer confirm that campaign 26V205000 applies to this VIN, including the report’s equipment and production restrictions? A matching model and year is only a starting point. The official lookup or manufacturer must establish the individual vehicle’s status. Discussion status / answer: __________ 2. What remedy, required parts or software, and appointment arrangements are currently available for this VIN, and which interim instructions apply? The source does not explicitly establish current remedy availability. Ask the manufacturer about the applicable remedy, required parts or software, appointment arrangements and any interim instructions. Discussion status / answer: __________ 3. Which engine or transmission component is covered, and does an existing drivability problem need separate diagnosis? Compare the answer with the reported component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL. Discussion status / answer: __________ 4. If an inspection determines which work is needed, what was inspected, what was found, and which corrective work followed? Ask for the inspection result as well as the final action. A parts list alone may not describe an inspection-based remedy. Discussion status / answer: __________ 5. Which items in the reported replacement remedy for 26V205000 were replaced, and are they identified on the work order? Keep the replaced items and the campaign number together so that a later visit can distinguish recall work from other repairs. Discussion status / answer: __________ 6. What dated document records the remedy performed under 26V205000, and what should I do if the reported concern remains? Keep campaign completion and unresolved symptoms as separate questions. A saved worksheet or booked appointment does not establish a repair. Discussion status / answer: __________ OFFICIAL LOOKUP DECISIONS Not checked or unavailable: eligibility remains unconfirmed; use the official lookup or manufacturer. Campaign listed as open: confirm current instructions, availability and remedy arrangements. Campaign not listed as open: reconcile repair history and lookup coverage with the manufacturer if needed. A zero-open result does not diagnose symptoms. Work order records completed recall work: keep the exact campaign and dated remedy record; report unresolved symptoms separately. YOUR RECORD Check date: __________ Official lookup result: __________ Service arrangement: __________ Existing observation: __________ Questions and work-order notes (no VIN or plate needed): __________ LOOKUP LIMITS A model/year match does not establish VIN eligibility. The official lookup may omit completed recalls, some recent campaigns or recalls outside its coverage. The listed defect does not prove the cause of a symptom on your vehicle. This guide supports owner preparation and does not provide a repair procedure.