GROUNDWORK — 26V581000: Active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly FORD EXPLORER: check the listed vehicles, the reported issue and the manufacturer remedy for 26V581000. Keep the official status and service answers in one private record. Campaign: 26V581000 Official record checked: 2026-10-19T20:36:31.582Z Official campaign: https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/campaignNumber?campaignNumber=26V581000 Official VIN lookup: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls LISTED VEHICLES (VIN confirmation required) 2026 FORD EXPLORER OFFICIAL REPORTED ISSUE Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly. OFFICIAL REPORTED CONSEQUENCE An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash. OFFICIAL REPORTED REMEDY Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S65. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 14, 2026. OWNER PREPARATION Use vehicle documents and existing service records. Leave airbag, belt and seat disassembly or deployment testing to the service provider. 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 26V581000 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 seating position or restraint component is included, and does the manufacturer give any interim occupancy instruction for this VIN? Compare the answer with the reported component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. Discussion status / answer: __________ 4. Which items in the reported replacement remedy for 26V581000 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: __________ 5. What dated document records the remedy performed under 26V581000, 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.