Ford makes the 57th recall of 2026 and recalls 288 SUVs for repair

Ford has announced its 57th recall of 2026, this time for 288,314 units of the Explorer SUV manufactured between 2016 and 2019. According to the report sent to NHTSA, the United States transit agency, longitudinal roof racks can loosen and detach from the vehicle.

The problem affects models with satin, chrome and painted finishes. As the part comes loose, the driver may notice increased aerodynamic noise, squeaks, creaks, and a visible gap between the bar and the roofline. The automaker claims to be aware of an alleged accident linked to the detachment of the part.

Part of the recalled cars had already undergone previous repair. According to the NHTSA, in some cases technicians failed to replace damaged retaining clips or applied the wrong amount of epoxy adhesive in the wrong locations under improper curing conditions. At dealerships, the definitive repair provides for the inspection of parts, the replacement of broken clips and the fixation with four push-pin plastic clamps.

The history of the case dates back to 2020, when Ford identified the problem and started offering extended warranty repair. The formal recall only came in April 2021. In March 2026, NHTSA’s defect investigation sector informed the automaker of 46 complaints from owners, including vehicles that had already been repaired.

The episode adds to a worrying sequence. In 2025, Ford recorded about 152 recalls, the highest number ever seen for a single automaker in a year, reaching close to 13 million vehicles. In 2026 alone, according to NHTSA data, there are already more than 50 campaigns and 11.2 million units affected. The company claims that the volume reflects a more rigorous strategy to find and fix flaws before they become bigger problems.