Ford has recalled 10,001 vehicles across five 2026 model-year nameplates equipped with EcoBoost turbocharged engines after improperly manufactured pistons were found capable of causing an unexpected loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford is aware of 51 engine failures that could be related to the condition, which may require replacement of the engine long block. The affected vehicles include the Bronco, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Mustang and Ranger.
Ford Piston Failure Recall: Affected Models and Engines
- Model years affected: 2026
- Models affected: Bronco, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Mustang, Ranger
- Total units affected: 10,001
- Key cause: Improperly manufactured engine piston domes
- Warning signs: Loss of drive power, illuminated Check Engine Light, engine noise, misfire
The recall report was published on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website and details a problem involving incorrectly manufactured engine piston domes.
“The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power,” the report states.
The issue affects the 1.5-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine in the Bronco Sport. All other affected models are equipped with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine.
Ford Aware of 51 Engine Failures
As of August 12, 2026, Ford was aware of 38 engine failures at Ford Plants and another 13 failures in the field, for a total of 51 potential failures connected to the condition.
The automaker is not currently aware of any accidents or injuries linked to the issue.
What Affected Owners Should Do
Ford will initially notify owners about the safety risk by September 4, 2026. Those interim letters will be followed by a second owner notification once a recall remedy becomes available, which is expected in December 2026.
Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block if required. The repairs will be performed at no charge to customers.
Ford’s recall number for the engine issue is 26S61, and owners can contact Ford customer care at 1-866-436-7332 for additional information. Vehicle identification numbers for impacted models became searchable on the NHTSA’s website on August 28, 2026.
Not Ford’s First EcoBoost Engine Issue
Ford’s EcoBoost family of turbocharged engines is known for low emissions, strong performance and efficiency and includes engines ranging from small three-cylinder units to 3.5L V6 variants. However, the engine family has faced several issues since the first units entered production in the late 2000s.
Notable problems have included wet timing belts that could fail prematurely in older 1.0-liter three-cylinder engines used in the Focus and Fiesta. Coolant intrusion and blown head gaskets also affected larger 1.5L, 1.6L and 2.0L versions.
More recently, a small number of Explorer SUVs equipped with the 2.3-liter engine were recalled over connecting rod bearings that could fail. In June, another batch of 2.3L EcoBoost engines was recalled because camshaft roller finger followers may have been improperly installed, potentially leading to engine failure.
Complex Designs and High-Stress Components
EcoBoost engines use complex designs and internal components that operate under high stress to deliver strong power output and efficiency. That does not mean they are incapable of achieving high mileage with careful maintenance.
For the latest recall, Ford will notify affected owners of the safety risk before providing a follow-up notice when the remedy is available, while dealers prepare to inspect affected engines and replace long blocks when necessary.
