MODEL
Ford Explorer Gas Safety
NHTSA safety across every Ford Explorer Gas model year we cover.
Across the 1 model year of the Ford Explorer Gas we cover (2026 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 88 on the NHTSA Safety Index. No recalls are on record across those years.
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV aimed squarely at families who need versatile space without sacrificing a confident road presence. As one of the best-selling nameplates in its segment, the Explorer targets active households, road-trip regulars, and buyers who want a recognizable, full-featured American SUV with genuine practicality baked in from the ground up.
The 2026 Ford Explorer Gas launches with no recalls. Federal data for this model year shows zero recalls issued, a clean record complemented by a low volume of owner complaints, just 15 total, with no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported among them. These unverified allegations are few for a vehicle of its market presence. In federal crash testing, the Explorer earns a strong overall assessment. Its NHTSA Safety Index is 88 out of 100, placing it in our Strong band. This is a significant score for a three-row SUV, a category where vehicle size can present challenges in federal evaluations. The Explorer achieved a perfect score in both frontal and side crash tests. The rollover rating warrants attention for drivers who frequently perform rapid lane changes or emergency maneuvers at speed.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally find the 2026 Explorer to be a well-rounded midsize SUV with a comfortable, composed ride and a cabin that balances everyday practicality with a reasonably refined interior. Most praise its intuitive technology layout and strong road manners for the class, while some note that third-row access and cargo flexibility are areas where competing three-row alternatives push the conversation.
- The 2026 Explorer earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, which is one of the better results you will find among three-row midsize SUVs in federal testing.
- Perfect five-star scores in both frontal and side crash tests mean the Explorer performs at the top of the federal scale in the two collision types most likely to cause serious injury in real-world accidents.
- A four-star rollover rating is typical for vehicles in this class given their ride height, but shoppers should be aware that it represents a step down from the frontal and side scores, and active safety systems become an important complement to that number.
- Zero recalls have been issued for the 2026 model year as of our coverage period, and the 15 owner complaints on file include no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths, making this one of the cleaner complaint profiles in its segment right now.