NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ford Explorer Gas Safety Ratings
The 2026 Ford Explorer Gas scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 15 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Ford Explorer Gas achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band for overall safety performance. This rating is significantly bolstered by a clean recall record for the model year and near-perfect scores in federal crash testing. However, a notable gap exists in its assessment: NHTSA did not publish ratings for the Explorer Gas's crash avoidance technologies. This absence of data in a key safety area should be a consideration for prospective buyers.
The 2026 Ford Explorer Gas received a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, sourced entirely from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas ranks 69 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 15 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 69 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas?
The 2026 Ford Explorer Gas launches with no recalls on its record, a rare achievement for a new model year. This contributes to an overall Safety Index of 88 out of 100, bolstered significantly by a robust crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70. Federal crash tests confirm the vehicle's structural integrity. The Explorer Gas earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars for frontal impact and 5 stars for side impact. The rollover assessment shows a 4-star rating and a 15 percent rollover risk. The most notable area for improvement in the 2026 Explorer Gas's safety profile is its avoidance technology, which scored only 2 out of 10. The omission of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems on this configuration is a significant factor in this low score. While modest for a new model, the 15 owner complaints, including two each for forward collision avoidance and lane departure issues, will be tracked for emerging patterns.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Ford Explorer Gas achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating robust performance in crash protection. This rating is underpinned by perfect 5-star scores for both frontal and side impact tests. While strong, the rollover assessment presents a slightly softer result: 4 out of 5 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 15 percent. The vehicle did not tip in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21405
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas have any recalls?
The 2026 Ford Explorer Gas has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA for this model year. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisories have been issued. Because this is a current-model-year vehicle, shoppers should recheck the NHTSA VIN lookup tool periodically, as campaigns can be added at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas?
NHTSA has logged 15 unverified consumer complaints against the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System and Engine, each with 4 reported allegations, followed by Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Departure systems, each with 2. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
15 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas?
For the current model year, no recalls have been issued. The immediate VIN-check risk remains low, though safety-conscious consumers should still consult the NHTSA VIN lookup before purchasing and again before delivery, as recall campaigns for new models can be filed at any point during their sales cycle.
- The 2026 Ford Explorer Gas is the first model year in the MotorCaliber database for this generation, meaning no year-over-year Safety Index movement can yet be measured.
- NHTSA awarded this specific model year a 5-star frontal and 5-star side crash rating, with a 4-star rollover rating and a 15 percent rollover risk figure recorded for this configuration.
- The avoidance-technology sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this trim and drivetrain combination, which is the primary drag on an otherwise high Index.
- Fifteen unverified consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with alleged issues concentrated in the Electrical System and Engine categories, making those areas worth asking about during a pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas places
The 2026 Ford Explorer Gas qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Ford Explorer Gas safety questions
Was the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 15 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Ford Explorer Gas. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21405), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Explorer Gas 2026.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 69 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.