NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ford Explorer Hev Safety Ratings
The 2026 Ford Explorer Hev scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Ford Explorer HEV presents a notably solid federal safety picture for shoppers, with a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating. This model year carries a clean recall record and zero reported complaints. It earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, placing it in the Strong band.
The 2026 Ford Explorer HEV received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100 based on NHTSA federal safety 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 Hev ranks 70 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 | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 70 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Ford Explorer Hev?
A perfect defect record and top-tier crash protection scores define the 2026 Ford Explorer HEV in the federal safety data. This model year registered zero recalls and zero owner complaints, contributing 20 out of 20 points to its defect record sub-score. Its crash protection sub-score reached 66 out of a possible 70 points. The overall Safety Index for the 2026 Explorer HEV stands at 88/100. The primary factor preventing a higher overall Safety Index is the vehicle's crash avoidance technology. Its avoidance technology sub-score is 2 out of 10, reflecting the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems in the NHTSA data. While electronic stability control is standard, this alone accounts for the minimal points awarded in this category. The rollover rating is four out of five stars, with a 15 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip result was clean, aligning with expectations for a four-wheel-drive SUV platform. No prior-year Safety Index is available for comparison. The data presents a strong safety profile for this model year, with the noted absence of advanced crash avoidance technologies as its most significant differentiator.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Ford Explorer Hev perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Ford Explorer HEV earned an overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes ratings for both frontal and side crash protection. Rollover resistance received a rating; the Explorer HEV demonstrated a 15 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. No crash-test categories for this model year remain unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21407
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 Hev have any recalls?
The 2026 Ford Explorer HEV has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no open safety defect investigations, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this model year at this time. Shoppers should still confirm their specific VIN remains clear before and after purchase.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Ford Explorer Hev?
NHTSA has received zero owner complaints for the 2026 Ford Explorer HEV. No crash, fire, injury, or death allegations have been reported. There are no top components flagged and no unverified consumer allegations of any kind on file for this model year.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Ford Explorer Hev?
A critical point for any consumer considering the purchase of this model year is the imperative to utilize NHTSA's VIN-specific recall lookup tool. This is particularly relevant for a current model year vehicle, as recall campaigns can be initiated post-sale. While no remedies are currently pending, the dynamic nature of recall status necessitates this vigilance both before and after any transaction.
- The 2026 Ford Explorer HEV scores a perfect 20/20 on the defect record component of the NHTSA Safety Index, reflecting zero NHTSA recall campaigns and zero owner complaints on file for this model year.
- NHTSA awarded this specific model year five stars in both frontal and side crash tests, with the only sub-five result being the four-star rollover rating tied to a 15 percent rollover risk figure.
- The avoidance technology sub-score of 2/10 is a year-specific data point: NHTSA records show neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning is present on this vehicle, limiting credit in that Index category.
- No prior-year Safety Index exists for comparison, meaning the 88/100 Strong band rating stands as a baseline rather than a movement, and future model years will be measured against this figure.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Ford Explorer Hev places
The 2026 Ford Explorer Hev qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Ford Explorer Hev safety questions
Was the 2026 Ford Explorer Hev crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Ford Explorer Hev, 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 Hev crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Ford Explorer Hev 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 Hev have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Ford Explorer Hev 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 Hev?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Ford Explorer Hev. 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 21407), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Explorer Hev 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 70 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.