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VIN Check Engine
VIN REPORT

1FMWK8GC7TGA068732026 FORD ExplorerST

22of 100
Moderate Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
9
9 campaigns found
Safety Grade
D
69/100 composite
Complaints
None
Clean record
Vehicle Age
0 yrs
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
BUYPurchase Verdict

2026 FORD Explorer was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 9 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2026 FORD Explorer

2026 FORD Explorer was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 9 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase.

  • 9 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
  • Vehicle may qualify for lemon law protection based on recall and complaint pattern — consult an attorney
22
of 100
Moderate Risk
2 moderate risk signals detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
2 Contributing Risk Factors
9 model-wide recalls on record
+12
Vehicle may qualify as a lemon — repeat repair failures
+10
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
FORD
Model
Explorer
Year
2026
Trim / Series
ST
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
6-cyl 3L
Doors
4
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Assembly
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA)
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Assembly Plant Quality

Ford Chicago Assembly

B+Quality70/100
Good📍 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Produces Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator. Quality improved after 2020 launch issues.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

Overall Safety Grade
D
Score: 69/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety19/30
Complaint History30/30
Recall Risk Score
38/100Moderate
  • ▸Engine recall
Modern Safety Index
72/100
Comprehensive
14 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Forward Collision Warning
Lemon Law Risk Indicator
Elevated
  • ⚠3 recalls on same component: Visibility
  • ⚠3 recalls on same component: Engine/Powertrain

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking✓Standard
Pedestrian AEB✓Standard
Rear AEB✓Standard
Lane Departure Warning✓Standard
Lane Keep Assist✓Standard
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring✓Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert✓Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam✓Standard
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera✓Standard
Electronic Stability Control✓Standard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder✓Standard
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support✓Standard
Keyless Ignition✓Standard
Recalls9

NHTSA Safety Recalls

9 RECALLS
9found
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 9 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

9 of 9 recalls have a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.

22%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

FORD Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
89%Good

FORD completes recalls at a good rate (89%), averaging about 18 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~18 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
18mo
#25V730000
Invalid Date

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."
Read full details...
ConsequenceReduced visibility while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~35%

~65% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#25V828000
Jan 2025

ENGINE

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in engine seizure and loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~37%

~63% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#25V687000
Oct 2025

TRAILER HITCHES

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
Read full details...
ConsequenceWhile towing a trailer, loose trailer hitch bolts can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, or cause the trailer to detach. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~35%

~65% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#26V024000
Invalid Date

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Read full details...
ConsequenceIn the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~22%

~78% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#26V121000
Mar 2026

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Read full details...
ConsequenceA headlight that turns incorrectly can result in increased glare to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~22%

~78% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#26V159000
Invalid Date

SEAT BELTS

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~6%

~94% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#26V202000
Invalid Date

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~12%

~88% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#26V205000
Invalid Date

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer and Mustang vehicles. The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to a loss of drive power.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~14%

~86% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#26V343000
Invalid Date

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~14%

~86% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

Recall Age — How Long Open
ENGINE
1.4yr open
TRAILER HITCHES
248d open
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
104d open
First Recall
01/12/2025
9 total campaigns
Systems Recalled
VisibilityEngine/PowertrainElectricalSafety SystemsExterior/OtherHVAC
Recall Remedy Breakdown
7
Part Replacements
1
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
Lemon Law Eligibility
May Qualify

This vehicle shows 3 lemon law indicators. Eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service — consult a lemon law attorney.

Strong protection states: California, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts
Complaints

Component Failure Cascade Risk

Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures

HighDEF issue detected

▸ Engine derate or no-start condition — DEF system failure puts vehicle into limp mode limiting speed to 5mph

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$32,844
~$547/mo over 5 yrs
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$4,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$8,344

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $32,844 (~$547/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

9 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$4,500
Total recommended deduction−$4,500

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2026 FORD Explorer — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Inspect for def issue detected — ask for repair records
Engine derate or no-start condition — DEF system failure puts vehicle into limp mode limiting speed to 5mph
HIGH
Verify recall VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The wi
HIGH
Verify recall ENGINE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. The
HIGH
Verify recall TRAILER HITCHES has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hi
HIGH
Verify recall VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have
HIGH
Verify recall EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system softw
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

15%
18-month
28%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 28%

15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

  • ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Official FORD Maintenance Guide ↗Search Owner's Manual ↗

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Auction History

Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators

Searching Public Auction Records

Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 1FMWK8GC7TGA06873. Results appear automatically when found.

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$2,240–$2,850/yr
~$187–$238/mo
Liability Only
$570–$730/yr
~$48–$61/mo
Category: Full-Size SUV
▲ New / recent model year: +15% (high replacement cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History

Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

FORD has been fined $17M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data.

2015$17MFailure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN1FMWK8GC7TGA06873
Model Year2026
MakeFORD
ModelExplorer
TrimST
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
Drive Type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders6
Displacement (L)3

Manufacturer

ManufacturerFORD MOTOR COMPANY
Assembly CityCHICAGO
Assembly CountryUNITED STATES (USA)

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)1FM
Check Digit (Char 9)7
Model Year Code (Char 10)T
Plant Code (Char 11)G
Sequence (Chars 12–17)A06873

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count9
NHTSA Complaint Count0

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

1
1
F
2
M
3
W
4
K
5
8
6
G
7
C
8
7
9
T
10
G
11
A
12
0
13
6
14
8
15
7
16
3
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
1
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
F
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
M
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
WK8GC
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
7
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
T
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
G
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
A06873
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (1)
Model Year Character
"T" → 2026
Could also be 1996
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model
Reliability Scores
Year-by-year reliability ratings
Years to Avoid
Best & worst model years ranked
Common Problems
Owner complaints & known defects
All NHTSA Recalls
Complete recall campaign history
View all FORD VIN reports →← New Lookup

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 6/15/2026, 1:44:35 PM.