Ford Warns of Piston Problem in 10,000 Vehicles
» Posted October 9, 2026 • Resources | Share This Post
Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 10,000 vehicles across five different model lines, citing pistons that could crack.
The defect could cause engine failure, Ford said in a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It impacts new vehicles spanning Bronco, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Mustang and Ranger models built between mid-February and late April 2026.
“Affected vehicles’ engines may experience failed piston domes resulting from a crater crack at the pistons’ Nickle-resistant (Ni-Ring) insert and aluminum interface,” Ford said in the recall notice.
That is a problem for anyone in the cars or sharing the road with them.
“Failure of the piston dome may lead to a loss of motive power,” Ford said. “A loss of motive power increases the risk of a crash.”
The automaker initially detected the problem during testing in a Chicago assembly plant. The company said it traced the defect to a lock nut loosened on a machining tool at piston supplier Dong Yang Piston's Mexico facility. Ford said it found at least 38 examples of engine failures in testing and received 13 more filed reports that could be related to the defect. The company said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the defect.
Ford initially planned to notify owners of recalled cars by September 11, but the company said a fix may not be ready until December. Ford drivers can also check the NHTSA website to see whether their cars are covered by the recall.
“Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have their engine inspected for potential cracked pistons,” Ford said. “Vehicles that do not pass the inspection will have their engine long block replaced.”
The California lemon law gives Ford drivers in the Golden State some valuable rights and protections when it comes to defective and malfunctioning vehicles. You don't necessarily need to wait for the company to issue a formal recall to force it to fix your car.
The lemon law, known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, generally requires Ford and other carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back covered vehicles that they are not able - or flat-out refuse - to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, along with financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.
No specific number of repair requests or attempts must occur before the buyback or replacement requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.
Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.
