Ford / Lincoln recall: Seats
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
What could happen
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Vehicles covered
- Ford Explorer 2020–2026
- Lincoln Aviator 2020–2027
Facts
- NHTSA recall number
- 26V451000
- Type
- Vehicle
- Filed by
- Ford Motor Company
- Reported to NHTSA
- Jul 14, 2026
- Owners notified
- Aug 21, 2026
- Vehicles or items affected
- 387,911
- Started by
- The manufacturer
- Built
- –
- Part
- Seats › Mid/rear assembly
- Maker's own recall number
- 26S52
Other recalls for the same vehicles
- Ford / Lincoln recall: Seats Jul 21, 2026
- Ford / Lincoln recall: Power train Jun 24, 2026
- Ford / Lincoln recall: Visibility Mar 31, 2026
- Ford / Lincoln recall: Electrical system Mar 18, 2026
- Ford / Lincoln recall: Seat belts Mar 17, 2026
- Ford / Lincoln recall: Back over prevention Mar 3, 2026
To check one car, enter its 17-character VIN on the official NHTSA page: a recall may cover only some vehicles of a model year.
Recall data: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.