2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2026 Ford Explorer recall: Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly
Report received by NHTSA: July 14, 2026.
Built by the Tribune's code from NHTSA's official records. No AI wrote this page. Updated Nov. 4, 2026.
- What's recalled
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.
- The risk
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Who's affected
387,911 vehicles potentially affected, according to NHTSA. Models: 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2026 Ford Explorer.
- Compared with
Ford Motor Company has 84 NHTSA recalls in 2026 so far, compared with 153 in all of 2025.
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- Before this
611 earlier NHTSA recalls by Ford Motor Company since Nov. 1, 2016; the 5 most recent:
- July 14, 2026 2016-2019 Ford Explorer recall: Roof Rail Covers May Detach
- July 14, 2026 Ford Motor Company equipment recall: Trailer Brakes and Lighting May Be Lost/FMVSS 108
- June 30, 2026 2024-2026 Ford Mustang, 2025-2026 Ford Mustang GTD recall: Windshield Wiper and Washing System Malfunction
- June 30, 2026 2021-2023 Ford Mustang Mach E recall: Rear Differential Pinion Shaft May Fracture
- June 30, 2026 2024-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid, 2025-2027 Ford Explorer Hybrid recall: Missing Pedestrian Warning Sound
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- What to do and when
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.
NHTSA's record, word for word
- Check it yourself
NHTSA's VIN lookup shows whether a specific vehicle has an open recall.
Models in this recall
- Ford Explorer 2020-2026
- Lincoln Aviator 2020-2027
The record as NHTSA published it
| NHTSA recall number | 26V451000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Recall type | Vehicle |
| Component | SEATS |
| Report received by NHTSA | July 14, 2026 |
| Potentially affected | 387,911 vehicles |
| Manufacturer's recall number | 26S52 |
| “Do not drive” warning | No |
| Fire risk when parked (“park outside”) | No |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall records (public domain). NHTSA's record