2025-2027 Ford Explorer, 2025-2027 Lincoln Aviator recall: Driver's Seat May Recline Unexpectedly
Report received by NHTSA: July 21, 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 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
- The risk
Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
- Who's affected
76,748 vehicles potentially affected, according to NHTSA. Models: 2025-2027 Ford Explorer, 2025-2027 Lincoln Aviator.
- 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
613 earlier NHTSA recalls by Ford Motor Company since Nov. 1, 2016; the 5 most recent:
- July 20, 2026 2021-2026 Ford Bronco recall: Engine Compartment Fire
- July 14, 2026 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2026 Ford Explorer recall: Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly
- 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
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- What to do and when
Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.
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 2025-2027
- Lincoln Aviator 2025-2027
The record as NHTSA published it
| NHTSA recall number | 26V470000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Recall type | Vehicle |
| Component | SEATS |
| Report received by NHTSA | July 21, 2026 |
| Potentially affected | 76,748 vehicles |
| Manufacturer's recall number | 26S53 |
| “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