Ford Motor Company: Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly (2020 FORD EXPLORER, 2020 LINCOLN AVIATOR, 2021 FORD EXPLORER…)

Company / brand

Ford Motor Company

Product

2020 FORD EXPLORER; 2020 LINCOLN AVIATOR; 2021 FORD EXPLORER; 2021 LINCOLN AVIATOR; 2022 FORD EXPLORER; 2022 LINCOLN AVIATOR; 2023 FORD EXPLORER; 2023 LINCOLN AVIATOR; 2024 FORD EXPLORER; 2024 LINCOLN AVIATOR; 2025 FORD EXPLORER; 2025 LINCOLN AVIATOR; 2026 FORD EXPLORER; 2026 LINCOLN AVIATOR; 2027 LINCOLN AVIATOR

Reason / hazard

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

What to do (remedy)

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.

Distribution / sold at

Potentially affected: 387911

Defect

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.

Component

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

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