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NHTSA recall,

Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator (2020-2026)

Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles have improperly secured seat belt anchor bolts, which can increase injury risk in a crash.

Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice

What happened

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because the seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured. A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The recall affects 561 vehicles nationwide and was reported to NHTSA on March 17, 2026.

Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026.

More seat belt defect recalls

What to do

If you own a vehicle in this recall:

  1. Check your VIN (vehicle identification number) at nhtsa.gov/recalls. VINs are searchable from March 19, 2026.
  2. Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge.
  3. You may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
  4. Look for the owner letter. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026.

What you get Free repair

Full text from NHTSA

Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.

Is your Ford affected?

2 models

These models and years may be affected.

  • ExplorerFord, model years 2020 to 2026
  • AviatorLincoln, model years 2020 to 2026

Your VIN confirms it. Find the 17-character VIN on the driver's side of the dashboard or on your registration card.

Check your VIN on nhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)

Recall details

Reported to NHTSA
Sold in
Nationwide
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Component
Seat belt defect
Campaign
26V159000
Vehicles affected
561
Repair cost
Free of charge
Owner letters mailed
Manufacturer's recall number
26C18
Manufacturer phone
1-866-436-7332

All recalls from Ford Motor Company

Timeline

  1. Reported to NHTSA

  2. Listed on Recall Canary

  3. Summary updated

Other seat belt defect recalls

See all: Other seat belt defect recalls

Summary by Recall Canary, written with AI · summary updated Oct 2, 2026 · primary source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (opens in a new tab)