NHTSA recall,
Ford Aviator and Explorer Vehicles
Aviator and Explorer vehicles have a second-row seat switch that may bind, causing seats to unlatch, tip, or slide unexpectedly.
Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice
What happened
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles because the switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The recall affects 387,911 vehicles nationwide and was reported to NHTSA on July 14, 2026.
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. This recall expands Recall 25V393.
What to do
If you own a vehicle in this recall:
- Check your VIN (vehicle identification number) at nhtsa.gov/recalls. VINs are searchable from July 16, 2026.
- 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. You may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
- Watch your mail. 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.
What you get Free repair
Full text from NHTSA
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.
Is your Ford affected?
2 models
These models and years may be affected.
- ExplorerFord, model years
- AviatorLincoln, model years
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 defect
- Campaign
- 26V451000
- Vehicles affected
- 387,911
- Repair cost
- Free of charge
- Owner letters mailed
- Manufacturer's recall number
- 26S52
- Manufacturer phone
- 1-866-436-7332
All recalls from Ford Motor Company
Timeline
Reported to NHTSA
Listed on Recall Canary
Summary updated
