Skip to main content

NHTSA recall,

Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Vehicles

The HVAC system may fail, causing the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative, which can decrease visibility and increase crash risk.

Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice

What happened

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative. An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall affects 55 vehicles nationwide. The issue was reported to NHTSA on March 31, 2026. Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026.

More driver visibility 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 April 3, 2026.
  2. Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge.
  3. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. You may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S22. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 3, 2026.
  4. Look for the owner letter. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026.

What you get Free repair

Full text from NHTSA

Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S22. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 3, 2026.

Is your Ford affected?

2 models

These models and years may be affected.

Model years
2026

Ford

  • Explorer

Lincoln

  • Aviator

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
Driver visibility defect
Campaign
26V202000
Vehicles affected
55
Repair cost
Free of charge
Owner letters mailed
Manufacturer's recall number
26S22
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 driver visibility defect recalls

See all: Other driver visibility defect recalls

Summary by Recall Canary, written with AI · summary updated Oct 3, 2026 · primary source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (opens in a new tab)