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NHTSA recall,

Ford 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Vehicles

The driver's seat may recline unexpectedly, which can trap a second-row occupant and increase injury risk.

Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice

What happened

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles, including the Lincoln Aviator (2026-2027), because an unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start. Unexpected movement of the driver's seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury. The recall affects 76,748 vehicles nationwide and was reported to NHTSA on July 21, 2026.

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.

More seat defect recalls

What to do

If you own a vehicle in this recall:

  1. Check your VIN (vehicle identification number) at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  2. Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Free of charge.
  3. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. You may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
  4. Look for the owner letter. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026.

What you get Free repair

Full text from NHTSA

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.

Is your Lincoln affected?

2 models

These models and years may be affected.

  • ExplorerFord, model years 2025 to 2027
  • AviatorLincoln, model years 2025 to 2027

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
26V470000
Vehicles affected
76,748
Repair cost
Free of charge
Owner letters mailed
Manufacturer's recall number
26S53
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

More from Ford Motor

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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)