What Was Recalled?
Ford is recalling 387,911 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs in a safety campaign reported to NHTSA on July 14, 2026.
Ford Motor Company, based in Dearborn, Michigan, has been making vehicles since 1903.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
| Vehicle | Model years | Vehicles affected |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer | 2020-2026 | 227,520 |
| Lincoln Aviator | 2020-2027 | 160,391 |
The recall is NHTSA 26V451 / Ford 26S52. Ford estimates 100% of the recalled vehicles have the defect condition.
Affected Aviators were built from October 19, 2018 through June 24, 2026, while affected Explorers were built from October 20, 2018 through June 24, 2026.
Why Were They Recalled?
The easy-entry switch on an outboard second-row seat can bind or get stuck in the down position. When that happens, the seat may tip or slide unexpectedly, even while the SUV is moving, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford has not confirmed the exact root cause. The company says the trim around the switch can shift out of position and interfere with the button, causing it to stick.
As of June 16, 2026, Ford had identified 14 reports of second-row seats moving unexpectedly while driving because of a stuck button. Ford reports no accidents or injuries tied to the defect.
What Should Owners Do?
- Check your VIN using the NHTSA or Ford recall lookup below.
- Contact a Ford or Lincoln dealer if recall 26S52 appears as open and ask whether the revised repair is available yet.
Refund, Replacement or Repair Information
Dealers will replace the second-row easy-entry switch bezel and housing with a revised design. Ford says the new bezel is designed to stay in place more securely.
The repair is free.
Ford also says its general recall reimbursement plan applies. The filing does not give specific reimbursement rules for this campaign, so owners who already paid for a related repair should keep the invoice and ask Ford whether it qualifies.
For questions, contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Why Is Ford Recalling Some Vehicles Again?
This recall expands safety recall 25V393 / Ford 25S67, announced in 2025 for a similar second-row seat problem.
The earlier repair focused on inspecting the switch bezel, replacing it if it was damaged or missing, and checking that the switch worked properly.
Six of Ford’s 14 unintended-seat-movement reports involved SUVs that had already received the 2025 repair. Ford also found the problem in later-built vehicles, so the new campaign covers the earlier population plus additional vehicles built through June 24, 2026.
When Will Owners Be Notified?
Ford scheduled interim owner notices for July 27 through July 30, 2026. Final remedy notices are planned for January 5 through January 8, 2027.
How to Check If Your Ford or Lincoln Is Included
Use the NHTSA recall lookup and enter your 17-character VIN.
You can also use Ford’s Recall and Service Action Lookup. Ford planned to make the affected VINs searchable starting July 16, 2026.
What If the Seat Movement Caused an Injury?
If unexpected seat movement caused an injury or other damage, keep repair records, photos and any related medical or insurance documents.
How to Report a Problem
You can report a vehicle safety problem through NHTSA’s Report a Safety Problem page.
Include your VIN, vehicle model and year, what happened and whether the incident caused a crash or injury. NHTSA also accepts vehicle safety complaints by phone at 1-888-327-4236.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ford’s 100% defect estimate mean every recalled seat will move unexpectedly?
No. Ford’s filing estimates that 100% of the recall population has the defect condition, but that does not mean every vehicle will experience unintended seat movement. Ford had identified 14 reports of the seat moving unexpectedly while driving as of June 16, 2026.
What should I watch for before the seat moves unexpectedly?
Ford says the easy-entry button can stick in the down position. If that happens, the easy-entry feature may stop working normally or the seat may be difficult to return to its usual position.
Are all second-row seats affected?
The recall concerns the outboard second-row seats with the easy-entry tip-and-slide feature. Ford’s filing does not identify the center second-row seating position as part of this defect.
Does my Explorer or Aviator trim level tell me whether it is recalled?
No trim-level list is provided in Ford’s NHTSA filing. The safest way to confirm whether a specific Explorer or Aviator is included is to check its 17-character VIN.
About This Page
RecallRefunds.com is a consumer information site. We are not a recall administrator, a law firm, a government agency or Ford. This page summarizes a public vehicle recall and is general information, not legal or automotive advice.