2020–2026 Ford Explorer & 2020–2026 Lincoln Aviator recall: seat belt
⚠️ What's wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
💥 The risk
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
🔧 The fix
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 the fix free? Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)
- NHTSA campaign
- 26V159000
- Manufacturer recall #
- 26C18
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Vehicles affected
- 561
- Component
- SEAT BELTS
- Owner phone
- 1-866-436-7332
- NHTSA hotline
- 1-888-327-4236
- Owner letters mailed
- Mar 30, 2026
- Recall started by
- MFR