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💥 Crash risk🩹 Injury riskNHTSA 26V451📅 Jul 15, 2026

2020–2027 Lincoln Aviator & 2020–2026 Ford Explorer recall: seats

⚠️ What's wrong

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

💥 The risk

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

🔧 The fix

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 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
26V451000
Manufacturer recall #
26S52
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected
387,911
Component
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Owner phone
1-866-436-7332
NHTSA hotline
1-888-327-4236
Owner letters mailed
Aug 21, 2026
Recall started by
MFR

Vehicles in this recall

Is your car affected? Recalls apply to specific VINs. Check my VIN

FAQ

Is the 26V451 recall repair 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.)

Which vehicles are included in recall 26V451?

2020–2027 Lincoln Aviator & 2020–2026 Ford Explorer. 387,911 vehicles may be affected. Check your exact car with its 17-character VIN.

What should I do?

Check your VIN, then call any authorized Ford dealer to book the free repair or call the manufacturer at 1-866-436-7332.