Ford Recall 26V-451: Seats – mid/rear assembly

Affected: 2020–2026 Ford Explorer, 2020–2027 Lincoln Aviator. Filed with NHTSA on July 14, 2026, covering about 387,911 vehicles.

The problem

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.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign26V-451 (26V451000)
Manufacturer number26S52
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
ComponentSeats › Mid/rear assembly
Report dateJuly 14, 2026
Owners notifiedAugust 21, 2026
Vehicles affected387,911
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the seats

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 26V-451 repair free?

Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 387,911 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.