Ford Recalls Nearly 388,000 Vehicles Over Second-Row Seat Injury Hazard
Ford Motor Company has announced a major safety recall affecting 387,911 SUVs in the United States after discovering a defect involving the second-row easy-entry seats. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue could allow the seats to tip, slide, or unlatch unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving, increasing the risk of occupant injury during a crash.
The recall impacts certain Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator models built between the 2020 and 2027 model years.
Which Ford Vehicles Are Being Recalled?
The recall affects the following vehicles:
- 2020–2026 Ford Explorer
- 2020–2027 Lincoln Aviator
In total, 387,911 vehicles are included in the campaign.
What Is the Problem?
The issue involves the easy-entry switch used to fold or move the second-row outer seats.
According to the NHTSA:
- The seat switch may bind or stick.
- This can cause the seat to unlatch unexpectedly.
- The seat may tip forward or slide while driving.
- During a crash, the seat may not properly restrain occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
Warning Signs Owners Should Watch For
Drivers may notice one or more of these symptoms:
- Second-row seat won't return to its normal position.
- Easy-entry button feels stuck.
- Seat unexpectedly moves or tilts.
- Difficulty operating the folding mechanism.
If any of these signs appear, owners should schedule a dealership inspection as soon as possible.
Has Anyone Been Injured?
Ford stated that it had received 14 reports of unintended second-row seat movement as of June 16, 2026.
Of those:
- 6 involved vehicles that had already received an earlier repair.
- 8 involved vehicles outside the previous recall campaign.
At the time of the announcement, Ford said it was not aware of any crashes or injuries related to this defect.
How Will Ford Fix the Problem?
Ford dealerships will:
- Inspect the affected vehicles.
- Replace the second-row easy-entry switch bezel and housing with an updated design.
- Perform all repairs free of charge for vehicle owners.
When Will Owners Be Notified?
According to recall information:
- Initial owner notification letters are expected to begin late July 2026.
- Additional notifications will follow once the updated replacement parts are widely available.
What Should Owners Do?
If you own a:
- 2020–2026 Ford Explorer
- 2020–2027 Lincoln Aviator
You should:
- Check whether your VIN is included in the recall.
- Contact your nearest Ford or Lincoln dealership.
- Schedule the free inspection and repair if your vehicle is affected.
- Avoid ignoring symptoms such as unexpected seat movement.
Prompt repairs help ensure the seat restraint system functions correctly in the event of an accident.
Why This Recall Matters
Seat systems are a critical part of vehicle safety. Even though the defect may appear minor, an unexpectedly moving seat can reduce occupant protection during a collision. Modern SUVs rely on properly secured seating positions to work effectively with seat belts and airbags.
Ford's latest recall highlights the importance of responding quickly to manufacturer safety notices and completing recall repairs as soon as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many vehicles are affected?
Approximately 387,911 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs are included in the recall.
Which models are included?
- Ford Explorer (2020–2026)
- Lincoln Aviator (2020–2027)
Is the repair free?
Yes. Ford dealerships will perform the recall repair at no cost to owners.
Has the defect caused injuries?
Ford has reported no known crashes or injuries linked to the issue at the time the recall was announced.