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Ford Recalls Lincoln Aviator & Explorer SUVs Over Second-Row Seat Defect
A new Ford safety recall is drawing attention after the automaker expanded an earlier campaign involving the second-row seats in hundreds of thousands of Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs. The issue centers on a faulty easy-entry seat mechanism that can cause second-row seats to unlatch, fold, or slide unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall now affects approximately 387,900 vehicles, including certain 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2026 Ford Explorer models. The latest action expands Ford's previous 2025 recall after the company determined that additional vehicles could experience the same defect.
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What Caused the Recall?
The problem stems from the easy-entry switch used to provide access to the third row. Investigators found that the switch can bind or stick, causing the second-row outer seat to release unexpectedly. If this happens while driving, the seat may unlatch, tip forward, or slide without warning.
Ford previously addressed a similar issue in 2025, but additional engineering analysis found that the affected population was larger than initially believed, prompting the expanded recall.
Affected Vehicles
The recall covers:
- 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator SUVs
- 2020-2026 Ford Explorer SUVs
Owners should note that not every vehicle within those model years is included. Eligibility depends on the vehicle's production date and VIN. Ford has made affected VINs searchable through the NHTSA database and its own recall lookup system.
What Ford Is Doing
Ford says dealerships will inspect the affected second-row seat assembly and replace the switch bezel if necessary, free of charge. The company expects to begin mailing interim owner notification letters on July 27, informing drivers about the safety risk while the final repair program is being prepared. A permanent remedy is expected to become available in January 2027, after which owners will receive another letter instructing them to schedule the repair.
What Owners Should Do Now
Drivers who own a Lincoln Aviator or Ford Explorer from the affected model years should check whether their vehicle is included by entering the VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup or Ford's official recall website. Even if the seat appears to function normally, owners should not ignore the recall notice, as the switch may deteriorate over time.
Until repairs are completed, drivers should remain alert for any unusual movement from the second-row seats and arrange for the free inspection as soon as their dealership begins performing the repair.
For more industry updates, visit our automotive news section.