Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Recall
Areazine synthesizes this NHTSA vehicle recall directly from NHTSA's official public data feed. See our methodology for full source attribution and refresh cadence.
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles because the second-row seat switch may bind or stick.
What this NHTSA vehicle recall tells you, and what most readers miss
This notice was issued by NHTSA on August 5, 2026 and geographically references United States. Its severity classification of "medium" signals how the issuing agency weighs the risk of harm if no action is taken - "critical" and "high" tier alerts typically carry direct consumer actions, while "medium" and "low" tend toward informational guidance or monitoring advisories. The category it belongs to - Vehicle Recalls - determines the consumer-protection framework behind it, which shapes what remedies (refunds, replacements, repairs, or the recall itself) are available to affected consumers and which agency holds statutory responsibility for enforcement.
Most readers skim a notice like this, check whether they are personally affected, and move on. The more useful lens is to verify its scope, source, and timestamp, then compare related notices without assuming that one record proves a broader trend.
Areazine pairs this record with the original agency URL so you can check the primary source before acting. Its related labels are recall, product-safety, nhtsa, Vehicle.
What Happened
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.
Which Products Are Affected
This recall affects certain 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2026 Ford Explorer vehicles, with 387,911 units potentially impacted. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Ford's recall number is 26S52 and the NHTSA campaign number is 26V451000.
What You Should Do
Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Why This Matters
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Source
NHTSA Campaign 26V451000 - Ford Motor Company
Original source: NHTSA Official Notice ↗
Related Vehicle Recalls
All Vehicle Recalls →Nationwide notices with similar length or severity timing 8
Two Areazine-derived peer sets for this NHTSA vehicle recall: nearest notices by body length and by same severity near the same agency date. Peers come from other categories so they are not the same-feed Related list above.
Similar body length
Nearest notices by article body length (1,105 characters here).
Similar severity timing
Same severity (medium) notices issued closest in time to August 5, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this NHTSA vehicle recall.