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More Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator second-row seats may move
Affected vehicles
What's wrong, in plain English
This is a wider version of an earlier recall and covers more model years. The button for the second-row outside easy-entry seats can stick or jam, so the seat may unlatch, tip, or slide when you do not expect it. A seat that moves on its own may not hold a passenger properly in a crash. Dealers will check the switch and replace the plastic ring around it if needed, free.
How serious is it?
It raises the chance of injury in a crash, but the notice does not tell owners to stop driving; note that parts are arriving in phases, so your repair may not be available yet.
What you should do
2. Watch for the follow-up letter telling you parts are ready (expected around January 2027), then book your dealer visit.
3. Ask the dealer for recall 26S52; the inspection and repair are free (Ford: 1-866-436-7332).
Who to contact
Ford — official Ford recall lookup
Customer service: 1-866-436-7332
Lincoln — official Lincoln recall lookup
Customer service: 1-866-436-7332
The bigger picture
- Ford seat recalls: loose seat backs and foldaway van seats · all 21 Ford recalls in this area
- Lincoln seat recalls: seats that shift, fold or recline · all 8 Lincoln recalls in this area
Official notice
- Component
- SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
- Summary
- 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.
- Safety risk
- A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- 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.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.