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Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator driver's seat reclines unexpectedly

NHTSA campaign 26V470000 · Reported 2026-07-21 · Ford Motor Company · medium severity what's this?

Affected vehicles

2025 Ford Explorer
2025 Lincoln Aviator

What's wrong, in plain English

On these SUVs, the driver's seat can tip backward on its own when nobody is sitting in it — for example, after you unlock or start the vehicle remotely. If someone is riding or sitting in the second row behind that seat, the seat back can move into them and pin them against their own seat. Until replacement parts are ready, the dealer will switch off the seat feature that causes it, then replace the seat motor later.

How serious is it?

The notice describes a risk of trapping and injuring a second-row passenger, not a crash risk, and Ford does not tell owners to stop driving, but avoid leaving anyone seated behind the empty driver's seat when using remote start or remote unlock.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your vehicle is covered by recall 26V470000 (Ford's number 26S53).
2. Contact your Ford or Lincoln dealer, or Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, to have the driver seat feature disabled now.
3. Return when the replacement motor is available — both visits are free of charge.

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

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

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:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
Safety risk: Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.