If you drive an Explorer or Aviator, check this second-row seat recall

Second-row “easy entry” seats make it simpler to climb into the third row. According to NHTSA, that convenience feature is the focus of campaign 26V451 on certain Ford Explorers and Lincoln Aviators: a switch that can stick and leave a seat free to move when it should stay locked.

What happened

Ford Motor Company notified NHTSA of a safety recall covering certain 2020–2026 Ford Explorer and 2020–2027 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. NHTSA’s acknowledgment letter (campaign 26V451, manufacturer recall 26S52) describes the problem: the switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, so seats can unlatch, tip, or slide unexpectedly.

The stated consequence is straightforward: a seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing injury risk. About 387,911 vehicles are potentially affected.

According to NHTSA’s public materials, dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as needed, free of charge. Interim owner letters explaining the risk were expected around late July 2026, with remedy availability anticipated around January 2027 (phased by model/year). Ford’s customer service line listed on the notice is 1-866-436-7332. This campaign expands earlier recall 25V393. VINs involved became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

Who is affected

Owners and lessees of:

• Ford Explorer, model years 2020–2026
• Lincoln Aviator, model years 2020–2027

Not every vehicle in those years is included—only those with the affected easy-entry seat configuration. VIN lookup is the reliable check.

What to do

1. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (or use NHTSA’s SaferCar tools) and confirm whether 26V451 / 26S52 applies.
2. Read any mail from Ford or Lincoln about the interim notice and the later remedy appointment.
3. When parts/remedy are available for your vehicle, schedule the free dealer inspection and bezel replacement.
4. Until repaired, be aware that second-row outer seats may move unexpectedly; ensure passengers, especially children, are properly restrained and that seats latch fully after using easy-entry.

Owners may also contact NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171).

NHTSA emphasizes that open safety recalls are repaired at no charge under federal rules once the manufacturer’s remedy is available. Interim letters explain the risk before parts arrive; that gap is normal for phased campaigns. Keep the letter with your glove-box papers and re-check your VIN periodically until the campaign shows completed.

Source

Primary source: NHTSA acknowledgment — campaign 26V451 (PDF). Also see NHTSA recalls lookup.

This brief is a plain-English digest of a public government notice. It is not medical or legal advice. Verify details on the linked official page before acting.

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