A recall of 387,911 Ford Explorers and Lincoln Aviators for second row seats that may move without warning due to a faulty switch.
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.
Affected VINs should be searchable now at the NHTSA website.
Here is the relevant information from the NHTSA Recall notice:
NHTSA ID Number: 26V451
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: SEATS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 387,911
Estimated percentage with defect: 100%
Descriptive Information
Affected vehicles have a second-row seat easy entry seat tip and slide switch bezel that may become misaligned/unseated during customer usage. The recalled part was introduced into production in October 2018 and was taken out of production on 06/24/26. Ford’s team reviewed plant records to determine the population of affected vehicles.
160,391 Aviator vehicles are affected
227,520 Explorer vehicles are affected
These vehicles are not produced in VIN order. Information as to the applicability of this action to specific vehicles can best be obtained by either calling Ford’s toll-free line (1-866-436-7332) or by contacting a local Ford or Lincoln dealer who can obtain specific information regarding the vehicles from the Ford On-line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) database.
Description of defect or noncompliance:
On affected vehicles, it is possible that the easy entry seat tip and slide switch on second row outboard seats may intermittently bind or become stuck in the down position. This binding or sticking may result in the seat tipping, and/or sliding unexpectedly, potentially while driving.
Description of the safety risk, including crash, fire, death, injury:
A seat that unexpectedly tips or slides while driving could increase the risk of injury, particularly in a crash.
Description of the cause:
Specific root cause remains under investigation. Misalignment of the easy entry switch bezel due to incorrect seating may result in an interference condition between the bezel and the switch button resulting in intermittent sticking of the button or a stuck down button. Vehicles produced after the 25V393/25S67 recall population had proper bezel seating verified by the seat supplier and at the vehicle assembly plant. Vehicles repaired under recall 25V393/25S67 had proper bezel seating verified by the dealers. Bezels may become misaligned/unseated during customer usage based on analysis of field return parts and warranty claims, some of which cite broken bezel tabs.
Identification of any warning that can occur:
If the button is stuck in the down position, the customer may not be able to use the easy entry feature or return the seat to its normal position after using the easy entry feature.
Chronology
On June 6, 2025, Ford’s Field Review Committee approved Safety Field Service Action (FSA) 25S67 (25V393) to address the risk of unrequested tipping and sliding forward of second-row outboard seats while driving on certain 2020-2025 Model Year (MY) Explorer and Aviator vehicles equipped with the second-row easy entry feature. This unrequested movement was attributed to misalignment of the easy entry switch bezel due to incorrect installation at the Tier-1 seat supplier that could result in an interference condition between the bezel and the switch button, resulting in intermittent sticking of the button or a stuck down button. The 25S67 population included all vehicles with the easy entry feature assembled with seats produced prior to Tier-1 seat supplier implementation of workstation instructions for correct bezel installation and a 100% End of Line functional check for proper button operation. Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group’s (CCRG) review of field data and connected vehicle data at the time indicated the supplier’s containment actions to ensure proper bezel installation were effective in addressing the concern. The 25V393/25S67 remedy called for dealers to inspect the second-row seat easy entry switch bezel for correct installation, and replacement of damaged or missing bezels.
In late April 2026, the CCRG reviewed field data for vehicles produced subsequent to the 25V393/25S67 population with the above-described corrective actions in place and identified 5 reports of unrequested second-row seat movement while driving. On May 5, 2026, the CCRG opened a new investigation into this concern.
The CCRG’s review of a previously performed tolerance stack-up analysis confirmed the original investigation’s findings that a correctly installed bezel will not interfere with button operation. Field data for vehicles remedied under 25V393/25S67 were also reviewed. This review identified 4 reports of unrequested second-row seat movement while driving on previously remedied vehicles.
On July 7, 2026, Ford’s Field Review Committee (FRC) approved a new safety recall. This action expands upon the previous 25V393/25S67 population, incorporating both the original vehicles and those manufactured between the original recall end date and June 24, 2026—the date the original bezel was permanently removed from production.
As of June 16, 2026, the CCRG identified 14 total reports of unintended second-row seat movement while driving caused by a stuck button on vehicles included in this new action:
Eight (8) reports involved North American vehicles not covered under the original 25V393/25S67 recall.
Six (6) reports involved North American vehicles where the original 25V393/25S67 recall remedy had already been completed.
Ford is aware of one Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) related to this issue.
Ford is not aware of reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition.
Remedy
Description of Remedy
Remedy Type: Replace
Description of remedy program:
Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the second-row seat easy entry switch bezel and housing replaced with a revised design. There will be no charge for these services.
How remedy component differs from recalled component:
The remedy component switch bezels will have a higher retention force than the recalled switch bezel (part number LB5B-S67460-BD).
Description of recall schedule:
Notification to dealers is expected to occur on July 16, 2026. Mailing of owner notification letters is expected to begin July 27, 20216, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2026.
