Ford recalls Explorer and Aviator SUVs with faulty seats

Ford recalls Explorer and Aviator SUVs with faulty seats

September 10, 2026 Aleksandra Snesareva ,

Dearborn, MI – September 10, 2026 – Ford (NYSE:F), which also owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 387,911 SUVs whose seats may move unexpectedly. The defect reduces the level of occupant protection in a crash, upping the risk of injury.

The following models are affected: 

  • 2020 – 2026 Ford Explorer
  • 2020 – 2027 Lincoln Aviator

This recall is both an expansion of and a replacement for a previous one conducted for the same issue in 2025.

Recall summary  

The second-row seats of the affected vehicles feature the so-called “easy entry” switch that allows them to be folded or slid forward when needed to provide access to the third row. The switch may “bind” or “stick,” which could result in the seats moving unexpectedly while driving. 

Recall risks

Seats that suddenly move could either injure occupants or fail to protect them in an accident.

Background of the recall

Some of the affected vehicles were already recalled in June 2025 with dealers replacing the switch and the decorative trim around it. After the recall was completed, Ford received several reports of both repaired cars and ones that were not originally included experiencing issues with the second-row seats. That eventually led to the present recall. 

No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

In July 2026, Ford recalled  10,700 F-150 pickups over faulty transmission, as reported.

Earlier that same month, Ford recalled 16,000 Bronco SUVs whose roofs would detach while driving, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the switch and the surrounding decorative trim free of charge.

The remedy is set to be available in January 2027.

When that happens, the owners will receive a letter inviting them to take the car to the nearest dealership.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford seat recall affects almost 388,000 SUVS. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaFord recalls Explorer and Aviator SUVs with faulty seats
Ford issues third recall for Fusion and Focus cars that can catch fire

Ford issues third recall for Fusion and Focus cars that can catch fire

August 18, 2026 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – August 18, 2026 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 5,252 hatchbacks and sedans over the risk of fire caused by a transmission fluid leak. The defect augments the risk of a crash and injury.

The following models are affected: 

  • 2015 – 2018 Ford Focus
  • 2013 – 2016 Ford Fusion  

These vehicles were already recalled over the same issue in March 2018 and November 2018, but the repairs were not performed. 

Recall summary

When the driver presses the clutch pedal, the clutch separates the transmission from the engine, allowing smooth gear changes. In the affected vehicles, the clutch may slip under load instead of fully engaging when the pedal is released.

Over time, this would create excessive friction and heat, causing a part of the clutch to crack or break apart. The pieces can subsequently breach transmission housing, resulting in a transmission fluid leak.

Recall risks

If the leaking transmission fluid comes in contact with the hot clutch components, it may ignite and set the vehicle on fire. 

For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please visit the following article.

Warning signs

Apart from the burning clutch smell and smoke, the driver may notice a drop in the vehicle performance. 

Background of the recall

Ford already addressed the clutch slippage by recalling a batch of Focuses and Fusions in March 2018, followed by an expanded recall in November 2018. On both occasions, the dealer inspected the clutch and, if needed, replaced it, while also updating the vehicle’s software to warn the driver if excessive clutch slippage occurs. 

The software update, however, was not successfully installed on all cars due to an internal issue.

Other Ford recalls

In May 2026, Ford expanded its loose front seat recall, affecting nearly 180,000 Bronco SUVs and Ranger pickups.    

In April 2026, more than 420,000 Fords and Lincolns were recalled over malfunctioning windshield wipers, also reported. 

The repair

The dealers will update the vehicle’s software free of charge. 

Notifications to the owners were set to be mailed between July 6, 2026 and July 10, 2026.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This repeated Ford fire recall affects more than 5,200 cars. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord issues third recall for Fusion and Focus cars that can catch fire
Ford issues repeat recall for F-150s over loss of control

Ford issues repeat recall for F-150s over loss of control

August 13, 2026 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – August 13, 2026 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 44,963 2014 Ford F-150 pickup trucks over loss of control caused by an “unexpected downshift” while the vehicles are in motion.

These trucks were already recalled over the same issue in June 2024, but the repairs were not performed successfully. 

Recall summary

An automatic transmission shifts gears depending on the engine load and traveling speed. In the affected trucks, the vehicle speed sensor may send inaccurate data, causing the transmission to shift into the first or the second gear even when traveling fast. When that happens, the driver may lose control of the vehicle.

Recall risks

The loss of control significantly raises the odds of a crash and injury to everyone involved.

Warning signs

An unexpected downshift may trigger a check engine light on the dashboard and, in some cases, prevent the transmission from returning to the correct gear. The issue can be resolved by restarting the vehicle.

Background of the recall

Ford originally recalled these trucks in June 2024 on the back of a U.S government investigation into its handling of similar recalls going back to 2016.

To fix the issue, dealers were set to update the transmission control module software to prevent the downshift. However, due to an internal issue, the update was not installed in all of the affected vehicles.

Other Ford recalls

In May 2026, Ford recalled nearly 1.4 million F-150 pickups over a similar transmission issue with a different root cause, as reported.

In April 2026, more than 420,000 Fords and Lincolns were recalled because their windshield wipers could have malfunctioned. 

The repair

The dealers will update the transmission control module software free of charge. 

Notifications to the owners will be mailed between July 6, 2026 and July 8, 2026.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 45,000 F-150 pickups are affected by this repeated Ford downshift recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord issues repeat recall for F-150s over loss of control
Ford recalls Mustangs over defective windshield washing system

Ford recalls Mustangs over defective windshield washing system  

August 11, 2026 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – August 11, 2026 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 67,842 sports cars whose wipers and the windshield washing system may not work correctly. This defect reduces the driver’s visibility, increasing the chances of a crash and injury. 

The following models are affected: 

  • 2024 – 2026 Ford Mustang 
  • 2025 – 2026 Ford Mustang GTD

Recall summary

When the driver pushes the stalk to engage the windshield wipers, the car’s control module turns them on by sending an electronic signal to their motor. 

In the affected vehicles, below-zero temperatures may result in a communication error, causing the wipers to only work on the highest setting.  Additionally, the washing system may not engage at all, rendering the wipers useless.

Recall risks

With the windshield wipers out of action, the driver may not see clearly out of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.    

Other Ford recalls

In April 2026, more than 420,000 Fords and Lincolns were recalled because their windshield wipers could have malfunctioned. This defect, however, was caused by a mechanical flaw as opposed to a computer error. 

In February 2026, Ford recalled more than 45,000 Mustang Mach-E sports cars over reduced visibility caused by faulty lights.

The repair

The dealers will replace the wiper motor free of charge. The remedy is set to become available in late March 2027. Once that occurs, owners will receive letters instructing them to take the vehicles to the nearest dealership.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford windshield wipers recall affects almost 68,000 Mustangs. To do a Mustang recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord recalls Mustangs over defective windshield washing system  
Ford issues second recall for F-150s with faulty transmission

Ford issues second recall for F-150s with faulty transmission  

July 30, 2026 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – July 30, 2026 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 10,742 2018 Ford F-150 pickups that may move in an unintended direction. This defect increases the risk of a crash and injury.

This is the newest in the ongoing string of Ford’s recalls of vehicles whose previous repairs were not performed successfully. 

It also comes on the heels of an agreement between the U.S. government and the manufacturer that requires the latter to take a closer look at previous recalls after failing to “prioritize the safety of the American public.”

Recall summary

In the affected trucks, the right gear selection may not get recognized by the vehicle software due to an error. This may cause the car to back up instead of moving forward.

Recall risks

A vehicle that shifts into the wrong gear may move in an unwanted direction and crash into surrounding pedestrians or objects. 

Background of the recall

Ford recalled more than 12,000 F-150 trucks in October 2017 to update their transmission control modules, which should have prevented wrongful gear selections. 

The said software update, however, was not completed on all of them due to an internal issue. 

Ford scrutiny

The recall also comes at a time when Ford is under increased scrutiny from the U.S. auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after entering into a so-called consent order in November 2024, as reported.

Under the terms of the order, the manufacturer is required to pay a hefty $165 million penalty for violating the federal safety standards and failing to provide “accurate and complete recall information.” As part of the agreement, Ford is to overhaul its “recall decision-making process,” up the “speed of its recall decisions,”  and reexamine previous recalls to ensure that they included all vehicles with the defect.

Other Ford recalls

In keeping up with the order, just earlier this month, Ford recalled over 255,000 Focus cars for stall issues that were supposed to be addressed back in 2018 but somehow fell through the cracks, as reported.

In June 2026, Ford recalled Fusion and Focus vehicles that were also incorrectly repaired in 2018 and could catch on fire.

The repair

The dealers will update the vehicle software free of charge. 

Notifications to the owners will be mailed between July 6, 2026 and July 10, 2026.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This repeated Ford transmission recall affects more than 10,700 cars. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord issues second recall for F-150s with faulty transmission  
Ford recalls Bronco SUVs over fly-away roofs

Ford recalls Bronco SUVs over fly-away roofs

July 20, 2026 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – July 20, 2026 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 16,200 2021-2022 Ford Bronco SUVs whose roofs may detach while driving. This would create a road hazard for other motorists, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Recall summary

The affected SUVs have a hardtop roof. Due to a manufacturing flaw, the roof’s outer layer may crack, causing sections of it to separate and fly off while driving. 

Recall risks

A detached roof segment may fall onto the road, where other drivers may crash while trying to avoid it. 

Warning signs 

Drivers may notice the roof’s surface has cracks or hear “increased wind noise” when driving fast. 

Other Ford recalls

In April 2026, Ford recalled more than 422,000 trucks and SUVs whose windshield wipers could have stopped working. 

In February 2026, nearly 117,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles were recalled over the risk of fire caused by a defective engine block heater. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the roof free of charge. 

Notifications to the owners will be mailed by November 5, 2026. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford hardtop roof recall affects more than 16,000 Bronco SUVs. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord recalls Bronco SUVs over fly-away roofs
Ford issues second recall for Focus cars over stall risk

Ford issues second recall for Focus cars over stall risk

July 7, 2026 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – July 7, 2026 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 255,404 2012-2018 Ford Focus compact cars that may stall while driving. This defect ups the chances of a crash and injury, especially in dense traffic. 

These vehicles were recalled over the same issue in October 2018, but the repair was not actually performed. 

Recall summary

Gas fumes from the fuel tank are vented into the engine through an evaporative emission control system that keeps them from escaping into the atmosphere. The fumes’ flow is controlled by a purge valve that opens and closes during its operation.

In the affected vehicles, the purge valve may get stuck open. This would lead to the vapors and air filtering into the engine, disrupting the fuel mixture and causing the engine to stall.

Recall risks

A stalled vehicle may be hit by other motorists, increasing the risk of injury. 

Warning signs 

Apart from the malfunction indicator light (MIL) on the dashboard, drivers may also notice inaccurate fuel level and range readings or experience drivability issues. 

Previous Ford stuck purge valve recall

In October 2018, Ford recalled 1.3 million Focuses to address the issue, as reported. The software update intended to solve the problem, however, was not performed on all vehicles, despite being marked as completed. 

Other Ford recalls

In May 2026, Ford recalled 1.4 million F-150 pickups over faulty transmissions, as reported.

In February 2026, over 45,000 Mustang Mach E cars were recalled due to reduced visibility caused by faulty lights, also as reported.

The repair

The dealers will update the vehicle’s software free of charge. The updated software is set to catch when the valve gets stuck open and prevent the stall.

Notifications to the owners will be mailed between July 6, 2026 and July 10, 2026.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford Focus stall recall affects more than a quarter of a million cars. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord issues second recall for Focus cars over stall risk
Ford recalls Expedition SUVs with sharp interior edges, injury risk

Ford recalls Expedition SUVs with sharp interior edges, injury risk 

July 2, 2026 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – July 2, 2026 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 548,463 2018-2024 Ford Expedition SUVs whose center consoles may cut and injure the car occupants.

Recall summary

The affected vehicles’ center consoles are covered with chrome plating to give them a more polished look. Due to a supplier error, the finish may bubble, peel and crack, creating sharp edges.

Recall risks

The edges may cut the driver and the passengers of the car.

In fact, Ford is aware of 65 injuries – mostly “hand or finger lacerations” –  as well as one consequent accident.

Background of the recall

In addition to the injuries and the accident, the recall comes on the heels of “34 customer call center reports, 150 field reports, and 4,634 warranty reports.” While most of the injuries were minor, some did require medical attention.

Other Ford recalls

In May 2026, Ford recalled nearly 180,000 Bronco SUVs whose front seats would become loose. 

In April 2026, more than 422,000 Ford and Lincoln trucks and SUVs were recalled over inoperable windshield wipers. 

The repair

The dealers will inspect and replace the console free of charge. The parts are currently not available.

They are expected to become available early next year, at which point owners will get letters inviting them to take their vehicles to the nearest dealership for repair.

Interim letters “notifying owners of the safety risk” were set to be mailed in mid-June 2026.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford center console recall affects more than half a million Expedition SUVs. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord recalls Expedition SUVs with sharp interior edges, injury risk 
Ford expands Bronco, Ranger recall for cars with loose seats

Ford expands Bronco, Ranger recall for cars with loose seats

May 28, 2026 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – May 28, 2026 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 179,698 pickups and SUVs whose front seats may become loose.  This defect increases the risk of injury in a crash.

The following models are affected:   

  • 2024 – 2026 Ford Bronco
  • 2024 – 2026 Ford Ranger

This is an expansion of a similar recall from October 2025. 

Recall summary

Front seats have a mechanism underneath them that allows height adjustment. In the affected vehicles, one or more bolts that hold this mechanism together may become loose and fall out, which can dislodge the seat from its position.    

Recall risks

A loose or dislodged seat may not protect the occupant adequately in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. 

Warning signs

The passengers may hear squeaking or rattling noises or notice that the seat feels loose. 

The background of the recall

Ford already recalled certain older Bronco models in October last year over the same issue. Later analysis, however, revealed that more vehicles are affected by this problem than originally suspected.  

The carmaker is not aware of any crashes or injuries caused by this defect. 

Other Ford recalls

In April 2026, more than 420,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles were recalled because their windshield wipers could have stopped working.

 In February 2026, Ford recalled approximately 45,000 Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs whose headlights could have malfunctioned due to a software glitch, as reported. 

The repair

The dealers will replace the seat mechanism bolts free of charge. 

Notifications to the owners will be mailed between July 13, 2026 and July 17, 2026. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford seat bolt recall affects almost 180,000 trucks and SUVs. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord expands Bronco, Ranger recall for cars with loose seats
Ford recalls 1.4 million F-150s over faulty transmissions

Ford recalls 1.4 million F-150s over faulty transmissions

May 23, 2026 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – May 23, 2026 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling close to 1.4 million 2015-2017 Ford F-150 pickup trucks whose transmissions can shift on their own, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The defect increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation and only affects trucks with 6-speed automatic transmission.  

 Recall summary

The automatic transmission in the affected trucks can unintentionally shift from sixth to second gear while driving. This happens due to degraded electrical connections inside the transmission control module.

The shift can cause the rear wheels of the car to lock up, resulting in the driver losing control of the vehicle.

Recall risks

A sudden loss of control can result in an accident and injuries to the occupants of the car and other motorists.

Warning signs

A malfunction indicator light (MIL) and a wrench symbol may illuminate on the dashboard. 

The background of the recall

The recall is the result of an ongoing investigation by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which was opened in March 2025 following 138 complaints alleging unwanted downshifts that would happen “without warning or driver input.” 

Leading up to the recall, the manufacturer had been notified of two accidents and an injury.

Other Ford recalls

In April 2026, Ford recalled more than 420,000 trucks and SUVs whose windshield wipers could have stopped working. 

In February 2026, nearly 120,000 Ford and Lincoln cars were recalled over a fire risk caused by a faulty engine block heater. 

The repair

The dealers will update the transmission’s software. If needed, they will also repair the electrical components inside the transmission control module. This repair will be free of charge. 

Notifications to the owners will be mailed between July 13, 2026 and July 17, 2026. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 1.4 million trucks are affected by this Ford downshift recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicFord recalls 1.4 million F-150s over faulty transmissions

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