Ford recalls Explorer and Aviator SUVs with faulty seats

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 expands Bronco, Ranger recall for cars with loose seats

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