Second-row seat may move unexpectedly
Defect Summary
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.
Safety Consequence
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed july 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in january 2027. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s52. This recall expands recall 25v393. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on nhtsa.gov on july 16, 2026.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Seats.
FAQ: Recall 26V451000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 26V451000?
NHTSA recall 26V451000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on July 14, 2026. It addresses: Second-row seat may move unexpectedly. The recall affects approximately 387,911 vehicles, with the defect involving the Seats component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 26V451000 or the manufacturer campaign number 26S52. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-08-17. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.