The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·26V159000·Announced 2027-05-03

Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator seat belt anchor bolts may be improperly secured

Ford and Lincoln are recalling 2020-2026 Explorer and Aviator vehicles because second-row outer seat belt anchor bolts may be improperly secured, potentially affecting occupant restraint in a crash.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: This involves a vehicle safety system (seat belt restraint) where improperly secured anchor bolts could prevent proper occupant protection during a crash. No injuries or illnesses have been reported. This meets the High severity criterion as a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020-2026 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

A loose or improperly secured anchor bolt could prevent the seat belt from properly restraining an occupant during a crash, potentially increasing the risk of injury. No injuries or illnesses have been reported.

To address this issue, dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owners should contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 to schedule an appointment. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 30, 2026. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall are searchable on NHTSA.gov.

The recalled product

Product
2020 FORD EXPLORER
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle
Hazard
  • seat-belt-anchor-defect
  • restraint-failure
Affected units
561

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • EXPLORER
  • AVIATOR

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · FORD

Same category