Ford Explorer second-row seat belt anchor bolts may be improperly secured
Ford is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because the seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: Rubric level 4 covers structural vehicle defects: the anchor bolt is what secures the seat belt to the vehicle, and the source states it may not restrain an occupant in a crash.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. About 561 units are potentially affected.
The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
NHTSA states that a loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, referencing recall number 26C18, or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- LINCOLN, FORD AVIATOR, EXPLORER
- Brand
- LINCOLN
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle — Seat belts
- 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)
- AVIATOR
- EXPLORER
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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