The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·26V202000·Announced 2026-03-31

Ford Recalls 2026 Explorer and Aviator for HVAC Defrost Failure

Ford is recalling 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles because the HVAC system may fail, causing the windshield defrosting and defogging systems to become inoperative.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

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: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (reduced visibility increasing crash risk) where no specific injuries or fatalities have been reported in the source text.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.

An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S22. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 3, 2026.

The recalled product

Product
LINCOLN, FORD AVIATOR, EXPLORER
Brand
LINCOLN
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — HVAC / Defrosting System
Hazard
Affected units
55

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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