Ford Recalls 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator for Seat Recline Issue
Ford is recalling 76,748 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because an unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally, potentially trapping a second-row occupant.
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 where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for potential injury without confirmed incidents.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2025-2027 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The recall involves 76,748 units where an unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during specific scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
This defect poses a safety risk because the unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury. No specific injuries or fatalities have been reported in the source text.
Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until replacement parts are available, after which the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed on August 31, 2026, with additional letters sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 26S53.
The recalled product
- Product
- LINCOLN, FORD AVIATOR, EXPLORER
- Brand
- LINCOLN
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle — SUV
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 76,748
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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