Major Recall Warning: Seats Move Mid-Drive

Row of parked SUVs in a lot — Photo: alexfan32 / Shutterstock

Ford is recalling 387,911 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs because second-row seats can unlatch, tip, or slide without warning.

Quick Take

The recall covers certain 2020-2026 Ford Explorer and 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator models.
The problem is a second-row easy-entry seat switch that may bind or stick.
Ford says dealers will inspect the switch bezel and replace it if needed at no cost.
Federal regulators say an unexpected seat movement can reduce occupant protection in a crash.

What Ford Recalled

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Ford is recalling nearly 388,000 vehicles because the second-row easy-entry seat switch can bind or stick. That can let the seat unlatch, tip, or slide while the vehicle is moving. The agency said a moving seat may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, which raises the risk of injury. Ford said the affected vehicles include certain 2020-2026 Ford Explorer and 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator models.

The recall is large, but the fix is direct. Dealers will inspect the second-row easy-entry switch bezel and housing, then replace them with a revised design when needed at no charge. Ford said owner letters will go out later in July, with another notice expected once the final remedy is ready in January 2027. Ford customer service is listed for owners who want to check whether their SUV is included.

Why The Issue Matters

This is not a comfort problem. Federal regulators framed it as a safety issue because a seat that moves at the wrong time can change how well a passenger is held in place. That matters most for families using the second row every day. In a crash, even a small shift in seating position can affect restraint performance. The recall notice says Ford was not aware of crashes or injuries tied to this defect, but the risk remains serious enough to require a formal safety action.

Ford also said its Critical Concern Review Group identified 14 reports of unintended second-row seat movement as of June 16, 2026. Six of those reports involved vehicles that had already received a remedy under an earlier recall, while eight involved vehicles not covered by the earlier campaign. That detail suggests Ford had already been watching the issue before expanding the recall. The public record provided here does not show a full internal timeline, so the precise moment Ford first knew remains unclear.

What Owners Should Watch For

Owners may notice the easy-entry button staying stuck in the down position, or the seat behaving oddly after use. Ford said the problem can keep the customer from using the easy-entry feature or returning the seat to its normal position. That means the defect can show up as both a convenience issue and a safety hazard. Owners should check their vehicle identification number through Ford or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and wait for the mailed notice if their SUV is part of the recall.

#RecallRoundup Ford Motor Company, #Lincoln Aviator (2020-2027); #Ford Explorer (2020-2026): second-row seat may move unexpectedly, and may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash. 387,911 vehicles potentially affected. https://t.co/UPp0piWCjC pic.twitter.com/qY2WoPiZTQ

— Center for Auto Safety (@Ctr4AutoSafety) July 21, 2026

The public record also shows why these recall stories can cause confusion. Ford has had other seat-related campaigns in the same vehicle family, including a separate seat-belt issue, and that can blur the lines for readers trying to sort out which defect applies to which SUV. For owners, the key point is simple: this recall is about the second-row easy-entry seat switch, not a general complaint about the whole vehicle. Ford says the repair will be free once dealers have the updated parts.