Ford Expands Recall to Nearly 388,000 SUVs Over Faulty Second‑Row Seat Switch

Ford Motor Company announced a massive safety recall that affects almost 388,000 sport‑utility vehicles across two of its nameplates. The issue centers on a small plastic switch used for the easy‑entry feature on the outer second‑row seats.

When the switch sticks or binds, the seat can unexpectedly unlatch, tip forward or slide sideways—something that should never happen while you’re driving. In a crash, a moving seat might fail to keep an occupant properly restrained, raising the risk of injury.

The problem shows up in 2020‑through‑2026 model‑year Ford Explorers and 2020‑through‑2027 Lincoln Aviators. That’s a lot of SUVs, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has logged the campaign under number 26V451000.

What’s the fix? Ford dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and, if needed, replace the plastic bezel that houses the troublesome switch. The repair is completely free to owners.

Ford plans to start mailing interim notification letters to owners on July 27, 2026, outlining the safety concern. A follow‑up letter will arrive once the replacement parts are in hand—Ford expects those to be available by January 2027.

If you think your vehicle might be part of the recall, you can look up the VIN on the NHTSA website or call Ford’s customer‑service line at 1‑866‑436‑7332 and reference recall number 26S52.

While the news may feel unsettling, the good news is that the repair is simple and at no cost. As always, staying on top of recall notices helps keep you and your passengers safe on the road.