Ford’s Latest Explorer Recall Is For A Problem It Already Tried To Fix

Trouble In The Second Row

Ford Explorer owners can’t catch a break, as the Blue Oval has issued another recall this month. After recently recalling 288,314 Explorers over loose roof-rail covers, Ford is now recalling the 7-seat midsize crossover and its luxury counterpart, the Lincoln Aviator, for a second-row seat issue that was supposed to have already been fixed.

NHTSA recall number 26V451 states that the second-row easy-entry seat switch bezel in affected vehicles can become misaligned during use. The switch allows the second-row outboard seats to tip and slide forward, creating more space for passengers entering or exiting the third row. If the bezel shifts out of place, it can interfere with the button, causing it to remain pressed. This could make the seat tip or slide unexpectedly, potentially while driving, increasing the risk of injury, particularly in a crash.

Back For Another Round

The problem was previously addressed under recall 25V393. However, that campaign involved inspecting the bezel for correct installation and replacing it only if it was damaged or missing. As it turns out, the issue was not fully resolved, leaving another 387,911 vehicles potentially affected.

These include 227,520 examples of the 2020–2026 Ford Explorer produced from October 20, 2018, to June 24, 2026, as well as 160,391 examples of the 2020–2027 Lincoln Aviator built between October 19, 2018, and June 24, 2026. Ford noted that the affected vehicles were not produced in VIN order.

While no related crashes or injuries have been reported, Ford identified 14 cases of unintended second-row seat movement while driving. Eight involved vehicles were not covered by the previous recall, while the remaining six had already received the earlier remedy.

Bringing In The Reinforcements

Instead of merely inspecting the bezel and replacing it if damaged or missing, dealers will now install a revised bezel and housing with greater retention force, free of charge. Ford plans to send interim owner notifications between July 27 and July 30, while remedy notifications are scheduled for January 5 to 8, 2027. Owners can already search their VINs to determine whether their vehicles are affected.

This is one of the Explorer’s most recent recalls, alongside a campaign covering 66,383 examples of the 2025–2027 Explorer Hybrid and 2024–2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid over a faulty pedestrian-alert system. The automaker has previously said its high recall count reflects efforts to identify and correct quality problems. Those efforts may be beginning to pay off, as the Blue Oval brand ranked highest among mass-market brands in the 2026 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study.

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