Ford recalls nearly 388,000 vehicles over seat issue

Ford Motor Company has announced a recall of nearly 388,000 vehicles due to a potential safety hazard involving the second-row seats. The affected models include certain 2020 to 2027 Aviator and 2020 to 2026 Explorer vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue involves the seats potentially unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly. This could lead to improper restraint of occupants during a collision, thereby increasing the risk of injury. The recall was initiated after the NHTSA identified the problem through its ongoing monitoring of vehicle safety issues. The agency noted that all of the recalled vehicles likely have the defect, based on internal documentation. As of June 16, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group had received 14 reports of unintended second-row seat movement while the vehicle was in motion. These incidents occurred under normal driving conditions, raising concerns about the reliability of the seating system. Affected vehicle owners will be notified via mail beginning on July 27, 2026. The letters will inform them of the safety risk and provide instructions on how to schedule a repair. Dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the defective component, known as the bezel, at no cost to the owner. The replacement process is expected to take approximately one hour per vehicle, depending on the dealership’s workload and availability. The recall includes a wide range of models within the specified years. The Aviator, a midsize luxury SUV, and the Explorer, a popular full-size SUV, both feature second-row seating systems that were found to have the defect. The issue appears to affect all configurations of these models, including different trims and engine options. It is unclear whether specific features or optional equipment contribute to the problem, though the defect seems to be inherent to the design of the seating mechanism. Ford’s recall number for this incident is 26S52. The company has been working closely with the NHTSA to address the issue and ensure that all affected vehicles receive proper repairs. In addition to the recall, Ford has issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to customer safety and transparency. The company emphasized that the issue does not affect the structural integrity of the vehicle or other critical safety systems. The recall follows a pattern of recent automotive industry-wide safety initiatives aimed at addressing consumer concerns related to vehicle reliability. While the current recall focuses on a specific mechanical flaw, it reflects broader efforts by automakers to proactively identify and resolve potential risks before they result in widespread harm. Industry experts suggest that such recalls are often prompted by a combination of internal testing and external reporting from consumers and regulatory bodies. As the recall notification letters begin to reach owners, dealerships are preparing to accommodate the increased demand for inspections and repairs. Some locations have already scheduled additional service hours to handle the volume of customers expected during the recall period. Owners are advised to keep their vehicles until the repair is completed, as the defect poses a direct safety risk during operation. The company continues to monitor the situation and will update stakeholders as necessary.