Ford has announced an expanded safety campaign affecting nearly 388,000 vehicles after discovering that a defect involving the second-row easy-entry seats could allow them to tip or slide unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion.
The issue affects certain 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2026 Ford Explorer models equipped with second-row easy-entry seats. The expanded campaign carries Ford reference number 26S52 and NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-451, building upon an earlier action that addressed the same concern.
What Is the Problem?
According to Ford, the easy-entry switch used to access the third row can bind or become stuck in the pressed position. When this happens, the second-row outboard seat may unexpectedly unlatch, tip forward, or slide while driving. The issue is believed to occur when the plastic bezel surrounding the easy-entry switch becomes misaligned. If the bezel interferes with the switch button, it may prevent the button from returning to its normal position after being pressed. While the investigation into the exact root cause is still ongoing, Ford says broken or misaligned bezel tabs may develop over time during normal vehicle use, even on some vehicles that previously received repairs.
Why This Matters
A seat that unexpectedly moves while driving creates an obvious safety concern. Occupants may suddenly lose their seating position, increasing the risk of injury—especially if a collision occurs.
Drivers may also notice warning signs before the problem becomes more serious, including:
- Difficulty using the easy-entry feature.
- The seat failing to return to its normal locked position.
- The easy-entry button appearing stuck or remaining depressed.
- Unexpected seat movement after the switch has been used.
If any of these symptoms appear, owners should have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
Why Is Ford Expanding the Campaign?
Ford previously launched a safety action in 2025 (NHTSA Campaign 25V-393, Ford 25S67) after identifying incorrectly installed switch bezels at a seat supplier. Dealers were instructed to inspect the switch bezel and replace damaged or improperly installed components.
After those repairs were implemented, Ford continued monitoring field reports.
In the spring of 2026, engineers identified additional reports involving:
- Vehicles built after the original production changes had been implemented.
- Vehicles that had already received the earlier repair.
By June 2026, Ford had documented 14 reports of unintended second-row seat movement caused by a stuck switch:
- 8 reports involved vehicles not covered by the original campaign.
- 6 reports involved vehicles that had already received the previous repair.
As a result, Ford expanded the population of affected vehicles to include models produced through June 24, 2026, when the original switch bezel design was permanently removed from production.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The campaign includes certain:
- 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator
- 2020-2026 Ford Explorer
Only vehicles equipped with the second-row easy-entry seating system are affected.
Approximately 387,911 vehicles are included in the expanded campaign.
How Will Ford Fix the Problem?
Ford dealers will inspect the easy-entry switch bezel and replace the bezel and related components as necessary.
Because the final repair procedure is still being finalized:
- Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety concern are expected to begin mailing July 27, 2026.
- A second notification will be sent once the permanent repair is available, which Ford currently expects to be around January 2027.
Repairs will be performed free of charge.
What Should Owners Do?
If you own a 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator or 2020-2026 Ford Explorer, watch for a notification from Ford and pay attention to any unusual operation of the second-row seats.
If a seat unexpectedly tips, slides, or fails to lock into position, it is recommended that the vehicle be inspected promptly. Even if your vehicle was previously repaired under Ford’s earlier campaign (25V-393 / 25S67), it may still be included in this expanded action.
Owners can verify whether their vehicle is affected by searching their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website or by contacting their local Ford or Lincoln dealership.
Campaign Information
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Ford Campaign Number: 26S52
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-451
- Vehicles Affected: Approximately 387,911
- Affected Models:
- 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator
- 2020-2026 Ford Explorer
- Defect: Second-row easy-entry seat switch may stick, allowing the seat to unlatch, tip, or slide unexpectedly.
- Repair: Inspection and replacement of the switch bezel and related components as necessary.
