2026 Ford Explorer Recall: Seats (NHTSA 26V451000)

NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) issued a recall affecting 2026 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. Below is the official summary, the risk involved, and the fix available at no cost.

Table of contents
  1. What does the official notice say?
  2. Risk if left unaddressed
  3. Manufacturer's fix (remedy)
  4. How to check if your vehicle is affected
  5. Frequently asked questions

What does the official notice say?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

Risk if left unaddressed

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer's fix (remedy)

Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

How to check if your vehicle is affected

Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the official NHTSA lookup tool at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in this campaign (number 26V451000).

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA recall 26V451000?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.

What happens if this recall isn't fixed?

A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Is the repair free, and how do I check my VIN?

Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026. Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in campaign 26V451000.

Source: public NHTSA data, campaign 26V451000, reported on 14/07/2026. This content is for informational purposes only, does not constitute legal advice, and is compiled and formatted automatically from official NHTSA data. Always confirm your vehicle's status directly at nhtsa.gov.

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