Published
August 12, 2026
Ford has recalled 122,363 Mustang Mach-E, Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles in two separate federal safety campaigns. Owners should check the campaign tied to their model because the hazards and repair schedules are different.
What Is Being Recalled?
Ford Motor Company has recalled 122,363 U.S. vehicles across two NHTSA campaigns. Campaign 26V417 covers 42,784 model-year 2021–2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles whose rear differential pinion shaft may fracture. Campaign 26V470 covers 79,579 model-year 2026–2027 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles whose unoccupied driver's seat may recline without warning during certain remote-unlock, remote-start or memory-recall events.These are independent recalls, not one defect affecting every model. The Mustang Mach-E problem can cause a loss of motive power or unintended movement when Park is selected without the parking brake. The Explorer and Aviator problem can move the driver-seat back into the space of a second-row passenger and create an entrapment or injury risk.
RemedyFree recall repairMach-E differential repair or replacement; seat remedy still being developed
Recall DatesJune 30 & July 21, 2026
Vehicles Affected122,363 total42,784 Mach-E; 79,579 Explorer and Aviator
HazardsCrash and injury risksLoss of power, vehicle movement or unexpected seat recline
Documentation RequiredNoEligibility is determined by VIN; no receipt or claim form
Which Ford and Lincoln Vehicles Are Affected?
- NHTSA 26V417 / Ford 26S50: Certain 2021–2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles with rear-wheel drive, 42,784 vehicles.
- NHTSA 26V470 / Ford 26S53: Certain 2026–2027 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles, 79,579 vehicles.
What Can Happen in the Mustang Mach-E?
Ford told NHTSA that repeated bending stress can eventually fracture the rear differential pinion shaft. A fracture can interrupt power delivery while driving. It can also allow unintended vehicle movement if the driver selects Park without applying the parking brake. A malfunction indicator or diagnostic trouble code may appear, but the federal report does not promise every failure will provide advance warning.Ford's filing listed 62 warranty claims, 14 quality reports, four customer reports and two European alerts reviewed through June 11, 2026. Ford said it was not aware of crashes, fires or injuries linked to the condition at the time of the filing.
What Is the Explorer and Aviator Seat Problem?
In certain 2026–2027 Explorer and Aviator vehicles, the powered driver-seat system may misread the seat-back position. When the driver's seat is empty, an event such as remote unlock, remote start or memory recall can command the backrest to move farther rearward than intended. A person seated behind the driver could be pinned or injured.Ford reported 133 field reports as of June 26, 2026. The NHTSA record says the remedy remains under development and does not yet provide an owner-notification schedule. Owners should follow the final instructions in their Ford or Lincoln notice rather than assuming the Mach-E repair schedule applies to the seat campaign.
What Should Owners Do Now?
Mustang Mach-E owners should apply the parking brake every time they park. Ford mailed interim notices in July and expects the differential remedy to become available in late December 2026. Dealers will repair or replace the rear differential assembly as necessary at no charge.Explorer and Aviator owners should keep the area behind the driver seat clear during remote-start, remote-unlock and seat-memory operation, and avoid placing a second-row passenger where an unexpected recline could trap them until Ford issues its final instructions. The seat remedy will also be free once available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vehicles are included in the Ford 122,363-vehicle recalls?
The two campaigns cover certain 2021–2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles and certain 2026–2027 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Eligibility is determined by VIN.
What are the safety problems?
A Mustang Mach-E rear differential pinion shaft may fracture, causing loss of drive power or unintended movement. In the Explorer and Aviator campaign, an unoccupied driver's seat may recline unexpectedly and trap a second-row occupant.
Is the Ford recall repair free?
Yes. Ford says recall remedies will be provided free of charge, although the permanent remedy is not yet available for every affected vehicle.
Do owners need a receipt for the recall?
No. These safety recalls are tied to the vehicle identification number, so a purchase receipt or claim form is not required.
Sources
- NHTSA — Ford Mustang Mach-E Part 573 Report, Campaign 26V417
- NHTSA — Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Part 573 Report, Campaign 26V470
- NHTSA — Official Recall Lookup
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Remedy
Free dealer repair; timing varies by campaign
Recall Numbers
NHTSA 26V417 / Ford 26S50 · NHTSA 26V470 / Ford 26S53
Recalling Company
Ford Motor Company
Agency
NHTSA
Vehicles Affected
122,363 total
Official Recall Notice
NHTSA Recall Lookup
