Published
August 12, 2026
Ford has recalled 676,225 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs in two distinct NHTSA campaigns. One affects older Explorers; the other covers newer Explorers and Aviators.
What Is Being Recalled?
Ford Motor Company has recalled 676,225 SUVs across two July 2026 safety campaigns. NHTSA campaign 26V448 covers 288,314 model-year 2016–2019 Ford Explorer SUVs because exterior roof-rail covers may loosen and detach. Campaign 26V451 covers 387,911 model-year 2020–2026 Ford Explorers and 2020–2027 Lincoln Aviators because an easy-entry switch bezel can bind, allowing an outboard second-row seat to move unexpectedly.A detached roof-rail cover can become a road hazard. A second-row seat that unlatches, tips or slides while the vehicle is moving may not protect its occupant as intended, particularly in a crash. Ford dealers will perform the relevant inspection and repair at no charge.
RemedyFree dealer repairRoof-rail inspection/securement or revised second-row switch bezel
Recall DateJuly 14, 2026
Vehicles Affected676,225 totalTwo separate campaigns
HazardsRoad hazard and injury riskOne alleged roof-cover crash; no reported injuries in either filing
Documentation RequiredNoVIN determines eligibility; no receipt or claim form
Which Vehicles Are Included?
- NHTSA 26V448 / Ford 26S54: Certain 2016–2019 Ford Explorer SUVs, 288,314 vehicles.
- NHTSA 26V451 / Ford 26S52: Certain 2020–2026 Ford Explorer and 2020–2027 Lincoln Aviator SUVs, 387,911 vehicles.
Why Can the Explorer Roof Rail Cover Detach?
Ford's filing says attachment clips can lose retention, permitting a roof-rail cover to separate from the vehicle. Owners may hear wind noise, squeaking or rattling, or notice a gap or misalignment before detachment. Ford reported one alleged crash and no injuries associated with the condition at the time of filing.Campaign 26V448 expands an earlier 2021 recall. Dealers will inspect the roof rails. Vehicles already equipped with the specified push-pin repair need no further work; otherwise, dealers will replace damaged clips or covers as needed and install push pins to secure each side. Ford expected interim letters in late August and final remedy notices in September 2026.
Why Can the Second-Row Seat Move?
Explorer and Aviator models covered by campaign 26V451 have an easy-entry function on the outboard second-row seats. The switch bezel may bind or stick after it is pressed. That can keep the release mechanism engaged and let the seat unlatch, tip or slide without another command.Ford reviewed 14 reports of unintended movement, including reports involving vehicles previously addressed under an earlier campaign. The company said it was not aware of crashes or injuries associated with this condition. Dealers will replace the switch bezel and housing with a revised design. Interim letters were expected in late July, with the remedy anticipated in January 2027.
What Should Owners Do?
Check the VIN now and follow the instructions in Ford's letter. Explorer owners should visually inspect roof-rail covers and avoid trying to glue or fasten a loose cover themselves. Owners of affected Explorer or Aviator vehicles should confirm that each second-row seat is fully latched before driving and stop using a seat that will not remain locked.Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUVs are included in the Ford 676,225-vehicle recalls?
The roof-rail campaign covers certain 2016–2019 Ford Explorers. The second-row-seat campaign covers certain 2020–2026 Ford Explorers and 2020–2027 Lincoln Aviators. Owners must check the VIN.
What can happen to the roof rail covers?
The covers can loosen and detach, creating a road hazard for other motorists.
What is wrong with the second-row seats?
The bezel around the easy-entry switch can bind or stick, allowing an outboard second-row seat to unlatch, tip or slide unexpectedly.
Are the Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Dealers will perform the applicable inspection and repair free of charge, and eligibility is tied to the VIN rather than a receipt.
Sources
- NHTSA — Ford Explorer Roof Rail Part 573 Report, Campaign 26V448
- NHTSA — Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Seat Part 573 Report, Campaign 26V451
- NHTSA — Official Recall Lookup
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Remedy
Free roof-rail or second-row-seat dealer repair
Recall Numbers
NHTSA 26V448 / Ford 26S54 · NHTSA 26V451 / Ford 26S52
Recalling Company
Ford Motor Company
Agency
NHTSA
Vehicles Affected
676,225 total
Official Recall Notice
NHTSA Recall Lookup
