Campaign 26V-470

Unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start

Defect summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.

Consequence

Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file, campaign 26V470000. Text as published by NHTSA.

Vehicles covered

2 product lines are covered

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA about seats on these vehicles: 14, of which 0 involved a crash, fire, injury or death. Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Vehicles covered by campaign 26V-470
Make	Model	Model years	Complaints on this component
Ford	Explorer	2025 to 2027	9
Lincoln	Aviator	2025 to 2027	5

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls and complaints files. Equipment, tire and child-seat campaigns list products, not vehicles.

Investigation

No NHTSA investigation is linked to this recall

Most recalls are started by the manufacturer. This one lists "Manufacturer" as its origin.

Before the recall

2 service bulletins on this component came first

Distinct manufacturer communications on the same component group, make, model and model year in the 24 months before the report date.

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications file.

Service bulletins

26V-451 Jul 14, 2026
Switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly
26V-268 Apr 28, 2026
Front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt
26V-120 Mar 3, 2026
Obstacle detection software for the driver seat may malfunction at low speeds, resulting in the seat reversing unexpectedly while driving
25V-721 Oct 23, 2025
Front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt
25V-393 Jun 13, 2025
Switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving
25V-311 May 9, 2025
Bolts that secure the driver's seat frame to the body may be loose or missing