Ford is recalling 2025-2027 Explorer and Aviator vehicles with driver seats that may unintentionally recline, potentially trapping second-row occupants. Owners must contact Ford for free repairs to disable the seat module.
Unexpected movement of the driver’s seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because the driver's seat may recline unexpectedly during remote unlock or start, risking injury to second-row passengers. This issue requires dealers to disable the seat module and replace the motor at no cost.
The driver's seat can recline unintentionally when the vehicle is remotely unlocked or started, potentially trapping a second-row passenger. This could cause injury if the passenger is unable to move or escape.
Owners of 2025-2027 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles with the driver seat module feature are affected. Drivers who use remote unlock or start functions may be at higher risk of second-row occupants being trapped.
Check if your vehicle was manufactured between 2025 and 2027 and has the driver seat module feature. The recall was announced in September 2026 via owner notification letters.
Call 1-866-436-7332 to schedule a free repair for the driver seat module.
Dealers will disable the driver seat module feature and replace the motor at no cost once parts are available.
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.
The driver's seat may recline unexpectedly during remote unlock or start, potentially trapping second-row passengers and increasing injury risk.
Your vehicle is affected if it was manufactured between 2025 and 2027 and has the driver seat module feature.
Contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 to schedule a free repair for the driver seat module.
We’ve drafted a message you can send Ford to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 26V470000 — Ford Ford Hello, I own a Ford that is covered by recall 26V470000 from Ford. The official recall notice states: 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. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
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The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
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