CarRecallWatch- Component
- SEAT BELTS
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
- Risk
- A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
What this recall means for you
Some Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs from model years 2020 through 2023 may have seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions that are not properly secured. As a result, a seat belt buckle could come loose, and it may not properly restrain a passenger during a crash, which increases the risk of injury.
If you own an affected vehicle, an authorized dealer will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as needed. The repair is free of charge. Owners were notified by mail beginning March 30, 2026. You can also contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, referencing recall number 26C18.
You can check whether your specific vehicle is involved by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on NHTSA.gov, where VINs for this recall became searchable on March 19, 2026. Checking your VIN for open recalls is a quick way to confirm your vehicle's status.
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| Ford Explorer | 2020202120222023202420252026 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln Aviator | 2020202120222023202420252026 |