CarRecallWatch- Component
- VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to become inoperative.
- Risk
- An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S22. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 3, 2026.
What this recall means for you
The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system in these vehicles may fail, which can cause the windshield defrosting and defogging system to stop working. Ford has identified the instrument panel joints as a related area that may need attention.
An inoperative defroster or defogger can reduce the driver's visibility through the windshield, especially in cold, wet or humid weather, which increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and secure the instrument panel joints as necessary, free of charge. Owners who received the notification letter mailed April 10, 2026 can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, referencing recall 26S22. You can also check whether your vehicle's VIN is involved in this recall at NHTSA.gov.
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| Ford Explorer | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln Aviator | 2026 |