Ford Explorer; Lincoln Aviator: Seat belts

Date

March 17, 2026

Filed by

Ford Motor Company

Vehicles

Ford Explorer (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026); Lincoln Aviator (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026)

Component

Seat Belts

Description of the defect

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.

Potentially affected

561

What can happen

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.

Owner notification date

March 30, 2026

Manufacturer campaign number

26C18

Recall type

V (vehicle)

FMVSS

210

Influenced by

MFR

Manufacturer's component

Outer Belt Assembly Screw · Second Row Outer Seat Belt Assembly Screw · W505275-S439

Recall number

26V159000

What should I do? Car recall: how to check your car and get it fixed

Source: NHTSA · Vehicle record. View the agency notice. The agency notice governs; check it and the company before acting.