ford recalls 387 000 suvs over seat unexpectedly moving aroundFord Motor Company is issuing a safety recall for 387,911 three-row SUVs due to a defective switch that can cause the second-row seats to slide, unlatch, or tip forward unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion. The campaign impacts the 2020–2026 Ford Explorer and its luxury counterpart, the 2020–2027 Lincoln Aviator.Because an unlatched seat can fail to properly restrain a passenger during a sudden stop or collision, the defect significantly increases the risk of occupant injury.The problem involves the plastic trim bezel surrounding the "easy-entry" release switch on the second-row outboard seats. This mechanism is designed to let passengers quickly tip and slide the middle row forward to access the third-row bench.AdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents, the trim bezel can become misaligned or unseated over time. When this happens, it physically binds against the release button, catching it and trapping it in the "down" position. With the release mechanism permanently engaged, the seat can suddenly slip loose and slide forward on its tracks while the vehicle is being driven.This safety campaign is an official expansion of an earlier recall (25V393) initiated in 2025. The initial recall only called for dealerships to inspect the bezel installation, but after discovering that repaired seats were still moving unexpectedly in the field, Ford permanently removed the original bezel design from production and broadened the recall population.ford recalls 387 000 suvs over seat unexpectedly moving aroundThe Fix and Notification ScheduleTo permanently resolve the defect, authorized Ford and Lincoln dealership technicians will inspect the second-row seating mechanisms and replace the plastic switch bezels with redesigned, higher-retention housings entirely free of charge.Because the engineering and parts logistics for the final replacement housings are still being finalized, Ford will roll out the recall in two distinct phases:AdvertisementAdvertisementInterim Warning Letters: Ford will begin mailing initial notices to owners starting July 27, 2026, explicitly informing them of the physical cabin safety hazard.Final Remedy Letters: A secondary wave of notices will be dispatched once the redesigned replacement bezels arrive at dealership service bays, which is currently anticipated for January 2027.Impacted Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) officially became searchable within the NHTSA consumer database on July 16, 2026. Owners seeking further clarification regarding the second-row seating defect can contact Ford customer support lines directly at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's internal manufacturer reference code for this safety field action is 26S52.This article was written using AI and was then edited and optimized by our editorial team.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.