Overview: Major Recall Affects Over 300,000 Ford and Lincoln Vehicles
Ford has issued an urgent safety recall for 304,662 vehicles, including 183,427 Ford Explorers and 121,235 Lincoln Aviators spanning model years 2020 to 2025. The issue centers around a potentially defective second-row seat fold switch bezel that could result in unexpected seat movement, posing a significant injury risk to occupants. Owners are urged to check their VIN immediately and take swift action.
🔧 What’s the Problem? The Seat Fold Switch Bezel Defect Explained
The “easy entry seat fold switch bezel”—a critical part of the second-row seat mechanism—may have been incorrectly installed on certain units. This defect causes the outboard seat to bind in the down position or unlatch while the vehicle is in motion.
- The seat switch can stick or fail to operate.
- The seatback may collapse or move unexpectedly.
- The seat track locking mechanism may disengage.
This introduces a high probability of injury during normal driving, especially in sudden stops, evasive maneuvers, or accidents.
🔎 Affected Models and Years
| Make | Model | Model Years | Total Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | Explorer | 2020–2025 | 183,427 |
| Lincoln | Aviator | 2020–2025 | 121,235 |
📆 Recall Timeline and Important Dates
- June 23, 2025: Notification letters begin shipping to affected owners.
- August 25, 2025: Official recall remedy letters to be mailed.
- Ongoing: Dealers have already been alerted and are ready to perform inspections.
🛠️ What Should Owners Do Now?
1. Check Your VIN
Use these official tools to confirm whether your vehicle is affected:
2. Schedule a Dealer Inspection
If your vehicle is included, visit an authorized Ford or Lincoln dealership. Technicians will:
- Inspect the seat switch bezel
- Reinstall or replace the bezel, if necessary
- Perform the service free of charge
3. Avoid DIY Fixes
Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the seat components yourself. Any unauthorized intervention could void warranty coverage or worsen the problem.
🚗 Why This Recall Matters: Safety, Legal Compliance, and Peace of Mind
While only 6% of affected vehicles may exhibit this issue, the risk of unlatched or unstable seats during travel is too great to ignore. Ignoring the recall may lead to legal liability or insurance denial in the event of an accident.
📈 Technical Illustration (Diagram)
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🧠 Proactive Owner Checklist
- ✅ Check your vehicle's VIN
- ✅ Schedule an inspection with a certified dealer
- ✅ Keep your recall documentation
- ✅ Inform all drivers and passengers of the potential issue
- ✅ Follow up if no recall letter is received by August 25, 2025
📢 Ford's Official Response
Ford emphasizes its commitment to safety and transparency, stating that dealers are ready to handle the inspections and replacements swiftly. No prior accidents, injuries, or fatalities related to this specific defect have been reported to date.
🧾 Summary Table: Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Recall Name | Second-Row Seat Fold Switch Bezel Defect |
| Vehicles Involved | Ford Explorer (2020–2025), Lincoln Aviator (2020–2025) |
| Total Affected Units | 304,662 vehicles |
| Risk Level | Medium to High (injury potential) |
| Fix Available? | Yes |
| Cost to Owner | $0 (Free repair at dealership) |
| Owner Notification Date | June 23, 2025 |
| Final Remedy Letter Date | August 25, 2025 |
🧭 Final Thoughts
If you own a 2020–2025 Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator, your vehicle may be at risk. Acting now is crucial—not just for regulatory compliance but to protect your passengers and yourself from preventable harm. Take advantage of Ford’s free repair service and keep all documentation for future reference.
📝 FAQs
Is it safe to drive my Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator before the inspection?
If your second-row seat is stable and shows no signs of binding or movement, it may be safe. However, for complete peace of mind, have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
What if I’ve already paid for this repair before the recall?
Ford may offer reimbursement for eligible out-of-pocket expenses. Contact your dealer or Ford customer support with your receipts.
Will this recall affect the resale value of my vehicle?
Properly addressed recalls typically do not negatively impact resale value. In fact, handling the recall promptly may reassure prospective buyers.
Can the repair be performed at any Ford dealership?
Yes. All certified Ford and Lincoln dealerships are authorized to complete the recall repair.
What if I live outside the U.S.?
Contact your local Ford or Lincoln distributor. Recall procedures may differ by region but typically follow similar protocols.
Stay safe. Stay informed. Schedule your inspection today.
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