2022 Ford Explorer · Body & structure
Seat component may not remain secure
The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
What the reviewed source says
Start with the documented condition, not a parts guess.
NHTSA campaign 26V451000 includes certain 2020 to 2026 Ford Explorer vehicles. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Words owners may use
Does this match the moment?
Symptoms in the pattern
- The seat may move, feel loose or fail to adjust or lock as intended
- An open campaign appears when the complete VIN is checked
- Some recalled vehicles may show no advance warning before the component fails
Vehicles and scope
- 2020 to 2026 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA campaign 26V451000
- The manufacturer filing lists 387,911 potentially affected units across the complete campaign.
- VIN eligibility determines whether this recall applies to an individual vehicle
Manufacturer position
What the official procedure directs
Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027.
Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.
Original evidence
Open the documents behind this page.
Repair paths and safe checks
Separate the diagnosis from the action.
Use the official recall remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027.
Do not buy parts from the campaign description alone. VIN scope, superseded remedies and parts availability can change.
What owners reported
Did this repair fix the same symptom on your car?
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Check the complete VIN before arranging work
Enter the 17-character VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup and ask the manufacturer or an authorised dealer to confirm whether the campaign is open for this vehicle.
A year, make and model match does not prove that every vehicle is included. The VIN result controls eligibility.
What owners reported
Did this repair fix the same symptom on your car?
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Useful before authorizing work
Read the method beside the problem
These guides explain the safety and evidence checks that apply to this problem file.
Check recalls by VIN
A VIN search checks the displayed NHTSA records for an unrepaired safety recall associated with one vehicle. A model search shows only the wider campaign population.
Read guide ↗When a car is unsafe
A warning light does not always mean the same thing, but weak brakes or smoke leave little room for experimentation. Damaged tires and certain recall instructions can do the same.
Read guide ↗Why symptoms overlap
“It makes a weird noise” is useful human language. Diagnosis begins when that language is tied to the exact vehicle and its operating conditions.
Read guide ↗More for this model
Other reviewed Ford Explorer conditions
2020 Ford Explorer · Suspension, wheels & tires
Rear control arm bolts may break and affect steering control
NHTSA campaign 21V154000 lists the 2020 Ford Explorer for a condition in which rear control arm bolts may break and affect steering control.
2015 to 2019 Ford Explorer · Body & structure
Body or structural component may fail
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
2021 to 2023 Ford Explorer · Fuel system
Fuel pump or delivery fault may cause a stall
The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.