Ford recalls more than 676K vehicles over roof rail, second-row seat defects

By Top Class Actions | August 7, 2026

Category: Auto News

(Photo Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos/Shutterstock)

Ford recall overview

Who: Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 288,000 Explorer SUVs over a roof rail defect and another nearly 388,000 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles over an issue with second-row seats.
Why: The roof rail covers can loosen and separate from the vehicle, and a second-row seat switch can stick, allowing the seat to unlatch, tip or slide while driving.
Where: The Ford recalls are active in the United States.

Ford is recalling 288,314 model-year 2016-2019 Explorer SUVs over roof rail covers that can detach while driving, and another 387,911 model-year 2020-2026 Explorer and 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator SUVs over a second-row seat switch that can stick and let the seat move unexpectedly.

Both recalls were filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on July 14 and affect vehicles nationwide.

The roof rail recall, NHTSA campaign 26V448, covers Explorers built between Sept. 19, 2014, and March 3, 2019, with roof rail covers finished in black, silver, absolute black, satin chrome, or chrome. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316.

The seat recall, NHTSA campaign 26V451, covers Explorer and Aviator models equipped with a second-row easy-entry tip-and-slide switch introduced into production in October 2018.

The roof rail recall was prompted by findings that the retention pins securing the covers can loosen over time, letting a cover separate from the vehicle while it is moving and creating a hazard for drivers behind it. The seat recall stems from a switch bezel that can shift out of place, causing the button to stick and the seat to unlatch, tip or slide unexpectedly.

The recall notice says: “a seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash,” raising the risk of injury in a collision.

One alleged crash linked to roof rail covers, 14 seat movement incidents reported

Ford is aware of one accident allegedly caused by a detached roof rail cover involving a vehicle that had already been repaired.

Separately, the company’s Critical Concern Review Group had logged 14 reports of unintended second-row seat movement as of June 16, though Ford says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries linked to the defect.

Consumers with affected vehicles are urged to schedule a dealer inspection. For the roof rail recall, dealers will repair or replace push pins, rail clips or covers as needed. Interim owner letters are expected to begin mailing Aug. 24. For the seat recall, dealers will replace the switch bezel and housing with a redesigned part. Interim owner letters are scheduled to begin mailing July 27. Both repairs will be performed free of charge.

For more information about the Ford recalls, owners can check their VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332, referencing 26S54 for the roof rail recall or 26S52 for the seat recall. The NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline can be reached at 1-888-327-4236.

Ford reports 14 incidences of unexpected second-row seat movement, with no known crashes or injuries tied to the defect. The company says it is not facing legal action over the recalls, but Top Class Actions follows recalls closely as they sometimes lead to class action lawsuits.

In other recent trouble with Ford vehicles, more than 741,000 SUVs and pickups were recalled in June due to a defect that could lead to vehicle rollaway, posing a risk of crashes and injuries.

Are you affected by either Ford recall? Let us know in the comments.