Ford Recalls More Than 676,000 SUVs Over Roof Rail and Second-Row Seat Defects

Ford is recalling 288,314 model-year 2016-2019 Explorer SUVs because roof rail covers can detach while driving. Another 387,911 model-year 2020-2026 Explorer and 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator SUVs are included in a separate recall involving a second-row seat switch that can stick and allow the seat to move unexpectedly.

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

The roof rail recall, NHTSA campaign 26V448, covers Explorers built between Sept. 19, 2014, and March 3, 2019. It applies to vehicles with roof rail covers finished in black, silver, absolute black, satin chrome, or chrome. The recall expands on an earlier NHTSA recall, number 21V316.

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

Ford launched the roof rail recall after finding that the retention pins holding the covers in place can loosen over time. If that happens, a cover can come off while the vehicle is moving, creating a potential hazard for vehicles traveling behind it.

The seat recall involves a switch bezel that can move out of position. When that happens, the button can stick and cause the second-row seat to unlatch, tip or slide without warning.

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 received a repair.

Separately, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group had recorded 14 reports of unintended second-row seat movement as of June 16. The automaker says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries associated with the seat defect.

Owners of affected vehicles are being urged to schedule an inspection at a Ford or Lincoln dealer. For the roof rail recall, dealers will inspect the affected components and repair or replace the push pins, rail clips or covers as necessary.

Interim owner notification letters for the roof rail recall are expected to begin mailing Aug. 24.

For the second-row seat recall, dealers will replace the switch bezel and housing with a redesigned part. Interim owner letters for that recall are scheduled to begin mailing July 27.

Both recall repairs will be completed at no cost to vehicle owners.

Owners can check whether their vehicle is affected by entering its VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or by contacting Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Owners should reference 26S54 for the roof rail recall or 26S52 for the second-row seat recall.

The NHTSA vehicle safety hotline is available at 1-888-327-4236.

Ford has reported 14 incidents involving 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 these recalls, although Top Class Actions tracks vehicle recalls because some can eventually result in class action lawsuits.

In another recent recall involving Ford vehicles, more than 741,000 SUVs and pickups were recalled in June because of a defect that could allow vehicles to roll away, increasing the risk of crashes and injuries.