Ford Issues Major Recall on 388,000 SUVs Over Seat Safety Flaw

Ford has announced a recall covering nearly 388,000 of its popular Explorer SUVs and Lincoln Aviator luxury models. The issue centers on the second-row seats, which may fail to latch properly or could tip forward unexpectedly during a crash. This affects vehicles from the 2020 through 2024 model years, and the company is urging owners to take action.

The problem stems from a manufacturing defect in the seat's recliner mechanism and latch assembly. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the seats might not lock into place after being adjusted. In a collision, that could allow the seat to move forward or collapse, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.

Ford says it has received 229 warranty reports and four field reports linked to the issue, though no injuries have been confirmed.

Owners will be notified starting March 10 and can bring their vehicles to dealerships for a free repair. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back latch or the entire recliner mechanism. For now, Ford recommends that drivers check their second-row seats to ensure they are fully locked into the upright position before driving.

Affected customers can also visit Ford's recall site or call customer service to see if their specific vehicle is included.