Ford Pulls 387,000 SUVs Back to Dealerships After Seats Start Shifting on Their Own

Ford has issued a recall for roughly 387,000 of its popular SUVs after discovering that the front seats can unexpectedly slide or tilt while the vehicle is in motion. The problem, traced to a manufacturing defect in the seat track assembly, poses a clear safety risk: a driver whose seat moves suddenly could lose control of the steering wheel or pedals.

The recall covers select 2021 through 2023 models, including the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and the Ford Bronco.

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the issue stems from a missing or improperly installed part inside the seat frame. In some cases, the seat may shift forward or backward without warning, and in others, the seatback can recline unexpectedly.

Ford says it has received at least two reports of minor injuries linked to the defect. Owners will be notified by mail starting next month, and dealers will inspect and repair the seat tracks free of charge.

If you own one of these affected SUVs, the safest move is to check your vehicle identification number on Ford’s recall website or the NHTSA’s database. Until the repair is done, be especially cautious when adjusting your seat, make sure it’s locked firmly in place before driving.

Ford is advising owners to contact their local dealer to schedule the fix as soon as they receive the recall notice. The company says replacement parts are already available, so there should be no long wait times for most customers.