Ford Recalls 80,000 SUVs Over Defective Seats That Could Trap Rear Passengers

Ford issued a recall for nearly 80,000 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs from the 2026 and 2027 model years due to a defect where the driver's seat can recline on its own when the vehicle is remotely unlocked or started, potentially pinning second-row passengers and increasing injury risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identified the issue. Ford has not yet developed a fix or determined a notification schedule, but no accidents or injuries have been reported. This recall adds to Ford's record-setting pace of recalls in 2026, with 61 total U.S. recalls this year—more than the next three automakers combined—following earlier recalls for seats moving unexpectedly and engine fire risks in Broncos and F-series trucks.