Ford has issued a major recall affecting over 304,000 vehicles across the U.S., specifically targeting its popular Explorer and luxury Lincoln Aviator SUVs. The issue centers around a defective seat switch in the second row, which may cause the seats to unexpectedly fold or slide—posing a significant safety hazard. This recall affects vehicles manufactured between 2020 and 2025, making it one of the more expansive SUV recalls in recent months.
If you’re a Ford or Lincoln owner, understanding the nature of this issue and your rights under California’s Lemon Law could be crucial—especially if you’ve already experienced similar problems.
What Is the Problem?
The root of the problem lies in the easy-entry switch for the second-row outer seats. Ford reports that the trim bezel surrounding the switch may have been installed incorrectly, causing interference that makes the switch stick or bind. When this happens, the seat may unlatch, fold, or slide without warning—even while the vehicle is in motion. This significantly increases the risk of injury during a collision or sudden stop.
Ford has received around 100 reports of unintended seat movement caused by the faulty switch mechanism. In many cases, the seat became difficult to secure or move properly afterward.
What Vehicles Are Affected?
This recall impacts a total of 304,662 vehicles, specifically:
- 2020–2025 Ford Explorer
- 2020–2025 Lincoln Aviator
Both models share similar seat designs and switch mechanisms, which is why they are included in the same recall. The affected vehicles were not produced in sequential VIN order, so checking your specific VIN is crucial.
What Is Ford Doing to Fix It?
Ford dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch and the surrounding trim bezel to determine if it was incorrectly installed, damaged, or missing. If needed, they will replace or reinstall the bezel correctly to eliminate any interference with the switch mechanism.
This service will be provided free of charge to all affected vehicle owners.
When and How Will Owners Be Notified?
Initial owner notification letters will be mailed beginning June 23, 2025. A second round of letters will be sent once the repair remedy is fully available.
Vehicle owners can also:
- Call Ford’s recall hotline at 866-436-7332 (Recall No. 25S67)
- Visit the NHTSA website and enter their VIN
- Or contact their local Ford or Lincoln dealership
Is Your Ford or Lincoln a Lemon?
If you’ve experienced repeated problems with your Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator—especially related to the seat mechanism or other safety issues—you may be entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle under California’s Lemon Law.
At Lemon Lawyers LA P.C., we specialize in helping California vehicle owners like you fight back against defective car issues. Our office is located in Glendale, CA, and we proudly serve Glendale, Los Angeles, and surrounding Southern California cities.
📞 Call us today at (866) 486-9227 for a FREE consultation. We’re available 7 days a week from 9 AM to 9 PM. Don’t wait—protect your rights and your safety.