Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2027 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. An unoccupied driver's seat may recline unintentionally during certain scenarios, such as remote unlock or remote start.
Risk: Unexpected movement of the driverâs seat back may trap a second-row occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will disable the driver seat module (DSM) feature until parts are available. Once available, the motor will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S53.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2027 FORD EXPLORER SUV HEV 4WD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
15.1%
2027 FORD EXPLORER SUV HEV RWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
14.7%
2027 FORD EXPLORER SUV ICE RWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
14.7%
2027 FORD EXPLORER SUV ICE 4WD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
15.1%
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Explorer RWD
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 28 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Explorer AWD
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Explorer RWD
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Explorer RWD
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Explorer AWD
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Explorer AWD
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Explorer Tremor AWD
20mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Explorer Tremor AWD
19mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.