Ford Motor Co. announced that it is recalling the new 2020 Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator due to minor safety issues. The problem is being blamed on faulty seat-back reclining mechanisms and covers a total of 550,186 vehicles.
The latest recall affects several Ford models such as the 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2018-2020 Ford F-150, 2019-2020 Ford Expedition, and the 2019-2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty lineup. 483,325 units of the more than 500,000 vehicles to be recalled are in the United States, while 58,712 are in Canada and 8,149 are in Mexico.
According to Ford, the affected vehicles could be missing the “third pawl required for seat-back strength” in the reclining mechanisms of certain seats. Without the component, the seats might not be
able to keep a person in place, especially during the event of a crash.
Among the F-150s, F-Series Super Duty trucks, 2018-2019 Explorers, and Expeditions, the vehicles affected are those with manual driver and/or front passenger seat-back recliners. Meanwhile, the 2020 Explorers and Lincoln Aviators can identify the problem on the rear outback seats with manual recliners.
Ford has clarified that it is not aware of any injuries related to problem and added that most of the vehicles may not need repairs. Nonetheless, owners are advised to have dealers inspect their vehicles, particularly the seat structure. If the dealers find a defect upon inspection, the entire seat structure will be replaced.
Owners of affected vehicles can expect notifications beginning October 7.
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