Recall 12V034 covers 569 2012 Lincoln Navigator and Expedition vehicles for weak second-row head-restraint welds. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 569 2012 Navigator and Expedition vehicles because inadequate welds on the second-row right-hand head restraint support brackets fail to meet federal head-restraint strength rules. In a crash, the head restraint can lack the required strength and increase injury risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The head restraint support brackets are the metal mounting points that hold the head restraint in place on the second row, right-hand seat of the 2012 Navigator and Expedition. The head restraint is supposed to stay fixed at the proper height and position so the seat can meet the head-restraint safety standard. The brackets are part of that structure.
On included vehicles, the concern is the welds on those support brackets. A weld joins the bracket to the seat structure; when that weld is inadequate, the bracket is not secured as designed. In a rear impact or hard jolt, the head restraint can lose the support it needs to perform the way the standard requires.
There is no warning sign before failure. The weld issue is hidden inside the seat structure, so an owner is not expected to notice a sound, warning light, or visible change before the defect matters.
Who's affected?
Both listed SUVs are tied to the same mid or rear seat assembly component.
| 2012 Lincoln Navigator | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2012 Ford Expedition | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 569 |
A matching 2012 Navigator or Expedition does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, a seat head restraint that lacks the required strength can increase injury risk. There is no warning sign before the restraint is needed, so keep the head restraints installed and schedule the recall repair. Repair will be free at any franchised Lincoln dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Lincoln Navigator or Expedition is included in this recall.
- Wait for owner-notification guidance if your VIN is included, then contact a franchised Lincoln dealer about the free head-restraint repair.
- Reference recall number 12V034 when you call the dealer.
- Bring the recall notice if Lincoln has mailed one.
- Avoid using the second-row right-hand seat until the head-restraint support bracket welds are inspected and the head restraints are replaced if needed.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician checks the second row, right-hand seat head restraint support brackets and replaces the head restraints as needed. The source remedy says the replacement is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. Because the remedy status is not listed in this slice, confirm appointment handling with the dealer when you call and reference recall 12V034. The dealer repair will be free once available.
Timeline
| February 2, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 21, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V034?
Recall 12V034 covers 569 2012 Navigator and Expedition vehicles with inadequate welds on the second-row, right-hand seat head restraint support brackets. In a crash, the head restraint can fail to provide the required strength, increasing injury risk.
What should I do if my 2012 Navigator or Expedition is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V034. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and reference recall number 12V034. The dealer will replace the head restraints as necessary for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will replace the head restraints as necessary free of charge.
Is it safe to drive with this head restraint recall?
The recall does not carry a do-not-drive order. The risk is tied to crash protection: the second-row head restraint support brackets lack the required weld strength, so the head restraint can provide less protection in a crash. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free repair.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2012 Navigator or Expedition is included, then give recall number 12V034 to the dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V034000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V034 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V034000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →