Recall 20V549 covers 29 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles with improperly secured second-row center seat belt buckles. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 29 2020 Explorer vehicles because the second row center seat belt buckle is not properly secured to the seat. In a crash, an unsecured buckle can fail to restrain an occupant and increase injury risk; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On affected 2020 Explorer vehicles, the second row center seat belt buckle is the metal latch point mounted to the seat. It gives the lap and shoulder belt a fixed anchor so the belt stays tight against the occupant when the vehicle stops hard. The buckle depends on anchor bolts tightened to the specified torque, which is the measured twist that clamps the buckle and seat hardware in place.
Ford traced the problem to the seat supplier's build process. Affected seats were accepted with uncertified torque values, so the buckle anchor bolt, and an outboard seat belt anchor bolt, were not verified as tightened to specification. That leaves the buckle less secure than designed and means the belt cannot be counted on to hold from its correct anchor point.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner is not expected to hear, feel, or see a change in normal driving before the buckle hardware fails to hold as designed.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Ford Explorer | seat belt |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 29 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Ford Explorer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If a seat belt buckle is not secured correctly, it can fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. There is no warning sign before the buckle is needed in a crash, so confirm your VIN and schedule the dealer repair promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free second-row center seat assembly replacement that fixes the unsecured center seat belt buckle.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V549 when you call.
- Avoid seating anyone in the second row center position until the dealer repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the second row center seat assembly covered by recall 20V549. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because Ford says the original warranty provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 10, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 11, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| September 11, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 2, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 6, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V549?
Recall 20V549 covers 29 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles with second row center seat belt buckles that are not properly secured to the seat. In a crash, that buckle can fail to restrain an occupant, increasing injury risk. Ford dealers replace the second row center seat assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 20V549. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the second row center seat assembly replacement. Reference Ford recall number 20S50 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy for recall 20V549 is a free second row center seat assembly replacement at a franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is occupant injury during a crash. If the second row center seat belt buckle is not properly secured, it can fail to restrain the person using that seating position. Ford addresses the defect by replacing the second row center seat assembly for free.
What if I bought my Ford Explorer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Ford dealer with recall number 20V549 or Ford recall number 20S50 if your Explorer is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V549000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V549 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V549000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →