Recall 21V652 affects 592 2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs for defective side air bag weld studs. Free repair at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 592 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because side air bag attachment weld studs can detach during deployment, causing the side air bag to deploy improperly. An improper side air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash, and Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The side airbag assembly in the 2021 Ford Explorer and Aviator is the curtain-style airbag mounted along the side of the cabin. Its job is to inflate during a side impact and help keep an occupant from striking the door, window area, or other hard interior surfaces. Weld studs hold the airbag assembly in the correct position so it deploys where Ford designed it to deploy.
On affected vehicles, those attachment weld studs do not have the required strength. During a side airbag deployment, a stud can detach from the assembly. If that happens, the side airbag does not fully inflate or does not sit in the correct position, so the protection Ford intended for a side-impact crash is reduced.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is in the airbag attachment hardware, and an owner would not hear, feel, or see it during normal driving.
Who's affected?
Covers Explorer and Aviator SUVs using the same side air bag assembly.
| 2021 Ford Explorer | side curtain air bag |
|---|---|
| 2021 Ford Explorer | air bag system |
| 2021 Lincoln Aviator | side curtain air bag |
| 2021 Lincoln Aviator | air bag system |
| Units affected | 592 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
If a side air bag deploys improperly in a crash, occupants face a higher risk of injury. There is no warning sign before the problem appears. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and do not delay the dealer visit. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free side air bag assembly replacement that fixes the improper-deployment risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V652 when you call.
- Avoid delaying the repair; the side air bag can deploy improperly during a crash until the assemblies are replaced.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the side air bag assemblies covered by recall 21V652. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Ford says it is not offering a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program would provide a free repair for this concern. If you paid for related side air bag work before the recall repair, ask the service desk how the original warranty coverage applies to your repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 23, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 23, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| August 23, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 7, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 10, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V652?
Recall 21V652 covers 592 2021 Ford Explorer and 2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles with side air bag attachment weld studs that can detach during deployment. That defect can cause improper side air bag deployment and increase injury risk in a crash. Ford dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Ford Explorer or 2021 Lincoln Aviator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V652. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule replacement of the side air bag assemblies. Reference Ford recall number 21C19 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 says dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V652?
The safety risk is improper side air bag deployment during a crash. Ford's filing says the attachment weld studs can detach when the side air bag deploys, which increases the risk of injury. The fix is replacement of the side air bag assemblies at a franchised dealer.
When were owners notified about recall 21V652?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on September 10, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your 2021 Ford Explorer or 2021 Lincoln Aviator is included before calling the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V652000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V652 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V652000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →