Recall 25V393 covers 304,662 2020-2025 Aviator and Explorer vehicles for second-row seat switches that stick. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 304,662 2020-2025 Aviator and Explorer vehicles because the easy-entry switch for the second-row outer seats can bind or stick, letting a seat unlatch, fold, or slide while driving. A moving seat can leave an occupant improperly restrained in a crash, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The easy-entry switch for the second-row outer seats lets the seat unlatch, fold, or slide so someone can reach the rear seating area. A trim piece called the switch bezel surrounds that button and keeps it lined up with the seat mechanism. On 2020-2025 Aviator and Explorer vehicles, that small trim piece is part of the problem.
The bezel was installed out of position on affected vehicles. When the trim does not line up correctly, it presses against the switch button and creates interference. The button can bind or stick in the down position, which tells the seat mechanism to move when no one asked it to move. That is how the second-row seat can unlatch, fold, or slide unexpectedly while driving.
The warning sign is a button that stays down or does not respond normally. If that happens, the seat also can refuse to latch, unlatch, or fold when you try to use it.
Who's affected?
Spans Aviator and Explorer SUVs across the 2020-2025 model years, all involving the same seat assembly switch bezel.
| 2024 Lincoln Aviator | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2025 Lincoln Aviator | seat assembly |
| 2023 Lincoln Aviator | seat assembly |
| 2021 Lincoln Aviator | seat assembly |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | seat assembly |
| 2022 Lincoln Aviator | seat assembly |
| 2020 Lincoln Aviator | seat assembly |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | seat assembly |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | seat assembly |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | seat assembly |
| 2023 Ford Explorer | seat assembly |
| 2024 Ford Explorer | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 304,662 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A second-row seat that shifts unexpectedly leaves the occupant less securely restrained during a crash, increasing injury risk. If the switch button is stuck down, the seat can fail to latch, unlatch, or fold. Avoid adjusting that seat and schedule the repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Lincoln dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviator or Explorer is included in this recall.
- Find the owner letter Ford mailed on August 7, 2025, or ask a franchised Lincoln dealer whether recall 25V393 is open for your VIN.
- Contact the dealer to schedule the free second-row seat-switch inspection and bezel replacement that fixes the binding switch behind the unexpected seat movement.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 25V393 when you call.
- Keep the second-row outer seats locked in position and avoid carrying passengers there until the dealer completes the inspection and any needed repair.
What happens at the repair
When the dealer repair is available, a Lincoln technician will inspect the easy-entry switch for the second-row outer seats and replace the bezel around the switch if needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. The manufacturer used its standard reimbursement plan, so documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to this seat-switch issue are eligible for review. Bring repair paperwork or payment records to the service desk so the dealer can explain the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 13, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 16, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| June 16, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 16, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 23, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 7, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V393?
Recall 25V393 covers 304,662 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles with a second-row outer seat switch that can bind or stick. The seat can unlatch, fold, or slide while driving. Dealers will inspect the switch and replace the bezel around it for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviator or Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V393. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln or Ford dealer to schedule the second-row seat switch inspection. Reference recall number 25S67 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. The dealer will inspect the second-row seat switch and replace the bezel around the switch for free when the inspection shows that replacement is needed.
What is the safety risk in recall 25V393?
The safety risk is that a second-row outer seat can move unexpectedly while driving. A seat that unlatches, folds, or slides during a crash can fail to restrain the occupant properly, increasing injury risk. The free dealer repair addresses the seat switch condition.
When were owners notified about recall 25V393?
Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Aviator or Explorer is included, then call the dealer with recall number 25S67.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V393000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V393 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V393000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →