Recall 26V120 affects 1,189 2026 Lincoln Navigator SUVs for driver-seat software that can reverse the seat unexpectedly. The Lincoln dealer or OTA update is free.
Lincoln is recalling 1,189 2026 Navigator vehicles because driver-seat obstacle detection software can malfunction at low speeds, making the seat reverse unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving. That seat movement can affect the driver's control and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Lincoln makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The Driver's Seat Module in the 2026 Lincoln Navigator controls the power-adjust driver seat. It tells the seat motor where to move when the driver uses the switch, and it also runs obstacle detection, a safety feature that reverses the seat if it senses something blocking the track during adjustment.
On affected Navigators, the obstacle detection software can get stuck in the wrong loop. If the seat tries to reverse farther than the track allows, the system reads the track hard-stops as another obstacle. The seat then keeps trying to move to the full back position. Ford's review found that the software does not correctly cancel that automatic reversal when the manual switch is used or when vehicle speed reaches 5 kph, about 3 mph.
There is no warning sign before failure. The seat can adjust normally, then move back unexpectedly when the vehicle slows below 5 kph during the same driving cycle.
Who's affected?
| 2026 Lincoln Navigator | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,189 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2026 Lincoln Navigator is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected driver-seat movement can affect the driver ability to control the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the seat moves, so drive cautiously and ask a Lincoln dealer about the software update. Repair will be free at any franchised Lincoln dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2026 Lincoln Navigator is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Lincoln owner letter if you have not received it, since the seat-control software update opens through a dealer or over-the-air update.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and ask whether the free seat-control software update is ready for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 26V120 and Ford recall 26S11 when you call.
- Use caution until the update is complete, since unexpected driver-seat movement can affect vehicle control.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician updates the seat control module software so the driver seat obstacle detection system works as intended at low speeds. Ford also lists a wireless software update as a repair path. The final repair will be free once available, whether completed by a dealer or delivered through the vehicle software update process. Ford uses its standard reimbursement plan for this recall. If you already paid for a related seat control module software repair, contact Ford customer service and ask what documentation is needed for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 3, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 5, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| March 5, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 5, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 13, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V120?
Recall 26V120 covers 1,189 2026 Lincoln Navigator vehicles with driver-seat obstacle detection software that can malfunction at low speeds. The seat can reverse unexpectedly while driving. Lincoln will update the seat control module software for free through a dealer or over-the-air update.
What should I do if my 2026 Lincoln Navigator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Navigator is included in recall 26V120. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and ask about the seat control module software update, or confirm whether the over-the-air update is available for your vehicle.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Lincoln will provide the seat control module software update free of charge through a dealer or over the air.
What is the safety risk?
The driver seat can move unexpectedly while the vehicle is being driven. That movement can affect the driver's ability to control the Navigator and increase crash risk. The repair path is the free seat control module software update.
When were owners notified about recall 26V120?
Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2026. Involved VINs became searchable March 5, 2026. If you own a 2026 Lincoln Navigator and never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 26V120 when you contact a Lincoln dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V120000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V120 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V120000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →