The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·25V093000·Announced 2026-02-02

2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Seat Belt Anchor Bolts May Be Improperly Secured

Ford is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles because seat belt buckle anchor bolts may be improperly secured, potentially failing to properly restrain occupants during a crash.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: Structural vehicle defect affecting the seat belt restraint system where buckle anchor bolts may be improperly secured, creating potential for serious injury or death during a crash. The defect meets the Level 4 criterion for structural vehicle defects.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, these vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position if equipped. If these anchor bolts are loose, the seat belt buckle or restraint system may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Approximately 240,510 vehicles are affected by this defect. Dealers will inspect the seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions and, if equipped, the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced free of charge.

Owner notification letters were mailed on June 5, 2025. Owners can contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or visit nhtsa.gov for more information.

The recalled product

Product
2020 FORD EXPLORER
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Seat Belt System
Hazard
  • seat-belt-defect
  • restraint-failure
Affected units
240,510

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • EXPLORER
  • AVIATOR

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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