Home > News & Blogs > Ford Issues Major Recall: 483,000 Trucks and SUVs Affected (Including Lincoln Models)
Ford Issues Major Recall: 483,000 Trucks and SUVs Affected (Including Lincoln Models)
Ford & Lincoln Recall Alert: Critical Seatback Safety Issue Affects 483,300 Vehicles
Urgent Safety Notice: Multiple Ford and Lincoln models may lack crucial seat reinforcement, potentially compromising occupant protection during collisions.
--FIRST CAR LIST HERE--
Affected Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the following vehicles with potentially defective manual seatback recliners:
- Ford F-150: Model years 2018-2020 (pickup trucks)
- Ford Super Duty: Model years 2019-2020 (F-250 & F-350 pickups)
- Ford Expedition: Model years 2019-2020 (full-size SUVs)
- Ford Explorer: Model years 2018-2019 (mid-size SUVs)
- 2020 Explorer & Lincoln Aviator: Rear outboard seats with manual recliners
- --TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
The Safety Risk: Missing Third Pawl in Seat Mechanism
Automotive safety engineers have identified a critical manufacturing defect in the seatback recliner assemblies:
- The seat mechanism may be missing the third engagement pawl - a crucial structural component
- This deficiency reduces the seat's load-bearing capacity by up to 40% during frontal collisions
- In crash scenarios, compromised seats may fail to properly restrain occupants, increasing risk of:
- Whiplash injuries
- Spinal trauma
- Secondary impacts with interior components
- --SECOND CAR LIST HERE--
Ford's Recall Solution
Ford Motor Company has developed a comprehensive repair protocol:
- Dealer inspection: Certified technicians will examine seat structures using specialized tools
- No-cost repairs: Affected seats will receive complete structural replacements at Ford's expense
- Estimated completion time: 2-3 hours for most vehicles (varies by model)
According to Ford's engineering team, approximately 68% of inspected vehicles are expected to pass initial evaluation without requiring parts replacement.
--FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
What Vehicle Owners Should Do Immediately
Safety experts recommend these urgent steps:
- Check your VIN: Visit the NHTSA recall website or Ford's official recall portal
- Contact Ford: Call the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 800-392-3673
- Schedule inspection: Even if not experiencing issues, proactive evaluation is crucial
- Passenger caution: Consider limiting rear seat occupancy until inspection is complete
--THIRD CAR LIST HERE--
Understanding Seatback Safety Standards
Modern vehicle seats must meet rigorous Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 207 requirements:
- Load capacity: Must withstand 20 times the seat's own weight in forward force
- Dynamic testing: Simulates 30 mph frontal collisions with crash test dummies
- Pawl systems: Typically include 3-5 engagement points for redundancy
The missing third pawl in affected vehicles creates a potential single point of failure in the restraint system.
--SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
Historical Context: Seat-Related Recalls
This recall follows a pattern of seat safety issues across the automotive industry:
- 2022: Tesla Model S/X seat belt anchor recall
- 2021: GM full-size SUV seat motor fires
- 2019: Toyota RAV4 seat frame corrosion
Industry analysts note that seat-related recalls have increased 27% since 2015 due to more stringent testing protocols.
--FOURTH CAR LIST HERE--
Frequently Asked Questions
How dangerous is this defect?
While no injuries have been reported, NHTSA classifies this as a "moderate risk" defect with significant potential consequences in moderate-to-severe crashes.
Can I still drive my vehicle?
Yes, but with precautions. Ensure all passengers use seatbelts properly and avoid over-reclining seats until inspection.
--THIRD CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
What if my dealer says no parts are available?
Ford has allocated replacement parts inventory to all dealerships. If unavailable, request a written timeline for repair completion.
Need to Find a Certified Dealer for Recall Service?
MotorVero makes it easy to locate authorized service centers:
- Search by ZIP code for nearest Ford/Lincoln dealerships
- Compare service department ratings and availability
- Schedule appointments directly through our platform
motorverorachael
Last Updated On Mar, 31-2025