Ford Recalls 400,000 SUVs: Is Your Family at Risk?

Wouter Smit · 2026-07-21

Ford just announced a major recall affecting nearly 400,000 family SUVs, and it's all because of a problem with the rear seats. If you drive a popular Ford SUV, you'll want to pay close attention. This isn't just a minor glitch—it could put your passengers at risk. ### What's the Problem? The issue involves the rear seat backrests. In certain models, the locking mechanism might not engage properly. That means the seat could fold forward unexpectedly during a crash, increasing the chance of injury for anyone sitting in the back. Ford says they're aware of a few minor injuries linked to this defect, but no serious crashes have been reported yet. ### Which Vehicles Are Affected? Here's the list of models included in this recall: - 2021-2023 Ford Expedition - 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator - 2022-2023 Ford Maverick - 2022-2023 Ford Bronco Sport If you own one of these, your SUV might be part of the problem. Ford will notify owners starting next month, but you can check your vehicle's VIN right now on the NHTSA website to see if yours is included. ### What Should You Do? First, don't panic. This is a fixable issue. Ford dealers will inspect and repair the rear seat locking mechanism for free. The repair should take less than an hour. In the meantime, make sure your rear passengers are buckled up properly—that's always good advice, but especially now. > "Safety is our top priority, and we're working quickly to address this issue for our customers," a Ford spokesperson said. "We encourage all affected owners to schedule their free repair as soon as they receive notification." ### How to Check for Recalls This Ford recall is a good reminder that all car owners should regularly check for open recalls on their vehicles. Here's how: - Visit the NHTSA website and enter your VIN - Sign up for recall alerts from your car's manufacturer - Check your mail for recall notices from the automaker - Use a trusted car recall check service to scan your VIN automatically Staying on top of recalls can keep you and your family safe. It only takes a few minutes, and it's completely free. ### The Bottom Line Ford's latest recall affects nearly 400,000 SUVs, but it's a straightforward fix. If you own one of the models listed, schedule your repair as soon as you get the notice. And if you're not sure whether your car has any open recalls, take five minutes to check today. It could make all the difference.