A grand total of 528 Ford and Lincoln vehicles are the subjects of a safety recall. No accidents or injuries have occurred yet in relation to recall. All the models affected by the recall are from the current 2020 model year.

These are the vehicles in the recall

There are 528 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviators affected by the recall. 491 were sold in the United States and its federal territories. 34 were sold in Canada. Three were sold in Mexico. Specifically, the 2020 Ford Explorers that were built from November 19, 2019, through June 8, 2020. The 2020 Lincoln Aviators were built beginning April 11, 2019, through June 8, 2020. Both vehicles were built at the Chicago assembly plant.  

What is the specific concern of the recall

According to the press release from Ford, the recall centers around front seatbacks with fasteners “with incorrect torque on the side airbag and/or seatback module attachments.” In the event of an airbag deployment, the side airbag trajectory could be altered and, “prevent or delay the airbag cushion from positioning correctly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.”

When will the recall become effective

The recall of the Explorers and Aviators is effective now. Dealers will remove the front seatbacks and verify the correct torque on the fasteners in question. Ford will notify owners. In the meantime, owners can also contact a local Ford or Lincoln dealership and provide 20S48 as the reference number for this recall. 

The 2020 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer is all-new for 2020. This is its sixth generation. It is a unibody, mid-size SUV that is available rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It has a 2.3-liter, Ecoboost, 4-cylinder engine that manages 300 horsepower. The vehicle is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. According to Ford’s website, the three-row SUV has a starting price of $32,765. A hybrid model is also available. The Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota Highlander are all competitors.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator shares its underpinnings with the Ford Explorer. However, the powerplant is different, and cosmetically the Lincoln is more upscale. The Aviator has a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine that pumps out over 490 horsepower. There is an upgrade hybrid configuration available. It churns out 494 horsepower, according to Lincoln’s website. The interior of the Lincoln is covered in high-quality surface materials and can be graced with a 28-speaker sound system, separating it further from the Ford. The starting price for the base model of the Aviator is $51,100.

Recalls are made to ensure that people do not get hurt by improperly functioning vehicles or componentry. In this case, it is Ford and Lincoln owners that are impacted. So, to keep safe, if an owner suspects they have an affected vehicle, or they still have questions, they should contact a Ford or Lincoln dealership. Any Ford or Lincoln dealer will be able to help. It is also conceivable that the appointment can be done quickly since the press release made no mention of waiting for any parts related to the recall.