Ford Recalls 2020–2025 Explorers and Aviators Over Seat Defect: What California Owners Need to Know
Ford has issued another major recall — this time affecting more than 300,000 SUVs, including 183,000 Ford Explorers and 121,000 Lincoln Aviators from model years 2020 to 2025. The issue? A faulty seat component that could pose a serious safety hazard.
Specifically, the second-row seat fold lever bezel may detach or malfunction. When that happens, the seatback may not latch properly, allowing the seat to unexpectedly slide forward or jam in place. In a crash, this defect increases the risk of injury to occupants in the back.
For California vehicle owners, this isn’t just a safety issue — it may also be the kind of defect that qualifies your vehicle as a lemon under state law.
This Isn’t Ford’s First Recall Rodeo
This recall adds to a growing list of issues Ford has faced with the Explorer and Aviator over the last several years. In fact, this latest safety campaign comes right on the heels of a separate recall involving defective backup cameras in the same vehicles. Despite prior attempts to fix the rear-view system, many owners are still reporting blank screens or distorted images — a dangerous flaw in modern vehicles that rely heavily on backup cameras for rear visibility.
If you’ve taken your vehicle in for recall repairs only to experience the same problems again, you’re not alone — and you may have more options than you think.
California Lemon Law and Repeat Recalls
Under California’s Lemon Law, if your vehicle has been subject to multiple repairs for the same issue or has been out of service for an extended period, you may be entitled to compensation. That could include a repurchase, replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement.
So what counts?
If your Explorer or Aviator has gone in for warranty repairs more than once for a safety-related issue like this seat defect — and it’s still not resolved — it may qualify.
If the backup camera problem has returned even after being "repaired" under recall, that also strengthens your claim.
And if the vehicle’s been in the shop for 30+ total days, that’s another trigger for Lemon Law protection.
These aren’t just annoyances. When you’re driving a family SUV, things like seat locks and rear-view visibility are essential for safety. Repeated failures — especially after manufacturer repair attempts — can form the basis of a strong Lemon Law case.
How to Proceed
Document Issues: Keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with the manufacturer. While at the dealership, ensure that all of your complaints are noted in the work order that you receive when you first drop off your vehicle.
Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: While the law doesn't specify an exact number, generally, if the same problem persists after four or more repair attempts, or if the vehicle is out of service for more than 30 days cumulatively, it may qualify as a "lemon."
Monitor Symptoms: Any new seat movement, failure to latch, or visibility issues with your backup camera? Stop driving immediately and seek inspection — and let the dealership know.
Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law: If repairs fail, or if you experience repeated issues, you may be entitled to relief under California law. Remedies can include a repurchase of the vehicle or a cash settlement.
🛑 Protect Your Rights Under California Lemon Law
If you are like many Ford owners who are now experiencing serious seat or camera issues with your Explorer or Aviator, you may be entitled to compensation under the California Lemon Law.
Compensation may include:
A complete repurchase of your defective vehicle
A replacement vehicle
Or substantial cash reimbursement for damage already caused by the defect
If you’re in California and your Explorer or Aviator has a persistent safety or performance issue, call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete our free Lemon Law case evaluation form today.