Ford Recalls Pickup Trucks and SUVs for Seat Problem

Jon Linkov

Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.

Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.

Ford is recalling 482,520 vehicles in the U.S. because the mechanism that controls how the front driver and/or passenger seatbacks recline may have been improperly assembled. As a result, the seatback might not have sufficient strength to restrain an occupant in a crash. This could increase the risk of the occupant being injured, according to the manufacturer.

Ford has stated that it is not aware of any crashes or injuries associated with this issue.

The Details

Vehicles recalled: 482,520 Ford pickup trucks and SUVs in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, including:

  • 2018 to 2020 Ford F-150 vehicles built at the Dearborn assembly plant from Sept. 14, 2018, to Aug. 7, 2019 and the Kansas City assembly plant from Sept. 11, 2018, through Aug. 2, 2019.

  • 2019 to 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty vehicles built at the Kentucky assembly plant from Sept. 9, 2018, through July 22, 2019 and the Ohio assembly plant from Sept. 11, 2018, through July 17, 2019.

  • 2018 to 2019 Ford Explorer vehicles built at the Chicago assembly plant from Sept. 9, 2018, through March 3, 2019.

  • 2019 to 2020 Ford Expedition vehicles built at the Kentucky assembly plant from Oct. 16, 2018, through July 24, 2019.

  • 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles built at the Chicago assembly plant from Nov. 21, 2018, through Aug. 21, 2019.

  • 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles built at the Chicago assembly plant from April 12, 2019, through July 16, 2019.

The problem: The seatback assembly may lack a part that locks the seat and prevents it from moving until the occupant manually disengages the part via a lever. The seatbacks with the improperly assembled recliner mechanism might not be strong enough to restrain the occupant in a crash.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the seat structure of the affected vehicles and, if a repair is required, will replace the seat structure, all at no charge to owners.

How to contact the manufacturer: Ford’s number for this recall is 19C07. Owners may call Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. The recall is expected to begin Oct. 7, 2019.

NHTSA campaign number: 19V633.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has a recall that needs to be addressed.

If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have one. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.



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