Side air bag may be loose in seat back
Defect Summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2020 explorer and 2020 lincoln aviator vehicles. the side air bag and/or seat back module attachments may not have been properly tightened in the front seat backs.
Safety Consequence
If the side air bag or seat back fasteners were not properly tightened, the side air bag deployment could be affected, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove front seat back panels from one or both front seats (vin-specific) and verify that the fasteners have been properly tightened, free of charge. the recall began september 10, 2020. owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. ford's number for this recall is 20s48.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Air Bags.
FAQ: Recall 20V497000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 20V497000?
NHTSA recall 20V497000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on August 21, 2020. It addresses: Side air bag may be loose in seat back. The recall affects approximately 488 vehicles, with the defect involving the Air Bags component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 20V497000 or the manufacturer campaign number 20S48. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.