2021 Ford Explorer, 2021 Lincoln Aviator Recall: Side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of…
NHTSA campaign 21V652000 · Air Bags · filed Aug 23, 2021 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "Side Impact Protection".
The risk
Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C19.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Ford Explorer recalls
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- 2016–2019 Ford Explorer — Roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle
- 2020–2026 Ford Explorer and 1 other model — Switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind…
- 2018–2021 Ford Expedition and 4 other models — Transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in…
- 2024 Ford Explorer — An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may…
Other campaigns involving Ford vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 21V652000 (manufacturer number 21C19). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.