Ford Motor Company Issues Recalls for Lincoln MKT and Navigator Vehicles

Per reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford Motor Company is initiating two separate recalls affecting a combined total of over 13,000 Lincoln MKT and Navigator vehicles. One recall addresses a potential issue with exterior trim pieces detaching from Lincoln MKT models, while the second concerns rear lightbar defects in Lincoln Navigator SUVs. Both recalls highlight risks to other road users and potential non-compliance with federal safety standards.

The first recall, affecting 11,852 Lincoln MKT vehicles produced between July 10, 2015, and October 11, 2019, concerns the driver and front passenger side B-pillar trim appliques. These trim pieces may detach from the vehicle while it is in motion. This detachment poses a safety risk by creating a road hazard for other vehicles, potentially increasing the likelihood of a crash. The issue is attributed to inconsistencies in the application process during manufacturing, specifically related to adhesion and the use of foam blocks during installation, which may have affected the bonding of the tape. Drivers may notice the trim separating from the top of the front doors or experience wind and rattling noises. Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this condition. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail and instructed to bring their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for a free repair. The remedy involves securing the front B-pillar trims with adhesive. Interim owner notifications are expected to begin by December 8, 2025, with remedy notifications to follow by June 29, 2026.

The second recall impacts 1,195 Lincoln Navigator vehicles manufactured between August 6, 2025, and December 26, 2025. These vehicles are equipped with a rear lightbar that may have a cracked outer lens or weld track. This damage can permit water to enter the lightbar, potentially causing the backup lamps to become inoperative or flicker. Malfunctioning backup lamps mean these vehicles may not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, which governs lamps and associated equipment. The safety risk arises because inoperative or flickering reverse lamps can reduce the awareness of other motorists and road users when the vehicle is backing up, thereby increasing the risk of injury or a crash. The cause of this defect is linked to the use of expendable cardboard packaging for shipping rear lightbar assemblies. Damage to this packaging during transit may have led to cracks in the lightbar’s lens or weld track. Ford is aware of several warranty claims and field reports related to this issue. As with the MKT recall, owners will be notified by mail and advised to take their vehicles to a dealer for a complimentary replacement of the rear liftgate lightbar. Interim owner notification letters are scheduled to begin by January 8, 2026, with remedy notifications commencing by June 29, 2026.

For both recalls, Ford advises owners to park their affected vehicles outside as a precautionary measure until the repairs are completed. Information regarding the applicability of these recalls to specific vehicles can be obtained by contacting Ford’s toll-free line at 1-866-436-7332 or by visiting a local Ford or Lincoln dealer. The date for VINs to be searchable for recall applicability is December 2, 2025, for the MKT recall and December 3, 2025, for the Navigator recall.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Ford Motor Company and NHTSA

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