Ford Once More Recalls Over 400,000 SUVs Due To Faulty Seatbealts

Ford is recalling 419,967 SUVs in the US because some cars’ front seatbelt pretensioners can activate when they shouldn’t, securing owners like they’ve fastened a five-point harness for a whole day at Le Mans. The effort extends two earlier recalls that addressed the same problem and covers Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator cars from 2018 to 2022.

The seatbelt retractor pretensioner, which is intended to quickly tighten the belt in the event of an accident, is the main source of the issue. However, in impacted cars, pretensioners for the driver and front passenger may unintentionally activate when there is no danger to the occupants’ safety. The seatbelt may become trapped in position and stop retracting or extending normally as a result.

That is more than just irritating. According to Ford, an improperly moving belt may make an accident more likely to result in injuries. Because of the force produced when the belt quickly retracts, the unexpected deployment itself may occasionally cause injuries to occupants.

Expeditions and Navigators manufactured at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant between May 2017 and October 2022 are covered by the recall. The company claims that cars that were fixed during earlier recall campaigns could still need to be inspected under this new one, which means some owners might have to return to the dealer for a second round of inspections.

If You See A Light, Hold On Tight

According to Ford’s analysis, extended exposure to high temperatures might cause the propellant used in some pretensioners to deteriorate. Corrosive byproducts from the material’s breakdown may form and harm interior components, possibly leading to an unintentional deployment. Before experiencing the strange feeling that a monster is attacking them from the back seat, owners may observe an illuminated airbag warning light. The solution is quite simple.

Starting in late summer, dealers will check both front seatbelt retractors and replace any questionable ones for free. Ford claims that the updated propellant and stabiliser combination used in the replacement parts provides better long-term chemical stability.

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