NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
494 reportsMileage unknown · Sep 30, 2025
Power Train
Ford 10 speed automatic transmission. Driving at highway speeds the vehicle suddenly went into limp mode. This dropped the vehicle speed from 70 mph to 20 mph without warning. A flashing wrench indicator light on the dash illuminated. A grinding noise coming from underneath the vehicle occurred. Our vehicle has an extended warra…
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Ford 10 speed automatic transmission. Driving at highway speeds the vehicle suddenly went into limp mode. This dropped the vehicle speed from 70 mph to 20 mph without warning. A flashing wrench indicator light on the dash illuminated. A grinding noise coming from underneath the vehicle occurred. Our vehicle has an extended warranty. The vehicle was dropped off at the dealership it was purchased from. Dealership stated the separator plate inside the transmission was defective and needed replaced. The work was completed and the vehicle has been returned to us. This could have caused a significant accident on the freeway. Luckily with experienced drivers this was avoided.
NHTSA ODI #11690516
Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
In June 2024, my 2019 Ford Expedition experienced serious transmission and powertrain problems. Diagnostic testing identified catalyst efficiency codes (P0430), and I was given a repair estimate that included catalytic converter replacement. The vehicle also displayed repeated “Service Engine Soon” and “Powertrain Malfunction/Re…
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In June 2024, my 2019 Ford Expedition experienced serious transmission and powertrain problems. Diagnostic testing identified catalyst efficiency codes (P0430), and I was given a repair estimate that included catalytic converter replacement. The vehicle also displayed repeated “Service Engine Soon” and “Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power” warnings. Because the vehicle became undrivable and the repair costs were unaffordable, I was forced to release it to auction in June 2024, resulting in a significant financial loss. In April 2025, Ford issued Recall 24E13 acknowledging that PCM programming errors could falsely trigger catalyst efficiency codes (such as P0430), potentially leading to unnecessary catalytic converter replacements, exactly the condition my vehicle experienced. This recall defect directly contributed to the loss I suffered, as I still owed about $11,000 on the vehicle when I could no longer use it. I have already opened a case with Ford (Case #CXH05645573C2W6R6), but I have not received meaningful assistance. When I contacted Ford Customer Service, I was not offered escalation or resolution. I was only told to call another phone number, which left my case unresolved. I respectfully request that NHTSA review Ford’s handling of this defect, including the financial impact on owners like myself who incurred substantial losses before the recall was announced.
NHTSA ODI #11689464
Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2025
Back Over PreventionUnknown Or Other
The rear-view camera does not work 80+% of the time. It usually fails to connect at all and I do not have visibility or access to the rearview camera when backing up (in reverse). This has been ongoing for well over a year now and has been progressively getting worse. Before it would just happen once every 20-30 times or so but …
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The rear-view camera does not work 80+% of the time. It usually fails to connect at all and I do not have visibility or access to the rearview camera when backing up (in reverse). This has been ongoing for well over a year now and has been progressively getting worse. Before it would just happen once every 20-30 times or so but now it happens every day I use the vehicle about 80-90% of the time. This has resulted in at least 3 narrow-miss accidents so far as I can't see what directly behind me. On more limited occasions, if the rear camera does show up and connect, it will display the rear image upside down, sometimes it will freeze on the screen and won't go away even when not engaged in Reverse thus not allowing access to the screen. It continues to happen every day I use the car and most days the rear camera will not ever connect.
NHTSA ODI #11688358
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceUnknown Or OtherCrash
July 17th on highway going near highway speed of 65-70mph in congested heavier traffic, person merging from on ramp caused abrupt slow to stop and rear ended a F250 truck causing MAJOR front end damage, couldn’t get front doors open, frame bent, vehicle totalled with $22k or more in damages. Seatbelt locked and air bags NEVER de…
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July 17th on highway going near highway speed of 65-70mph in congested heavier traffic, person merging from on ramp caused abrupt slow to stop and rear ended a F250 truck causing MAJOR front end damage, couldn’t get front doors open, frame bent, vehicle totalled with $22k or more in damages. Seatbelt locked and air bags NEVER deployed. Ford dealership and insurance company very very suprised that given impact, speed, etc airbags never went off. Also emergency braking system did give collision detection warning and then seemed to entirely take over braking as I attempted to brake very hard nothing seemed to be happening for brakes. Seemed crash could have been entirely avoided. Vehicle totalled and gone to salvage yard. Thank goodness no injury very badly bruised
NHTSA ODI #11685530
Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2025
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
I purchased my 2019 Ford Expedition Max Limited on [XXX]. When we purchase the vehicle we signed a notice that we would have the recalls completed within a reasonable time. I took my vehicle for the recall to Feyer Ford in Edenton, North Carolina on May 30th. Prior to the recall I was having no issues at all with the vehicle. On…
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I purchased my 2019 Ford Expedition Max Limited on [XXX]. When we purchase the vehicle we signed a notice that we would have the recalls completed within a reasonable time. I took my vehicle for the recall to Feyer Ford in Edenton, North Carolina on May 30th. Prior to the recall I was having no issues at all with the vehicle. Once I pick the vehicle up on [XXX] and started my traveling home. Within 10 minutes of leaving, the vehicle made a loud screeching noise. The wrench light came on, and the vehicle seemed to not accelerate forward. I was able to pull off the road and turn the vehicle off. I called Feyer Ford to make them aware of the problem and they told me that it was because the PCM had been reprogrammed and would need to relearn how I drive. I had the same issue happen again further down the road, this is a very serious safety hazard that my vehicle suddenly stopped moving forward in traffic. I called Feyer Ford once again and was told that I had to drive the vehicle 1,000 miles before the PCM would relearn my driving patterns. I took the vehicle in on June 4th to have it checked out and was told that I would need a valve body replacement and torque converter replacement. That essentially my transmission was bad. Since that date the vehicle has gone into reverse numerous times when I put it in Drive, it will also get stuck in 4th 7th or 10th gear when you are trying to drive it in a parking lot or going slow on the road. When it gets stuck in those gears the vehicle will not go forward it will only allow you to go backwards. My car has been at Feyer Ford since July 29 trying to have the warranty cover the fix, but it was denied for warranty coverage because they stated the vehicle was broken by the recall. We were told we could pick up our un-fixed vehicle on Aug 27. We got the key and proceeded to leave only to find the car not put back together from a different seat belt recall. It is still at Feyer Ford today, September 6th 2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),
NHTSA ODI #11685454
Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2025
Seat Belts
Seatbelt pretensioner inadvertently exploded while driving the vehicle and locked the seatbelt
NHTSA ODI #11683312
92,000 miles · Aug 26, 2025
StructureCrashInjury
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign and reaching into the center console, the contact's ring finger touched the silver chrome trim near the sliding opening latch and was severely lacerated, almost severing it completely. As a result, the contact lost consciousness, causin…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign and reaching into the center console, the contact's ring finger touched the silver chrome trim near the sliding opening latch and was severely lacerated, almost severing it completely. As a result, the contact lost consciousness, causing the vehicle to collide with a tree. Fortunately, the contact did not sustain any additional injuries. No police report was filed. The contact was able to drive away from the accident scene and personally repair the vehicle. The manufacturer has been notified of this incident.
NHTSA ODI #11683251
72,000 miles · Aug 22, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was rattling, and the vehicle was idling rough. There was no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that occasionally while driving on the highway, the vehicle lost automotive power while accelerating. The vehicle was t…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was rattling, and the vehicle was idling rough. There was no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that occasionally while driving on the highway, the vehicle lost automotive power while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the cam phasers were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
NHTSA ODI #11682479
Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2025
Air BagsSeat Belts
Yesterday, while I was driving to pick up my kids from school, my 2019 Ford Expedition, the driver’s side seatbelt literally exploded — it went off like it would in a crash (but there was no crash). I was driving when it exploded and tightened so tight on me. Now the seatbelt doesn’t work at all. It was terrifying, so loud and p…
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Yesterday, while I was driving to pick up my kids from school, my 2019 Ford Expedition, the driver’s side seatbelt literally exploded — it went off like it would in a crash (but there was no crash). I was driving when it exploded and tightened so tight on me. Now the seatbelt doesn’t work at all. It was terrifying, so loud and painful. This is part of a known recall issue. When the dealership had my car back in May to replace my cam phasers, they told me the seatbelt recall parts weren’t available yet. Fast forward to now — the seatbelt has gone off, the vehicle can’t be driven safely, and Ford (both the local dealership and customer service) is saying there’s nothing they can do for me right now. The dealership told me I would have to pay to have it towed and pay for a rental. Also, they aren’t sure how fast they can get parts or diagnose it. I’m honestly at a loss. This is a safety recall, and I can’t use my car because of it. I literally just paid $2400 in may for my cam phasers and now this.
NHTSA ODI #11682373
Mileage unknown · Aug 21, 2025
Power Train
The transmission is clunking and hard shifting causing the car to not just go when you accelerate. The car stutters and takes a minute to actually go when you press the accelerator. This has caused multiple times where pulling out of a parking lot has been dangerous since I can’t properly get up and go when need be. I had a mech…
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The transmission is clunking and hard shifting causing the car to not just go when you accelerate. The car stutters and takes a minute to actually go when you press the accelerator. This has caused multiple times where pulling out of a parking lot has been dangerous since I can’t properly get up and go when need be. I had a mechanic look at my car and he confirmed my transmission needs to be replaced. There was no warning signs or messages about the failure.
NHTSA ODI #11682197
Official recalls
11Jun 24, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in park system damage.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 10, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S48. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 26, 2026.
Jun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Expedition vehicles. The chrome plating on the center console may bubble and peel, resulting in sharp edges.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Vehicle occupants may contact the center console's sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the center consoles as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 16, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S38. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 10, 2026.
May 27, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 8, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S34. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recalls 24V099 and 25V197. Vehicles previously inspected or repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.
Dec 18, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V263. The "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C71. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 15, 2026.
May 23, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S31. Some vehicles in this recall that were previously inspected under recall 24V-099 and did not have parts replaced will need to have this new recall remedy completed.
Nov 8, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Feb 9, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Seat belts that do not retract or extend may fail to restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install an HVAC drain tube elbow if it is missing. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S06.
Jun 9, 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with third-row seating; and 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 SuperCab vehicles. The owner's manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without instructions, the head restraints may be improperly adjusted, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail the Owner's Manual addendums that describe how to adjust and remove the head restraints for the center seating positions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C20.
May 8, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and 2019-2020 Mustang vehicles. The "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S21.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and 2019-2020 Mustang vehicles. The "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.
Consequence: If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S21.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and 2019-2020 Mustang vehicles. The "Transmission Not In Park" warning message and associated chime duration are shorter than intended.
Consequence: If the driver exits the vehicle without the transmission being shifted into park, unintended vehicle movement may result, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S21.
Oct 28, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The rear suspension toe link fasteners may not have been properly tightened to the frame, possibly allowing separation from the frame.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A disconnected toe link can cause a sudden change to vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the rear toe link fasteners, check and adjust the rear toe alignment, and inspect the rear tires for abnormal tire wear, replacing them if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S36.
Aug 28, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats:mid/rear Assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Seats:front Assembly:recliner
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2RQ24015 · Seat Belt Retractor Pretensioner Inadvertent Deployment
Opened Nov 15, 2024 · Closed Jul 23, 2025
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:pretensioner
On November 22, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) PE23021 to investigate complaints of front seat belt retractor pretensioner inadvertent deployment in model year (MY) 2019 Ford Expedition vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. Some complaints alleged hearing a loud, explosion-like sound immediately followed by the seat belt tightening around the occupant’s torso area. The complaints did not state that a crash occurred that may have resulted in the deployment of the pretensioner system, suggesting that this deployment was inadvertent or otherwise unwarranted. On February 9, 2024, Ford issued safety recall 24V-099, recalling certain MY 2018-2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with driver and front passenger seat belt retractor pretensioners built between October 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019. Ford described the defect as a seat belt retractor pretensioner assembly that may develop corroded squib pins, resulting in high resistance or an open circuit, which could result in an inadvertent deployment of a pretensioner and an increased risk of injury due to the loss of the pretensioner’s protection and a seat belt that remains in the locked position. This recall includes 77,574 vehicles. On November 15, 2024, ODI opened this Recall Query (RQ24015) after receiving 3 complaints involving vehicles not included in recall 23V-099 but that alleged a similar failure. As a result of this investigation, Ford issued safety recall 25V-197 on March 28, 2025, to expand the scope of 24V-099 to include MY 2018-2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with driver and front passenger seat belt retractor pretensioners built between October 1, 2018, and July 31, 2020. This recall includes 105,322 vehicles, some of which are also included in 24V-099. Additionally, on May 23, 2025, Ford issued 25V-197 Amendment #1, which further expands the recall population’s scope for vehicles with build dates of September 2018. This amendment added 7,627 additional vehicles to the 25V-197 population. In response to ODI’s inquiries in RQ24015, Ford indicated that it cannot conclusively determine the root cause of the relevant failure. Ford was able to determine that certain pretensioners may develop corroded squib pins potentially resulting in inadvertent deployment, but it was unable to specify the cause of corrosion. Without a specific root cause, Ford assessed field performance of pretensioners to determine the scope of the recalls. ODI is aware of three vehicles that experienced pretensioner inadvertent deployment that are not included in either 25V-197 or 24V-099. Two of these vehicles are MY 2018 Lincoln Navigator vehicles built prior to October 1, 2018, and both experienced failures after more than six years of use/exposure while the recalled vehicles experienced higher rate of failures with less exposure. The remaining incident involves a MY 2021 Ford Expedition that was built after July 31, 2020. ODI is not aware of any other relevant failures in vehicles built after July 31, 2020. As such, ODI has not currently identified a safety defect trend for this issue in vehicles outside of the recalled populations. ODI will continue to monitor allegations of pretensioner inadvertent deployment in subject vehicles that are not included in 25V-197. In view of the safety recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Recall Query (RQ24015). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE23021 · Seat Belt Pretensioner Inadvertent Deployment
Opened Nov 22, 2023 · Closed Jul 29, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:pretensioner
On November 22, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-021 to investigate instances of seat belt pretensioner inadvertent deployment in model year (MY) 2019 Ford Expedition vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. Some complaints allege hearing a loud, explosion-like sound immediately followed by the seatbelt tightening around the occupant’s torso area. The complaints do not allege a crash occurred that may have resulted in the deployment of the pretensioner system. The investigation revealed certain seatbelt pretensioners may develop corroded squib pins where the bridge wire (heating element of pyro-technic device) is welded. Extended corrosion and a partial separation of the weld may cause a high resistance or an open circuit condition to occur, potentially resulting in pretensioner inadvertent deployment. Inadvertent pretensioner deployment will result in the seatbelt being locked in position, no longer able to extend or retract as designed, which may result in injury in the event of a crash. 11 minor injuries were reported due this failure. Most injuries were bruising to the torso area caused by the rapid tightening of the seatbelt during an inadvertent deployment. On February 9, 2024, Ford filed recall 24V099 for certain MY 2018-2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles with production dates between October 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019. The recall remedy provides the replacement of both front seatbelt retractors if found to have a production date code within the suspect production date range. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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