Ford is recalling nearly 420,000 vehicles over a critical seat belt defect that could lead to serious injury during a collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall on Tuesday, specifying that it affects certain Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models manufactured between 2018 and 2022.
Safety Concern Details
The safety concern centers on seat belts that may unexpectedly lock, preventing them from properly retracting or extending. According to the NHTSA report, a malfunctioning seat belt could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Furthermore, rapid retraction of the seat belt in certain situations also poses a risk of harm to occupants. The latest recall supersedes and broadens two prior NHTSA actions.
Incidents and Reports
Ford Motor Co. has acknowledged two warranty claims, two field reports, and one reported injury directly linked to this issue. The company is taking proactive steps to address the problem and ensure customer safety.
Owner Notification and Remedy
Affected vehicle owners will receive official notification via mail. They are advised to visit a Ford or Lincoln dealership, where both front seat belt retractors will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced at no cost. For additional details, owners can reach Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.
