Ford Expedition Investigated For Seat Belt Retractor Pretensioner Deployment

On 2024-12-16 09:01:57

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into reports of inadvertent deployment of the seat belt retractor pretensioner in certain 2019-2020 Ford Expedition vehicles. This probe, known as Recall Query RQ24015, aims to assess the scope of a previous safety recall (24V-099) and determine if it adequately addressed the issue.

 

The seat belt retractor pretensioner is a critical safety feature designed to tighten the seat belt in the event of a crash or sudden stop. However, in some cases, this system has deployed inadvertently, resulting in a loud sound followed by the rapid tightening of the seat belt. The complaints filed with the NHTSA do not involve crashes or impacts that would normally trigger the pretensioner system, and the seat belt remains locked in position after deployment.

 

In February 2024, Ford issued a safety recall (24V-099) for 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. This recall addressed a defective seat belt retractor pretensioner assembly that may develop corroded squib pins, leading to high resistance or an open circuit. This condition could result in inadvertent deployment of the pretensioner system, increasing the risk of injury due to loss of pretensioner protection and a locked seat belt.

 

Despite the previous recall, some vehicle owners have reported experiencing the same failure but were not included in the recall. The NHTSA is also aware of additional reports of alleged inadvertent deployment in 2019-2020 Ford Expedition and 2018-2019 Lincoln Navigator vehicles produced outside the dates defined by recall 24V-099.

 

The current investigation seeks to review the scope of recall 24V-099, assess whether it adequately addressed the issue, and determine if further action is necessary. The NHTSA will examine reports filed with the agency to identify any patterns or trends that may indicate a need for additional recalls or other safety measures.

 

Key Facts

  • Affected Vehicles: Certain 2019-2020 Ford Expedition vehicles

  • Component: Seat belt retractor pretensioner

  • NHTSA Action Number: RQ24015

  • Previous Recall: 24V-099, issued in February 2024 for 2018-2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles

 

Important Safety Information

  • Inadvertent deployment of the seat belt retractor pretensioner can increase the risk of injury.

  • A locked seat belt can cause discomfort and potentially lead to more serious issues in the event of a crash.

  • Reporting any incidents or concerns to the NHTSA is crucial for identifying patterns and trends that may necessitate further safety recalls or actions.