Ford Motor Company has announced a major safety recall affecting nearly 420,000 vehicles from the 2018–2022 model years. The recall focuses on a potentially dangerous front seat belt defect that could increase the risk of injury during an accident.
The latest action replaces and expands two earlier seat belt recalls. According to information submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue involves front seat belt retractors that may not work as intended.
For owners of affected vehicles, this recall is an important reminder to check for open safety campaigns and schedule repairs as soon as possible.
Ford Recalls 2018–2022 Expedition and Navigator Models
The recall covers certain 2018–2022 Ford Expedition SUVs and 2018–2022 Lincoln Navigator SUVs.
Ford identified a problem with the front seat belt retractors. In some cases, the retractors may lock unexpectedly, preventing the belt from extending or retracting normally. The belt may also snap back rapidly after use.
Because seat belts are one of the most important safety systems in any vehicle, even a small malfunction can create serious concerns for drivers and passengers.
Why the Seat Belt Defect Raises Safety Concerns?
The main risk comes from the possibility that occupants may not be properly restrained during a crash.
If a seat belt cannot extend correctly or fails to function as designed, it may not provide the level of protection expected during an impact. This could increase the chance of injuries in a collision.
In addition, Ford noted that the faulty retractor can sometimes cause the belt to retract forcefully. This sudden movement may lead to minor injuries even when the vehicle is not involved in a crash.
The automaker has reported at least one injury linked to the defect, highlighting the importance of addressing the issue quickly.
Free Repairs Available for Affected Owners
To fix the problem, Ford dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the front seat belt retractors when necessary.
The repairs will be performed free of charge for vehicle owners.
Owners who receive recall notifications are encouraged to contact their local dealership and arrange service as soon as possible. Completing the repair helps restore the seat belt system to proper working condition and improves occupant safety.
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Other Major Ford Recalls Affecting 2018–2022 Vehicles
The seat belt recall is not the only safety campaign involving Ford vehicles from the 2018–2022 production period.
One of the largest ongoing recalls involves nearly 700,000 Ford Escape compact SUVs from the 2020–2022 model years. Ford says an engine-related component failure could increase the risk of an underhood fire, prompting the company to take corrective action.
Another major issue involves rearview camera systems. Ford has expanded recall efforts covering millions of vehicles after reports that camera displays could go blank, freeze, or malfunction. These failures can reduce rear visibility and make reversing more difficult.
Ford has also issued an urgent "Do Not Drive" warning for certain 2021–2026 Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022–2026 Maverick pickup trucks. According to the company, a suspension defect could allow the front lower control arm ball joint to detach. If that occurs, drivers could experience a sudden loss of steering control, creating a significant crash risk.
How to Check If Your Ford Vehicle Has an Open Recall?
Owners can quickly determine whether their vehicle is affected by any active recall.
Start by locating the vehicle's 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN can typically be found on the driver's side dashboard near the windshield or on vehicle registration documents.
Once the VIN is available, enter it into the official NHTSA recall database or Ford's owner support recall website. These tools provide up-to-date information on open recalls and available repairs.
Vehicle owners can also contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332 or call the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for additional assistance.
Ford's expanded 2018–2022 safety recall highlights the importance of addressing vehicle safety issues as soon as they are identified. With nearly 420,000 SUVs affected by the seat belt defect and several other major recalls currently active, owners should check their VIN immediately and complete any recommended repairs to help ensure their vehicles remain safe on the road.
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