NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
107 reportsClear category filter77,000 miles · Aug 1, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and the vehicle was diagnosed with needing the Variable Timing Control (VTC) ac…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and the vehicle was diagnosed with needing the Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with TSB: 21-2119; however, the VIN was not included. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
NHTSA ODI #11535797
148,000 miles · Jul 21, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03: (Cam Phaser). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the cam timing unit needed to be replaced. The v…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03: (Cam Phaser). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the cam timing unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
NHTSA ODI #11533600
67,469 miles · Jul 7, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine was shuddering. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam phaser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the fail…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine was shuddering. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam phaser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (Cam Phaser Replacement); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 67,469.
NHTSA ODI #11530863
Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2023
EnginePower Train
I own a 2019 Expedition XLT. I was traveling on the highway; I was in the right lane and was stuck behind a slow moving vehicle. I put on my blinker and waited for an opening in traffic, to move into the middle lane. Once there was an opening, I pressed the gas to accelerate into the lane. While the truck should have properly sh…
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I own a 2019 Expedition XLT. I was traveling on the highway; I was in the right lane and was stuck behind a slow moving vehicle. I put on my blinker and waited for an opening in traffic, to move into the middle lane. Once there was an opening, I pressed the gas to accelerate into the lane. While the truck should have properly shifted and accelerated; instead the powertrain completely disengaged and I lost all power. The RPM's jumped all the way up. The truck was revving so high, but it was actually slowing down. I took my foot of the gas pedal and as the RPM came back down, the transmission slammed back into place with a horrible loud clunking sound that jolted the entire vehicle. After that, I was finally able to accelerate. This same situation has happened to me on several separate occasions. It is very scary having my 3 children in the vehicle and it losing power as I'm trying to make a move to be safe.
NHTSA ODI #11528685
61,941 miles · Jun 16, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking while idling with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft phaser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking while idling with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft phaser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed a credit $2,500 toward the cost of the repair. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (Cam Phaser Replacement); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 61,941.
NHTSA ODI #11527339
58,000 miles · Jun 1, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the cam phasers where defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the fail…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the cam phasers where defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
NHTSA ODI #11524908
77,000 miles · Jun 1, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective oil pump. Additionally, the contact was also informed that the cam phasers were defective and needed to be replac…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective oil pump. Additionally, the contact was also informed that the cam phasers were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
NHTSA ODI #11524827
82,000 miles · May 25, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition The contact stated while at a stop light, the vehicle started shaking and the contact heard a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the cam phaser needed to be replaced. The …
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition The contact stated while at a stop light, the vehicle started shaking and the contact heard a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the cam phaser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted no assistance was provided. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 82,000.
NHTSA ODI #11523842
77,000 miles · May 19, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon cold starts, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine cam phasers had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was no…
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The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon cold starts, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine cam phasers had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously service under a Manufacturer Extended Warranty Coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.
NHTSA ODI #11522895
Mileage unknown · May 12, 2023
Engine
This vehicle with 72,000 miles on it was experiencing a rattle upon start on cold mornings for about two months, it didn't happen every time and only on initial start. Mechanic couldn't get the incident to happen in his presence to diagnose and no codes reported from computer diagnostic equipment. In February 2023, the vehicle…
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This vehicle with 72,000 miles on it was experiencing a rattle upon start on cold mornings for about two months, it didn't happen every time and only on initial start. Mechanic couldn't get the incident to happen in his presence to diagnose and no codes reported from computer diagnostic equipment. In February 2023, the vehicle lost power while highway driving and seemed to having problems shifting. The check engine and powertrain malfunction indicator both came on. Drove the vehicle immediately to mechanic. Booster sensor replacement was indicated by computer diagnostic and was replaced. On 4/16/2023 the check engine light came on briefly while driving and then went out and did not come back on. On 4/18/2023 while driving on the highway the vehicle started making a loud clanking with black smoke from exhaust pipe. We had the vehicle towed to mechanic. Over 30 diagnostic codes reported and mechanic recommended we take the vehicle to a Ford dealership. We had the vehicle towed to the local Ford dealership and have been informed that this 4 year old, 72,000 mile vehicle needs a complete engine replacement for $18,222. They do not know what caused the problem without pulling the whole engine and opening it up, but recommend a full replacement. We have contacted Ford and opened a case with them, but since the vehicle had a 60,000 mile power train warranty there is nothing that Ford is willing to do.
NHTSA ODI #11521666
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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