(Patriot.Buzz) – Ford Motor Company is facing yet another costly recall, this time affecting over 240,000 American-made SUVs due to potentially dangerous seat belt issues.
The faulty safety equipment in these popular family vehicles could fail during crashes, putting American families at risk and adding to the automaker’s growing list of quality control problems.
The massive recall affects 240,510 vehicles across two models: 216,563 Ford Explorers and 23,947 Lincoln Aviators from the 2020-2021 model years.
These vehicles were manufactured at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant between October 19, 2018, and July 11, 2020.
At issue are improperly secured seat belt buckle anchor bolts that may not properly restrain occupants during accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined that these defects significantly increase the risk of injury during crashes – exactly when seat belts are most critically needed.
“Seat belts or buckles with improperly secured anchor bolts may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury,” the NHTSA said in a report.
The problem was discovered not through Ford’s quality assurance processes but after Canadian authorities received a complaint about a 2020 Ford Explorer.
After Transport Canada filed a defect complaint, the company only began investigating this serious safety issue in December 2024.
The American automaker has since identified four warranty claims and one customer complaint potentially related to the problem.
Moreover, vehicle owners might notice unusual noises, such as squeaks and rattles, if their seat belt anchor bolts are improperly secured.
However, most owners will not know if their vehicle has this potentially life-threatening defect until a dealer inspects it.
According to NHTSA documents, “Ford believes the improper work was performed at the seat manufacturer, Lear.”
This raises concerns about Ford’s manufacturing supervision and inspection protocols at a time when American auto companies face increasing competition from foreign manufacturers.
While Ford estimates less than one percent of the recalled vehicles actually have the seat belt problem, all 240,510 vehicles will require inspection by service technicians.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by March 31, 2025, with dealers instructed to inspect and replace affected seat components if loose anchor bolts are found.
Fortunately, Ford reports no accidents or injuries linked to this issue as of February 4, 2025. Owners who have already paid for related repairs will be reimbursed.
Concerned Explorer and Aviator owners can contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332 for more information about recall number 25S09 or check the NHTSA campaign number 25V093.
Ultimately, this latest recall adds to Ford’s struggles with quality control issues, which continue to plague the American automaker.
These issues add costs and erode consumer confidence at a time when many American manufacturing companies are fighting to maintain market share against foreign competition.
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