2019 Ford Expedition

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the front passenger's side seat belt pretensioner independently deployed. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife was seated in the front passenger's seat and sustained a bruise on the right arm. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts for the repair were unavailable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts); however, parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 104,150.

NHTSA ID

11776274

Incident

Nov 4, 2026

Mileage

104,150 mi

The contact's wife owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that after refueling and restarting the vehicle, his wife was driving away from the gas pump at 5 MPH when the vehicle experienced a sensation resembling a rear-end collision. The front driver side seat belt retracted and failed to unbuckle immediately as intended, unlatching only after multiple attempts. The driver sustained a shoulder laceration and body soreness, requiring a telehealth medical consultation. Following the failure, the seat belt became inoperable. One day prior to the failure, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and associated the failure with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,539.

NHTSA ID

11775437

Incident

Oct 23, 2026

Mileage

88,539 mi

My 2019 Ford Expedition is affected by Ford safety recall 25S31, which is related to the front seat belt retractor/pretensioner. The front passenger seat belt is currently stuck and cannot be used, making the front passenger seat unsafe and unusable. I contacted Ford and a Ford dealership regarding this safety recall and the defective seat belt. I was informed that the recall repair could not be completed because the necessary remedy/parts were not available. I have also contacted Ford seeking assistance because I cannot safely transport a passenger in the front passenger seat. This is a serious safety concern because the passenger seat cannot be safely occupied without a functioning seat belt. The vehicle and defective seat belt are available for inspection. I am filing this complaint because I need the safety recall repaired as soon as possible, and I am concerned about the continued delay in obtaining the necessary recall repair or replacement parts.

NHTSA ID

11775366

Incident

Oct 1, 2026

On October 22, 2026, the front passenger seatbelt pretensioner in our Ford Expedition unexpectedly deployed while the vehicle was running. There was no collision or accident. The deployment caused the seatbelt to rapidly retract and resulted in an injury to my wife. She experienced significant shoulder/collarbone pain. We sought medical attention, and she underwent X-rays and a CT scan. Although the initial diagnosis was a sprain rather than a fracture, she continues to experience pain. Ford issued safety recall 26S34 / NHTSA 26V344 on May 27, 2026, specifically identifying inadvertent deployment of the driver or front passenger seatbelt retractor pretensioners. The recall notice stated that a remedy was not yet available.

NHTSA ID

11775173

Incident

Oct 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway under 5 MPH, an explosive sound was coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was parked and the contact exited the vehicle and performed an online search. The dealer was contacted about the failure, and the contact was advised that the front passenger’s side seat belt retractor pretensioner might have deployed. The contact inspected the seat belt and confirmed that the seat belt had retracted and locked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the front passenger’s side seat belt retractor pretensioner had deployed without impact and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact was provided a loaner vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via online chat, a case was filed, and the contact was advised that a callback was forthcoming. The contact called the manufacturer, who later sent an email, advising the contact to continue driving the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

NHTSA ID

11775160

Incident

Oct 26, 2026

Mileage

163,000 mi

While driving down the road on August 16, 2026, our front seat belt exploded and the tightened down on my daughter. There was a poof of smoke, smell of an explosive, and my daughter complained of pressure on her abdomen and shoulder. It was frightening! Equally as frightening has been the experience dealing with Ford. We have been without our FAMILY vehicle for 73 days! Multiple calls to Ford with no follow through. At first a local dealership gave us a loaner, but in time they have now added ridiculous mileage limit restrictions and the inability for us to leave the state. (We are near neighboring states where family lives.) Last communication was parts would be shipped end of September. It’s now the end of October and no update has been communicated. Considering this recall has been ongoing since February 2024 I’m having little hope this will be taken care of soon. In the meantime those of us with actual explosions and inoperable seatbelts are being given the same treatment & accommodations of those that are driving with working (ticking time bomb) seatbelts. When I first took it in the dealership claimed they had never heard of one actually exploding. I now know they have a second one sitting inoperable as well. Ford owners need help putting the pressure on Ford! Our calls, our inconvenience, our safety is NOT being handled.

NHTSA ID

11774182

Incident

Aug 16, 2026

UNKNOWN We have a 2019 Ford Expedition that received a recall for the front passenger seatbelt. Recall number is 26S34/26V344. We received a letter informing us of this May 2026. We were told that parts would be available by September 30,2026. The dealership here confirmed that but said they couldn't fix it until I received a second letter saying I can get it fixed and take it to the dealership. It is now October 27, 2026. No letter. We cannot have all our family ride in the vehicle at one time because the seatbelt is inoperable frozen in place. This means it's unsafe. We need our car to be fully functional and safe. Ford needs to get the parts available. A repair shop told us they can get the part today. I believe Ford is delaying the letter for the fix because of cost to them. Please intervene for all of us who share this problem

NHTSA ID

11773961

Incident

May 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (SEAT BELTS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.

NHTSA ID

11773923

Incident

Oct 27, 2026

NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 24E13 – Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2021 Model Year Expedition Vehicles equipped with 3.5L EcoBoost Engine Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Update

Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation

This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation concerns  Navigation inoperative  Voice recognition concerns  Phone connection issues  Dropped phone connections  Applink related performance  Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic  Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.

Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.

This bulletin supersedes TSB 25-2132. Reason for update: update the Part List Description and Labor Times Description Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh engagement * Delayed engagement * Harsh shift * Delayed shift * Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P0736, P076F, P07D9, P07F6 and/or P07F7 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM) This may be due to axial movement of the CDF clutch cylinder (7H351) sleeve causing hydraulic circuit leaks. NOTE: If internal transmission service is required to address a concern detected with the CDF clutch cylinder following this article, technicians should carefully inspect and replace other transmission components and flush transmission fluid cooler only as necessary to confirm proper function. Add a new line to the repair order

On your vehicle, the OBD monitoring system for the catalytic converter may not be operating as intended. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate on the instrument panel even though a catalytic converter repair may not be necessary.