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.

On September 24, 2026 around 4:10PM, the driver's front seatbelt retractor/pretensioner on my 2019 Ford Expedition unexpectedly malfunctioned and deployed while I was driving on the interstate approximately 70 mph. There was no collision or crash. The seatbelt made an extremely loud popping sound and immediately tightened and locked so tightly around me that it made a rash/burn on my neck. The vehicle has an open seatbelt pretensioner recall, and the airbag warning light had illuminated prior to this incident. I called the local Ford dealer when the light came on, they told me it was not related to the seatbelt recall. I contacted a Ford dealer after the incident and reported what happened, but the vehicle and component have not yet been inspected or confirmed by the dealer, manufacturer, police (told me they would not dispatch and I needed to take it to the dealership), insurance company, or an independent service center. I also contacted Ford Corporate Customer Service and they told me I did not need to operate the car, but there is not a fix until September 30. The local dealer told me that I could bring the car to them and pay out of pocket to get it fixed, if it was the same fix the recall suggests then I would be reimbursed, my worry is, what if they fix it but then the recall suggests a different way to fix it? The vehicle and component remain available for inspection upon request. I am concerned that the unexpected deployment of the driver's pretensioner created a serious safety hazard and that another affected seatbelt in the vehicle could malfunction and cause injury to another occupant.

NHTSA ID

11766799

Incident

Sep 24, 2026

My vehicles warning lamp came on 9/10/2026 and I'm honestly nervous to drive with that recall because it affects my driver seatbelt and airbags. At first, it was just a known recall but when it personally affected my vehicle being that my warning lamp came on, I called a ford dealership near me and they all stated that I had to wait because the inspection can't be completed yet until they get the parts from ford which won't be for a couple weeks to a month. I am wondering if I can get a loaner vehicle until this is fixed because this is a very serious issue if I were to get in a car accident and not be protected. That is a huge lawsuit waiting to happen. I just don't feel safe driving it with that issue because those are my main sources of protection when a car accident occurs.

NHTSA ID

11765904

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jolted, the vehicle failed to maintain the intended speed, with an abnormal squeaking sound as if the brakes were engaged, even though the brake pedal was not depressed. The message "See Service Manual" was temporarily displayed. The local dealer was contacted. In addition, the contact stated that, as per the Ford App, there was no failure identified. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ID

11765871

Incident

Apr 15, 2022

Mileage

84,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the driver's seat belt pretensioner deployed inadvertently with an explosion and smoke filled the cabin of the vehicle, and the seat belt latched very tightly. The contact freed himself from the seat belt; however, the seat belt no longer retracted and became inoperable. The contact stated that an air bag module warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was a gun powder odor inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance in replacing the seat belt and pretensioner. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.

NHTSA ID

11765799

Incident

Sep 21, 2026

On XXX, I experienced a serious safety incident involving my 2019 Ford Expedition, VIN [XXX]. My family and I were parked at a Lowe’s with the vehicle running but completely stationary. I was in the driver’s seat wearing my seat belt. Without any collision or impact, there was a sudden loud pop and the driver’s seat belt forcefully tightened around my chest. It was violent enough that I initially thought another vehicle had struck us from behind. Immediately afterward, smoke/haze appeared inside the cabin and moved toward the windows, accompanied by a strong chemical/burnt odor. My family and I immediately exited the vehicle and remained outside for approximately 30–40 minutes before entering again. Lowe’s may have surveillance footage confirming that the vehicle was stationary, no collision occurred, and we exited immediately afterward. The driver’s seat belt has not functioned normally since the incident. The vehicle had also displayed an airbag/SRS warning light prior to this event. I have photographs documenting the condition of the seat belt immediately afterward. I contacted Ford Customer Relations. The first representative requested my Social Security number, which I declined to provide, and then requested an account number I did not have. The interaction became hostile, and he told me I was “terrible.” When I asked to speak with a supervisor because of his behavior, the call was disconnected. I called again and spoke with a more courteous representative. She initially stated that she could not find a recall associated with my VIN. I asked her to review NHTSA information regarding the Expedition seat-belt pretensioner issue, after which she located the recall information I was referring to. When I requested escalation, she said a supervisor would contact me Monday but also stated that the supervisor would give me the same answer. Ford has not provided a repair, rental/loaner, towing assistance, or another transportation solution INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

NHTSA ID

11765507

Incident

Sep 19, 2026

I was driving my 2019 Ford Expedition normally. The driver’s seat belt suddenly and rapidly tightened around me. I heard a loud popping sound immediately after the rapid tightening. The seat belt then appeared to malfunction. The force and sudden movement of the seat belt caused burns to my neck and collar/chest. There was no collision, crash, or other impact preceding the event.

NHTSA ID

11765322

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

While driving my 2019 Ford Expedition the passenger airbag deployed unexpectedly. This resulted in the seat belt not retracting or extending. There were no warnings, messages or problems prior to this occurring. Yes, safety was put at risk by the airbag deploying unexpectedly and the seat belt quickly retracting , it was very startling. This also caused damage to my passenger seat

NHTSA ID

11765217

Incident

Sep 4, 2026

Due to the recall listed below there has been multiple instances where I am driving on highway (DC area) and my vehicle kicks back and there is no acceleration power causing the vehicle to transmission may suddenly disengage or feel like it is in neutral, causing the engine to rev unexpectedly before slamming back into gear with a loud clunk and a shift system fault error message. This has caused me to lose control of the vehicle movement and basically wait in the middle of exchanging lanes or driving until it shifts back into gear and allows me to accelerate. Took my vehicle to Ford dealership to be inspected and I was informed by the tech that the Parking Pawl code came up on the computer. Also informed as there is no remedy for this issue if he was to further check and issues were found with the parking pawl and transmission I would be financially responsible otherwise he cant do nothing about it as directed by his manager. This is a HIGH SAFETY concern as I almost got into multiple accidents due to this issue and fearing for my safety I would have no other choice but to expect to wait or be without a vehicle until 2nd quarter of 2027 when a remedy comes up! Manufacturer Recall Number26S48 NHTSA Recall Number26V402 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary ON YOUR VEHICLE, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE YOUR TRANSMISSION MAY BRIEFLY ENGAGE IN PARK WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STILL MOVING. THIS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE PARKING SYSTEM.

NHTSA ID

11765111

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

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.

Some 2018-2024 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with 22 inch wheels, may exhibit an increased level of vibrations which can be felt while driving on a smooth road at speeds at or above 75 mph (120 km/h). Pinpoint Test G located in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-04 has been developed to assist with diagnosis of this condition. When submitting a warranty claim, include all results from the Pinpoint Test.