2019 Ford Expedition Seat belts Problems

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

My 2019 Ford Expedition is subject to Ford Safety Recall 26S34 (NHTSA Recall 26V344), involving inadvertent deployment of seat-belt retractor pretensioners. The driver's-side seat-belt pretensioner has deployed, causing the seat belt to retract and lock in a position where it physically cannot extend far enough to fit around the driver. As a result, the driver's seat belt is completely unusable, and the vehicle cannot be safely operated. Ford previously issued an advance recall notice indicating that a remedy was anticipated by September 30, 2026. As of October 24, 2026, I have not been provided with an available remedy. I have contacted Ford Customer Service multiple times and spoken with representatives regarding this issue. Ford has informed me that because the recall remains classified as an Advance Notice, its current policy does not authorize rental vehicle assistance. The dealership has also indicated that it cannot provide a rental without authorization from Ford. I have explained repeatedly that this is not simply a vehicle awaiting a recall repair. The recalled safety component has already failed, leaving the driver's seat belt unusable. Despite these circumstances, Ford has not provided an authorized no-cost repair plan or alternative transportation assistance. I am requesting that NHTSA review this actual failure of a recalled safety component and Ford's response, as the vehicle cannot be safely driven in its current condition.

NHTSA ID

11773379

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

While driving my 2019 Ford Expedition on the interstate at approximately 75 mph, the driver side seatbelt suddenly and unexpectedly locked up and forcefully retracted without warning. At the same time, there was a loud popping sound resembling a small explosion, followed by a visible puff of smoke and a noticeable odor. There was no collision or impact that would have caused the seatbelt system to activate. The seatbelt tightened forcefully against my body cause me pain and injury. The seatbelt remained locked and could no longer be moved or adjusted. This incident created a serious safety hazard because it occurred unexpectedly while I was traveling at a highway speed. The vehicle and affected seatbelt are available for inspection. The cause of the malfunction has not yet been confirmed.

NHTSA ID

11772882

Incident

Oct 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received a 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 his daughter was sitting in the front passenger-side seat, the front passenger-side seat belt suddenly retracted with force, the seat belt retractor locked, and there was white smoke. The contact's daughter sustained severe mental distress. The local dealer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

NHTSA ID

11771623

Incident

Oct 13, 2026

Mileage

155,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver's and passenger's side seat belts failed to unlatch. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers, where the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts); however, the parts to complete the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the remedy was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 120,500.

NHTSA ID

11771205

Incident

Mar 17, 2026

Mileage

120,500 mi

Driving to pick up my son from school (in a school zone under 20 mph) while my daughter was in the back seat, we hear a loud noise sounded like a gun shot, I immediately pull over somewhere safe got out and checked the outside of my car, didnt notice anything so i opened the passenger side front door to find the plastic covering piece near the seat belt had broke off, finding the airbag had exploded, the seat belt is no longer usable, This is my only vehicle as a family of 4 with two children. I also reached out to several local dealerships neither are able to help with a loaner for the time being. in fact I was instructed by ford headquarters to keep driving the vehicle even though it does not have operating seatbelt and throwing codes on my dash.

NHTSA ID

11770898

Incident

Oct 9, 2026

While sitting in my car, in my driveway, I heard a loud BOOM, smoke, and a horrible “burning firework” smell. I jumped out of my car crying thinking my car was about to explode- later discovered my seatbelt to be extremely tight and locked. It is a recall that has no fix. It is unsafe to drive and I have been told not to drive it by dealerships which I haven’t, but the ford dealership will not take it in service bc they said they can not repair it when there is no remedy. It is against the law to not wear a seatbelt in the state of [XXX] and puts the driver at large safety risk. Every light on my dash is now lit like a Christmas tree, check engine, seatbelt, and airbag. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11770718

Incident

Oct 9, 2026

A loud “explosion” or “pop” was heard on the driver side area of vehicle. The seatbelt will extend or move. There is an active recall (Ford Recall # 26S34) and Ford will not fix the issue or make it right.

NHTSA ID

11770699

Incident

Oct 2, 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 the vehicle was parked, the driver’s side seat belt pretensioner inadvertently deployed. The supplemental restraint system warning light remained illuminated. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to repair the vehicle in a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.

NHTSA ID

11770092

Incident

Oct 5, 2026

Mileage

111,000 mi

the passenger seat belt tensoner deployed while at the dealership. Ford says there are no parts to fix the issue and the seat belt in inoperable. The recall keeps getting pushed back

NHTSA ID

11769674

Incident

Sep 16, 2026

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 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

Our vehicle cannot shift into gear. This results in it jolting, and almost stopping while we are driving. The is a huge safety issue on roads and especially highways. The check engine light is on. We have taken it multiple times to mechanics and have been told this is a transmission issue. We received a transmission safety recall notice a few months back and were hopeful that Ford would fix the issue. However, we were disappointed to hear that the recalled parts aren't even made and will not be available until late 2027. This car has 3 recalls on it and Ford has not been able to fix a single one of them.

NHTSA ID

11764172

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V344000 (Seat Belt), 26V368000 (Structure), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt had deployed. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 135,772.

NHTSA ID

11762780

Incident

May 27, 2026

Mileage

135,772 mi