2019 Ford Expedition Seat belts Problems

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

I started by 2019 Ford Expedition and was driving through a parking lot at a low speed when there was an explosion sound (comparable to a gun shot over my left shoulder as the driver). My seatbelt pulled in and locked down. My car smelled like a firework had been set off and there was a white-grey powder across my lefts. I immediately stopped and parked my vehicle. I had my passenger move to the back of the car as a safety precaution. It took effort to get the belt to unlatch and off. We moved the vehicle to a safer parking spot and had it towed to David McDavid - FtW. I have a seatbelt burn on my neck. My left shoulder, across my chest, and right hip are very sore today. We received the recall notice the day prior. However, the letter states that: Ford has not issued instructions to stop driving your vehicle…. Had this happened while driving at a faster speed, the incident could have very easily been catastrophic. My concern now is that the dealership is trying to say this is an interior trim concern, and Ford’s customer service could do nothing other than repeat their script that there is no remedy at this time. Their advice lent the consumer to saving receipts for rental and/or repair with faulty parts until the advanced notice becomes an active one. I have no vehicle to drive, I have mild injuries, and we have zero support from Ford. Making matters worse, our dealership is wanting to charge us for inspecting the vehicle and calling it an “interior trim concern”, while listing the seatbelt retractor inspection right after it for free. THESE ARE THE SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11761923

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

While pulling into a parking space, vehicle in drive, the passenger seatbelt exploded. There was no accident and no one was sitting in the passenger seat. It sounded like a gunshot went off inside the truck, followed by smoke filling the cabin, and a smell like fireworks. The seatbelt was then permanently on a retracted position. No air bags were deployed but the plastic casing on the inside of the vehicle popped out where side airbags are stored. This incident was traumatic as the vehicle was in motion, but thankfully at a low speed. Ford says the remedy is not available and currently will not repair the seatbelt so that the vehicle is legally safe, and drivable.

NHTSA ID

11761441

Incident

Aug 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belt). The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH with his wife seated in the passenger’s seat, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that approximately 5 minutes later, the passenger’s seat belt pretensioner exploded. The contact's wife sustained stomach bruises when the seat belt tightened on her stomach, and the contact released the passenger from the seat belt. Medical attention was not needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ID

11761393

Incident

Aug 30, 2026

Mileage

78,000 mi

The passenger-side seat-belt retractor pretensioner, which is part of the supplemental restraint/airbag system, malfunctioned. The pretensioner apparently deployed without a collision, and the passenger seat belt became permanently locked and unable to retract or extend. The vehicle and failed component remain available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of my passengers were put at risk because the pretensioner activated unexpectedly with a loud explosion-like bang, a burning or chemical smell, and movement of the passenger-side interior panel. The passenger seat belt is now unusable, leaving that seating position without a functional restraint. The unexpected deployment could also have startled the driver and caused a crash, and I am concerned that other restraint components may deploy unexpectedly or fail during an actual collision. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Ford dealership. Before the failure, the airbag warning light illuminated. I took the vehicle to the Ford dealership, where personnel looked it over and scheduled an appointment for August 28, 2026. At that appointment, the dealership performed diagnostic testing and documented code B007F for an open passenger-seat-belt pretensioner circuit. The dealership also confirmed that an open Ford Field Service Action appears in OASIS for this concern but stated that the campaign is currently on hold until Ford releases the repair. The vehicle has been inspected by the Ford dealership but, to my knowledge, has not been inspected by Ford corporate representatives, police, insurance representatives, or another independent service center. The airbag warning light was the warning symptom that appeared before the unintended deployment. After the failure, the passenger seat belt was locked, the airbag light remained illuminated, and the dealership’s diagnostic test confirmed the pretensioner-circuit fault.

NHTSA ID

11760375

Incident

Aug 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V402000 (Power Train), 24V099000 (Seat Belts), 26V344000 (Seat Belts), and 26V368000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact was mostly concerned about NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train) recall. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11759516

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

There is a known recall on the front seatbelt restraints on 2019 Ford Expeditions. It has been over a year and Ford still does not have a remedy. I got a fault code and light on the dash regarding the front drivers side seatbelt. Ford confirmed I’m at risk of the pretensioner detonating and tightening but refuses to give a loaner car, a temporary fix, or issue a no drive warning.

NHTSA ID

11758812

Incident

Aug 21, 2026

There was a loud bang and the seat belt suddenly tightened unexpectedly while I was driving. I cannot retract the seatbelt and can no longer fasten it.

NHTSA ID

11758137

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact was unable to extend the driver’s side seat belt to securely buckle the seat belt. The failure was a recurring failure. The "Supplemental Restraint System" warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V099000 (Seat Belts); however, the remedy 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 failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,270.

NHTSA ID

11757023

Incident

Aug 14, 2026

Mileage

128,270 mi

My 2019 Expedition has experienced an inadvertent seat-belt pretensioner deployment. There was a very loud explosion-like bang, the belt tightened suddenly, fortunatelly I didn't loose control of the car and continue driving slowly until I got home (5 min away). Now the belt is locked and cannot retract or extend. The vehicle is not safely usable. I had light bruises on my left shoulder and some pain. I've called the dealer and they said there is a recall on this but no solution until September.

NHTSA ID

11756465

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

While driving a 2019 Ford Expedition under normal conditions, the driver-side front seat belt pretensioner suddenly deployed without a collision, impact, hard braking event, or other apparent reason. The deployment produced a very loud explosion-like sound immediately next to the driver's head/ear and forcefully activated the seat belt pretensioner. After the deployment, the driver's seat belt became completely locked and can no longer be extended or used. There were no known warning signs immediately before the deployment. The vehicle was not involved in an accident. The failure occurred spontaneously while the vehicle was being operated. I contacted an authorized Ford dealer after the incident. The vehicle is affected by Ford's recall involving inadvertent front seat belt retractor pretensioner deployment. The dealer advised that there is currently no remedy available for the recall. Because the pretensioner has already deployed and the driver's seat belt is now inoperative, the vehicle cannot be safely operated with a functioning driver's restraint. The failed seat belt/pretensioner assembly remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. I am also contacting Ford directly regarding the failure and the lack of an available recall remedy.

NHTSA ID

11755974

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts), 26V368000 (Structure), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the chrome around the center console had started to peel. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ID

11755226

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

Mileage

108,000 mi

While I, the driver, was parking the vehicle, there was a loud pop noise next to my ear. My seatbelt locked up in place and there was smoke coming from the seatbelt tensioner area of the car. The seatbelt will not move at all now. I just took it into the Ford dealer and they said they are unable to fix it under the recall because it is only in the advanced stages. They recommend that I wait.

NHTSA ID

11754414

Incident

Aug 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormally loud popping sound coming from the vehicle, accompanied by a rotten-egg odor. The contact stated that the driver’s seat belt tightened and locked across the chest, rendering the seat belt inoperable; however, the contact was eventually able to unbuckle the belt. The contact had a headache due to the noise and left shoulder pain associated with the seat belt failure but had not sought medical attention. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts). The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The dealer and the manufacturer denied a request for a loaner vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

NHTSA ID

11753965

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

Mileage

152,000 mi

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2019 Ford Expedition seatbelt-related safety recall (25V197). The defect involves seatbelts that are unsafe & require replacement. Ford has acknowledged the defect but despite my numerous requests for assistance, has not provided any repair timeline, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition for an indefinite period. Seatbelts are a critical safety component. The defect prevents my seatbelts from functioning properly, creating risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. On XXX at 5:30 PM our passenger side seatbelt suddenly deployed while driving. At first my significant other [XXX] old female thought she'd been shot due to the loud bang & odor of gun powder when her seatbelt snapped violently, impacting her upper chest near the throat. Furthermore, the recall applies to the front driver’s side seatbelt as well. As the vehicle cannot be safely operated, I've been forced to park it until repairs are available. Manufacturer Response: Ford has stated that no parts or remedy timeframe is available. They are offering rental reimbursement, but the reimbursement rate is far below the actual cost of a rental vehicle, making it financially impossible to maintain safe transportation while waiting for Ford to provide a remedy. Impact: I'm without a safe vehicle due to a known safety defect, & Ford’s inadequate remedy/reimbursement leaves me without reasonable transportation. So I've been forced to secure a comparable rental vehicle. After searching for the lowest possible rates, beginning 7/24 I'm renting at a cost of $49.60/day for 30 days at a time. Requested Action: I request that NHTSA investigate Ford’s failure to provide a timely remedy for this safety recall & evaluate whether Ford’s rental reimbursement program complies with federal safety recall obligations. I also request that NHTSA require Ford to provide immediate remedy, transportation assistance, or full reimbursement for until repairs are completed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

NHTSA ID

11753963

Incident

May 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while stopping at a red light, there was a big explosion coming from the seat belt pretensioner that shook the vehicle. Additionally, the seat belt seized, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact sustained whiplash and was treated with anti-inflammatory medication, shots, and muscle relaxers by the doctor. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts). The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

NHTSA ID

11753556

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

Mileage

136,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an explosion sounding like a gunshot coming from the top of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt retractor tightened, and the contact felt severe pressure on the chest, almost knocking the wind out of the contact. The vehicle was swerving due to the failure, but the contact was able to keep the vehicle under control before pulling over. There was a burned electronics odor coming from the seat belt location. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts). The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA ID

11753478

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

Mileage

61,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V099000 (Seat Belts). While driving approximately 45 MPH and approaching an intersection, the air bag warning light illuminated. There was an abnormally loud sound like a gunshot coming from the vehicle, and smoke was inside the vehicle. The front passenger’s seat belt unexpectedly deployed and retracted on the side of the vehicle. The seat belt failed to move and became inoperable. Prior to the failure, the owner's daughter was seated in the front passenger’s seat. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ID

11751497

Incident

Jul 18, 2026

Mileage

81,000 mi