Ford Motor Co. announced it recalled 419,967 Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators from the 2018 to 2022 model year. The action aims to resolve a problem with the front seat belt retractor pretensioners.
In the affected vehicles, the pretensioners may inadvertently deploy, locking the seat belt in place. When that happens, it does not extend or retract, potentially resulting in an injuring during a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s report on the issue.
“The propellant in the retractor pretensioner may degrade in high-heat environments. Degrading propellant by-products can result in oxidation of internal components and, over time, lead to inadvertent pretensioner deployment,” the report noted.
Drivers may be warned in advance by the air bag malfunction light illuminating on the dashboard just before an inadvertent deployment of the seat belt retractor pretensioner. There have been previous recalls related to this problem but the current action includes an expanded field of vehicles.
Ford told NHTSA officials the company is aware of one injury related to the problem. Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect both front seat belt retractors and replace them if they are found to be faulty or fall within select production dates.
The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker has issued 40 recalls through the first five months of 2026, after leading the industry in recalls last year. General Motors and Chrysler are next with 17 recalls each. Recall repairs are completed at no cost to vehicle owners.
[Images: Ford, Lincoln]
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via Autobuzz Today
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