Ford Recalls over 240,000 Explorer and Aviator SUVs for Seat Belt Issue
Issue:
Ford Motor Company has initiated a recall for over 240,000 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles from model years 2020 and 2021 due to a potential seat belt safety issue. The recall affects 240,510 vehicles in total.
Affected Vehicles:
- 2020 Ford Explorer
- 2021 Ford Explorer
- 2020 Lincoln Aviator
- 2021 Lincoln Aviator
Root Cause:
According to Ford, the seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. This includes the second-row center seating position, where the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt may also be affected.
Safety Risk:
Improperly secured seat belts pose a significant safety hazard as they may fail to restrain an occupant properly during a crash. This increases the risk of injury or even fatality.
Symptoms:
Vehicle owners may experience noise in the form of squeaking or rattling, which could indicate an improperly secured anchor bolt.
Recall Timeline:
- Ford began investigating the issue in December 2024.
- The recall was officially announced on February 4, 2025.
- Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 31, 2025.
Repair:
Authorized Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat belt buckle anchor bolts and, if necessary, the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position. If any loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced free of charge.
Contact Information:
Vehicle owners can contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332 for more information. Ford’s recall number for this issue is 25S09.
Additional Information:
- Ford states that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.
- As of February 4, 2025, Ford had received four warranty claims and one customer complaint potentially related to this concern.
Importance of Recalls:
Vehicle recalls are issued when a manufacturer identifies a safety or performance-related defect in one or more of its vehicles. It is crucial for owners to take recalls seriously and schedule the necessary repairs promptly. Failing to do so can increase the risk of crashes or injuries.
Checking for Recalls:
Vehicle owners should regularly check for open recalls on their vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This can be done through the NHTSA’s website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) or by contacting the automaker’s customer service department.
