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2019 Ford Expedition Investigation Launched Over Seat Belts

In recent years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened its fair share of investigations into select Blue Oval models over various issues – a list that includes Ford EcoSport engine failures, the Ford Mustang Mach-E  and a handful of high voltage battery main contactor problems, engine issues pertaining to Ford Bronco models equipped with the twin-turbocharged 2.7L V6 EcoBoost, Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models over a a brake hose issue, and select Ford Explorer models that experienced exhaust leaks. Now, the NHTSA has opened an investigation into the 2019 Ford Expedition as well, this time, over a problem with the SUV’s seat belts.

According to the NHTSA, in select 2019 Ford Expedition SUVs, “an inadvertent pretensioner deployment can result in a hazardous condition from loss of seat belt pretensioner protection with high probability of moderate injury in the event of a crash.” This issue reportedly affects an estimated 20,331 models.

Thus far, the NHTSA has received a total of 10 reports from owners that have experienced this problem, though only one person has been injured as a result. “Some complaints allege hearing a loud, explosion-like sound immediately followed by the seatbelt tightening around the occupant’s torso area,” the agency notes. “The complaints also allege a burning smell and smoke filling the cabin of the vehicle after the incident. The complaints do not allege a crash occurred that may have resulted in the deployment of the pretensioner system. Seat belt pretensioner replacement is required after deployment to restore functionality.”

For now, ODI has opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of this issue, and to get a full understanding of any potential safety-related problems that can occur as a result. It’s unclear if this issue will lead to a recall or an expansion of the investigation, but for now at least, it’s clear that the agency feels like it’s serious enough to warrant taking a closer look at.

We’ll have more on this investigation soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Expedition news and comprehensive Ford news coverage.

Brett's lost track of all the Fords he's owned over the years and how much he's spent modifying them, but his current money pits include an S550 Mustang and 13th gen F-150.

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