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.
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