Ford Motor Company has issued a recall affecting 419,967 vehicles due to faulty seat belts that may fail to retract or extend, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall on June 3, affecting certain 2018–2022 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models. The issue involves seat belts that may inadvertently lock, preventing proper retraction or extension.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Ford will notify affected owners by mail starting June 8. Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors at no cost. The recall number is 26S34. Ford reported one injury related to the defect. The recall expands on two previous NHTSA recalls, with the automaker aware of two warranty claims and two field reports linked to the issue.
Deeper Dive & Context
Safety Risks and NHTSA Warnings
The NHTSA emphasized that seat belts that do not retract or extend can fail to restrain occupants as intended, increasing injury risks in crashes. Rapid retraction could also pose injury risks in some instances.
Additional Recall for Suspension Issues
Separately, Ford issued a "Do Not Drive" warning for 4,653 Ford Maverick and Bronco Sport vehicles due to improperly assembled suspension systems. The recall, numbered 26S36, affects 2021–2026 Bronco Sport and 2022–2026 Maverick models. The issue involves incorrectly installed or repaired front lower control arm ball joints, which could disconnect from the front wheel knuckle. Dealers will inspect and repair the defective parts free of charge.
Owner Resources
Affected vehicle owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.