Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 240,000 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs due to serious concerns involving improperly secured seat belt anchor bolts. This defect raises significant safety issues, as loose anchor bolts can hinder the effectiveness of seat belts, reducing the likelihood of properly restraining occupants during accidents.
The vehicles involved belong to model years 2020 and 2021, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reporting the problem. Out of the total, about 216,000 Ford Explorers are affected, with approximately 24,000 Lincoln Aviators also included in the recall.
The issue came to light following complaints and warranty claims related to loose buckles. According to NHTSA documentation, Ford discovered the flaw after being alerted by customers. What the investigation revealed is quite concerning: anchor bolts for both the seat belt buckles and retractors were not correctly secured. This arises from manufacturing irregularities encountered at one of Lear's facilities, the company responsible for producing the seats installed in these SUVs.
While Ford has not reported any injuries or accidents linked to this issue, the potential risks cannot be underestimated. A malfunctioning seat belt—impaired by faulty anchor bolts—can significantly increase the risk of injury during crashes. Affected owners might notice early signs indicating something is wrong, such as squeaking or rattling emanations from one of the seats. Recognizing and addressing these cues is imperative for ensuring passenger safety.
Ford is acting swiftly to resolve this potentially hazardous defect. Notifications are expected to reach vehicle owners by late March, urging them to take their SUVs to either Ford or Lincoln dealers for thorough inspection and repairs at no cost. Should any anchor bolts be found improperly secured, affected components will be replaced free of charge with no financial burden on the consumer.
For those seeking more information or assistance, the company encourages affected owners to reach out to Ford's customer service at 866-436-7332 and reference the recall number 25S09. They can also contact the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit the NHTSA website for additional resources.
This recall adds to Ford's growing list of safety-related actions. The past year has shown the automaker making efforts to improve its quality control processes; still, 2023 hasn't started on the best note. Alongside this recall, Ford has recently faced up to two other major safety concerns, including one affecting over 70,000 vehicles with faulty rearview cameras and another concerning more than 270,000 cars with defective 12-volt batteries.
While it appears Ford is intent on reducing recall counts and improving overall vehicle safety, the sheer volume of recalls this early in the year raises questions. Like all consumers, owners of the affected Explorers and Aviators owe it to themselves to remain vigilant, prioritizing their safety and the security of their loved ones. After all, vehicles are meant to protect us on the road, and manufacturers like Ford bear the responsibility of ensuring shouldering this duty adequately.