The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced that it is launching two separate investigations into Ford vehicles due to safety concerns. According to a report by Reuters, the first investigation involves a recall query of 112,567 Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators from the model years 2019 and 2020. The issue at hand pertains to the seat belt pretensioners in these vehicles, which are designed to automatically tighten in the event of a collision. However, there have been reports of these mechanisms activating unexpectedly, causing the seat belts to rapidly tighten and remain locked in place.
The NHTSA has received three complaints regarding this issue, prompting the investigation. Ford has stated that they are cooperating with the regulator to support the investigation process, which may ultimately lead to a recall of the affected vehicles.
In addition to the seat belt pretensioner investigation, the NHTSA is also looking into 456,565 Ford vehicles, including 2021-2024 Ford Maverick pickup trucks and Ford Bronco Sport crossover SUVs. This second investigation focuses on reports of electrical failure leading to a loss of engine power in these vehicles.
This recent announcement comes on the heels of the NHTSA imposing a $165 million fine on Ford for failing to comply with a rearview camera recall in a timely and transparent manner. The recall, which dates back to September 23, 2020, addresses a high rate of failure of display projections in rearview camera mirrors on certain 2020 Ford and Lincoln models. This hefty penalty is the second highest fine ever levied by the NHTSA, underscoring the importance of timely and transparent compliance with safety recalls.
Ford has been under scrutiny for the high number of recalls issued in recent years. In 2023, Ford issued 57 recalls covering over 6.1 million vehicles, representing 16% of all recalled cars. This trend continued into 2024, with Ford issuing 30 recalls affecting 3.6 million cars in the first half of the year. Despite facing challenges with safety issues, Ford remains committed to addressing concerns and ensuring the safety of its customers.
