Ford Recalls Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs for Faulty Seat Belts

Eleven reported injuries may be related to this recall

Keith Barry, Consumer Reports Senior Autos Reporter.

By Keith Barry
Senior Autos Reporter

February 21, 2024

Ford is recalling over 77,000 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs from the 2018 through 2020 model years to fix defective driver or front passenger seat belts.

The problem has to do with a faulty pretensioner, an important safety device that uses a controlled explosive charge to tighten the belt at the onset of a crash to prevent injury. If the pretensioner deploys outside of a crash, the belt may lock into place and won’t protect occupants during a crash.

In documents provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford says the problem has to do with excess humidity and may be related to water leakage from the vehicle’s air conditioning system.

Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator Recall Details

Vehicles recalled: Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs manufactured between Oct. 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019.

The problem: Due to a manufacturing error, seat belt pretensioners may deploy inadvertently outside of a crash. This problem may be related to excess humidity from the vehicle’s air conditioning system.

The fix: Ford and Lincoln dealerships will inspect and, if necessary, replace the faulty seat belt pretensioner(s) and add a drain tube elbow to the vehicle’s air conditioning system.

How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may call Ford at 866-436-7332.

NHTSA campaign number: 24V099. Ford’s own number for this recall is 24S06.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall. NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.

If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have one. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.

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Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on BlueSky @itskeithbarry.bsky.social.