Ford has issued an urgent recall affecting more than 105,000 vehicles in the U.S., citing a critical issue with front seat belts that could significantly increase the risk of injury in an accident. The models impacted include the 2018–2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, two of the brand’s most popular full-size SUVs.
The issue has drawn national attention after being officially listed on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Ford has already launched a full-scale inspection and repair campaign. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s going on and what affected drivers should do.
Table of Contents
The Core Problem: Seat Belt Mechanism Malfunction
Why This Defect Is Dangerous
At the heart of the recall is a malfunctioning seat belt pretensioner — a key safety device designed to tighten the belt during a collision. In the affected vehicles, the pretensioner may lock up for no reason, causing the belt to fail in both retraction and extension.
This defect not only prevents the seat belt from functioning correctly but also puts passengers at higher risk during a crash due to the lack of proper restraint.
Which Ford Vehicles Are Affected?
Specific Models and Production Years
The recall affects the following models:
- Ford Expedition (2018–2020)
- Lincoln Navigator (2018–2020)
The official recall notice was published on March 28, 2025, and owner notification letters began going out on April 14.
What Owners Need to Do Right Now
Steps to Check If Your SUV Is Affected
Ford urges all owners of the above models to check their seat belts immediately. Even if you haven’t received a recall letter, you can:
- Contact your local dealership to schedule a free inspection.
- Have the retractor component examined for specific manufacturing codes.
- Receive a free replacement if the part is found to be defective.
To verify your vehicle’s status, you can also call:
- Ford Customer Service: 1-866-436-7332 (Reference recall number 25S31)
- NHTSA Hotline: 1-888-327-4236 (Reference recall number 25V197000)
Didn’t We Just Go Through This?
A Repeat of an Earlier Recall
Yes, Ford faced a similar issue just last year. In February 2024, the company recalled over 77,000 units of the same models due to a related seat belt issue. Unfortunately, many of those units weren’t repaired, forcing Ford to initiate a second recall to ensure all affected vehicles are properly inspected.
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Have There Been Any Injuries?
As of now, no injuries have been officially reported, according to Ford. Still, given that seat belts are one of the most critical safety features in any vehicle, this kind of failure understandably raises concern for both consumers and regulatory bodies.
While no class action lawsuits have been announced yet, consumer advocacy groups warn that continued problems or a serious injury related to this defect could open the door for legal action.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Ignore This Recall
This is more than just another recall—it’s a potential life-saving action. Ford has responded quickly to the issue, offering free repairs and actively notifying owners. However, vehicle owners must take the next step and bring their SUV in for inspection.
If you drive a 2018–2020 Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator, check your seat belts today. A locked retractor may seem minor—until the moment you really need it. Your safety, and the safety of your passengers, depends on it.