Ford Motor Company has issued a major recall affecting over 105,000 SUVs due to a critical seat belt defect. The recall applies to 2018–2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models. This safety concern could lead to a malfunction in the seat belt system, putting drivers and passengers at risk in the event of a crash. Ford has already begun preparations to address the issue, and owners should expect official notifications soon. If your SUV has already been repaired from a previous recall, it might still be affected by this new one.
If you’ve experienced persistent seat belt issues or other repeated defects with your vehicle, you may be entitled to legal protection under California’s Lemon Law.
What Is the Problem?
The recall stems from a defect in the seat belt pretensioner system — specifically, oxidation in the squib pins of the seat belt pretensioner can lead to high resistance or an open circuit. This triggers a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and may activate the airbag warning light. Over time, the corrosion can degrade the weld between the squib pin and bridge-wire, potentially causing the pretensioner to deploy unexpectedly.
Once this occurs, the seat belt can become locked in place and will no longer retract or extend — posing a serious risk to occupant safety. A malfunctioning seat belt could fail to properly restrain passengers in a crash, increasing the chances of injury.
What Vehicles Are Affected?
This recall impacts approximately 105,322 vehicles, including:
- 2018–2020 Ford Expedition SUVs (built from October 1, 2018, to July 31, 2020)
- 2018–2020 Lincoln Navigator SUVs (same production date range)
Some of these vehicles were previously recalled and repaired, but may still need a new fix if the prior remedy was not performed correctly.
What Is Ford Doing to Fix It?
Ford has instructed its dealerships to inspect the seat belt retractor date codes on affected vehicles. If the defective part is identified, the dealer will replace the seat belt retractor assembly — at no cost to the owner.
This includes SUVs previously repaired under an earlier recall. Ford’s internal reference number for this recall is 25S31.
When and How Will Owners Be Notified?
Ford plans to begin notifying owners via mail starting April 14, 2025. If your vehicle is included in the recall, you’ll receive instructions on scheduling a free inspection and repair.
To check if your SUV is part of this recall, you can contact:
- Ford Customer Service: 866-436-7332
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236
- Or visit www.nhtsa.gov and enter your VIN.
Is Your Ford or Lincoln a Lemon?
If your 2018–2020 Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator has experienced repeated seat belt issues — or if you’ve had to bring it in for repairs multiple times — your vehicle may qualify as a lemon under California law.
At Lemon Lawyers LA, P.C., we help drivers across Glendale, Los Angeles, and surrounding Southern California cities fight back against defective vehicles. Our experienced lemon law attorneys offer free consultations, and if you qualify, the manufacturer may be required to cover your legal fees.
📞 Call us today at (866) 486-9227 — we’re available 7 days a week, from 9 AM to 9 PM.