general problems of the 2011 Ford Escape

Airbag light on/ flashing. Shop says "passenger side seat belt retractor assembly" needs replaced. I switched it with a known working part, didn't fix the issue. Upon further research I found that it is a known issue. Source: [xxx] April 1, 2011 manufacturer communication number: sis-21841 components: air bags, electrical system NHTSA id number: 10038965 manufacturer communication number: sis-21841 summary: comm-trans lund: some 2009-2011 models may have the air bag inicator flashing with a stored trouble code. This is a software problem. I have contacted both local dealerships, as well as Ford corporate. The remedy they all 3 offered: take it in for diagnostics (I'm already fully aware of the issue) which will cost me around $300, then they will tell me if there's even a possibly solution. They were completely unwilling to tell me if they could fix the software issue without first paying for their diagnostic service, even though it's a known and recorded issue, with the NHTSA id number: 10038965 as well as the manufacturer communication number: sis-21841. Upon researching complaints, I have found that I am by far not the only person who has this exact issue. Note: "date of incident" is when I purchased the vehicle, mileage is the mileage at the time of purchase, it has had the light on since before that date and mileage. I tried to resolve this issue then, and recently have been trying again, in hopes that there has been a fix found finally, to no avail. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Drivers side seat belt has started to release while driving. Can happen multiple times in a single trip. Has happened multiple times over the last month.

Seat belt buckle releases multiple times after clicking in while driving. It has happened several times.

The contact rented a 2011 Ford Escape. While the contact was driving less than 20 mph approaching an intersection an opposing vehicle suddenly crashed into the front end of the contacts vehicle causing a head on collision. The contact sustained injuries to the shoulder, chest, and to the left arm and leg. The air bags failed to deploy. The seat belt unlatched from the buckle mechanism during the crash. A police report was filed. The vehicle was completely destroyed and was towed to an impound facility. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 75.