Front Seat Belt Problems of Ford Escape

I have a 2002 Ford Escape XLT with appoxamately 48000 miles on it. I feel that I need to bring to someones attention what I have learn at my local Ford authorized sevice facility (putnam Lincoln-Mercury) about the pretensioners. I must note that the vehicle had recently hit in the rear bumper causing very minimal damage and not causing the airbags or pretensioners to go off. However, shortly thereafter, I was on a 400 mile trip and the airbag light began to blink on and off, flickering often times. I took the car to the dealershiip upon my return home for diagnosis. The dealership said that it is due to bad pretensioners, a part of the seatbelt, for both front seats and also the harness(s) need replacement as well. The technician said this is a very commen problem and that Ford even has a kit for it. The price that was quoted to properly repair the problem was $460 plus tax. That is a considerable amount of money for anyone, especially since its such a new car. I am a concerned that not repairing it could be bad if the car is ever involved in a head on collision. I am also concerned that the technician tells me this is a common problem and Ford hasn't issued a recall. I am told that this maybe due to most Escapes are still under warrenty and hasn't come to light yet as most people haven't had to pay for it. So far there has been no one hurt. The only negative consequence is that I will be about $500 poorer after getting it repaired. The repair was quoted $460 plus tax (9. 38%). The repair is supposed to consist of 2 kits, drivers and passengers side pretensioner kits. I was also told that it may need new seat belt assemblies, not included in the quote, but they may not be nessicary. The technician also said that the mild rear impact had no effect on these going bad.

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The front seat belts will not restrain the consumer when the brakes are depressed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

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Consumer states that the vehicle was in a collision and the drivers side seat belt did not lock. Dealer notified.