Table 1 shows one common air bag related problems of the 2019 Ford Expedition.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Air Bag problems |
On xxx, I experienced a serious safety incident involving my 2019 Ford Expedition, VIN [xxx]. My family and I were parked at a lowe’s with the vehicle running but completely stationary. I was in the driver’s seat wearing my seat belt. Without any collision or impact, there was a sudden loud pop and the driver’s seat belt forcefully tightened around my chest. It was violent enough that I initially thought another vehicle had struck us from behind. Immediately afterward, smoke/haze appeared inside the cabin and moved toward the windows, accompanied by a strong chemical/burnt odor. My family and I immediately exited the vehicle and remained outside for approximately 30–40 minutes before entering again. Lowe’s may have surveillance footage confirming that the vehicle was stationary, no collision occurred, and we exited immediately afterward. The driver’s seat belt has not functioned normally since the incident. The vehicle had also displayed an airbag/srs warning light prior to this event. I have photographs documenting the condition of the seat belt immediately afterward. I contacted Ford customer relations. The first representative requested my social security number, which I declined to provide, and then requested an account number I did not have. The interaction became hostile, and he told me I was “terrible. ” when I asked to speak with a supervisor because of his behavior, the call was disconnected. I called again and spoke with a more courteous representative. She initially stated that she could not find a recall associated with my VIN. I asked her to review NHTSA information regarding the Expedition seat-belt pretensioner issue, after which she located the recall information I was referring to. When I requested escalation, she said a supervisor would contact me Monday but also stated that the supervisor would give me the same answer. Ford has not provided a repair, rental/loaner, towing assistance, or another transportation solution information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5.
My vehicles warning lamp came on 9/10/2026 and I'm honestly nervous to drive with that recall because it affects my driver seatbelt and airbags. At first, it was just a known recall but when it personally affected my vehicle being that my warning lamp came on, I called a Ford dealership near me and they all stated that I had to wait because the inspection can't be completed yet until they get the parts from Ford which won't be for a couple weeks to a month. I am wondering if I can get a loaner vehicle until this is fixed because this is a very serious issue if I were to get in a car accident and not be protected. That is a huge lawsuit waiting to happen. I just don't feel safe driving it with that issue because those are my main sources of protection when a car accident occurs.
While driving my 2019 Ford Expedition the passenger airbag deployed unexpectedly. This resulted in the seat belt not retracting or extending. There were no warnings, messages or problems prior to this occurring. Yes, safety was put at risk by the airbag deploying unexpectedly and the seat belt quickly retracting , it was very startling. This also caused damage to my passenger seat.
I was in a collision and the whole front end was crushed but the airbags did not deploy.
I started by 2019 Ford Expedition and was driving through a parking lot at a low speed when there was an explosion sound (comparable to a gun shot over my left shoulder as the driver). My seatbelt pulled in and locked down. My car smelled like a firework had been set off and there was a white-grey powder across my lefts. I immediately stopped and parked my vehicle. I had my passenger move to the back of the car as a safety precaution. It took effort to get the belt to unlatch and off. We moved the vehicle to a safer parking spot and had it towed to david mcdavid - ftw. I have a seatbelt burn on my neck. My left shoulder, across my chest, and right hip are very sore today. We received the recall notice the day prior. However, the letter states that: Ford has not issued instructions to stop driving your vehicle…. Had this happened while driving at a faster speed, the incident could have very easily been catastrophic. My concern now is that the dealership is trying to say this is an interior trim concern, and Ford’s customer service could do nothing other than repeat their script that there is no remedy at this time. Their advice lent the consumer to saving receipts for rental and/or repair with faulty parts until the advanced notice becomes an active one. I have no vehicle to drive, I have mild injuries, and we have zero support from Ford. Making matters worse, our dealership is wanting to charge us for inspecting the vehicle and calling it an “interior trim concern”, while listing the seatbelt retractor inspection right after it for free. These are the same issue.
The passenger-side seat-belt retractor pretensioner, which is part of the supplemental restraint/airbag system, malfunctioned. The pretensioner apparently deployed without a collision, and the passenger seat belt became permanently locked and unable to retract or extend. The vehicle and failed component remain available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of my passengers were put at risk because the pretensioner activated unexpectedly with a loud explosion-like bang, a burning or chemical smell, and movement of the passenger-side interior panel. The passenger seat belt is now unusable, leaving that seating position without a functional restraint. The unexpected deployment could also have startled the driver and caused a crash, and I am concerned that other restraint components may deploy unexpectedly or fail during an actual collision. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Ford dealership. Before the failure, the airbag warning light illuminated. I took the vehicle to the Ford dealership, where personnel looked it over and scheduled an appointment for August 28, 2026. At that appointment, the dealership performed diagnostic testing and documented code b007f for an open passenger-seat-belt pretensioner circuit. The dealership also confirmed that an open Ford field service action appears in oasis for this concern but stated that the campaign is currently on hold until Ford releases the repair. The vehicle has been inspected by the Ford dealership but, to my knowledge, has not been inspected by Ford corporate representatives, police, insurance representatives, or another independent service center. The airbag warning light was the warning symptom that appeared before the unintended deployment. After the failure, the passenger seat belt was locked, the airbag light remained illuminated, and the dealership’s diagnostic test confirmed the pretensioner-circuit fault.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v099000 (seat belts). While driving approximately 45 mph and approaching an intersection, the air bag warning light illuminated. There was an abnormally loud sound like a gunshot coming from the vehicle, and smoke was inside the vehicle. The front passenger’s seat belt unexpectedly deployed and retracted on the side of the vehicle. The seat belt failed to move and became inoperable. Prior to the failure, the owner's daughter was seated in the front passenger’s seat. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
The airbag warning light illuminated on my 2019 Ford Expedition. My Ford dealer diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed that the condition is related to an active Ford safety recall. The dealer also confirmed that the defect disables the entire supplemental restraint system (srs), meaning the airbags will not deploy in the event of a collision. I was informed that the recall replacement part will not be available until approximately December 2026 and that Ford will not authorize an interim repair or replacement using available parts. As a result, I am expected to continue driving a vehicle with a disabled airbag system for several months despite the known safety defect. The dealer advised that if I choose to have the vehicle diagnosed or repaired before the recall remedy becomes available, I must pay the costs myself and may only be eligible for reimbursement if Ford later authorizes it. This defect significantly increases the risk of serious injury or death because the airbags will not deploy in a crash. I am filing this complaint because a manufacturer should not leave owners without a functioning airbag system for months while waiting for recall parts.
On xxx, while driving my 2019 Ford Expedition (VIN: [xxx]) on the highway, the front passenger seatbelt retractor pretensioner spontaneously deployed with a loud explosion and smoke. There was no accident, no impact, and no erratic driving. The seatbelt is now completely locked and unusable, and the entire srs/airbag system is disabled with a hard fault light on the dash. My vehicle is covered under the newly expanded safety recall 26s34 / NHTSA campaign 26v344. I immediately visited an authorized Ford dealership (covert Ford) seeking an interim repair or a safe loaner vehicle. The dealer refused to help, stated that the parts are unavailable, and handed me an internal printout stating that the fsa program is paused (recall 24s06 supplement #1). Ford and the dealership are forcing me to drive an unsafe vehicle with a compromised restraint system and disabled airbags, putting my family at extreme risk because they do not have a remedy or interim solution available. I am requesting immediate federal intervention to hold Ford accountable and compel them to provide a safe rental/loaner vehicle until the final recall remedy parts are available. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while slowing down and pulling into the driveway at 25 mph, the passenger’s side air bag suddenly deployed without warning or impact. The seat belt struck the contact’s wife on the right arm and wrist, and she sustained bruises; however, medical attention was not provided. The local dealer was contacted and informed about NHTSA campaign number: 26v344000 (seat belts) and 24v099000 (seat belts). A loaner vehicle was initially provided, but the dealer informed the contact that the loaner was his responsibility. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to parts being on back order. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and with the engine idling, the front passenger side seat belt pretensioner erroneously deployed, causing the passenger to be forcefully retracted into the seat. During the incident, an explosion had occurred, and smoke filled the cabin of the vehicle. The contact sustained an injured neck during the seat belt deployment. No medical treatment was required. After the incident, the air bag warning light had remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that the failure had previously occurred on the front driver's side seat belt, also. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 25v197000(seat belts). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Yesterday, while I was driving to pick up my kids from school, my 2019 Ford Expedition, the driver’s side seatbelt literally exploded — it went off like it would in a crash (but there was no crash). I was driving when it exploded and tightened so tight on me. Now the seatbelt doesn’t work at all. It was terrifying, so loud and painful. This is part of a known recall issue. When the dealership had my car back in may to replace my cam phasers, they told me the seatbelt recall parts weren’t available yet. Fast forward to now — the seatbelt has gone off, the vehicle can’t be driven safely, and Ford (both the local dealership and customer service) is saying there’s nothing they can do for me right now. The dealership told me I would have to pay to have it towed and pay for a rental. Also, they aren’t sure how fast they can get parts or diagnose it. I’m honestly at a loss. This is a safety recall, and I can’t use my car because of it. I literally just paid $2400 in may for my cam phasers and now this.
Passenger air bag light came on and passenger seat belt locked up also the transmission had to be fixed.
Airbag light illuminated. Scanned for srs codes found: rcm- restraint control module (b007e-13). Driver seatbelt pretensioner c deployment control - circuit open.
** current nhts report: 24v-099 and manufacturer recall: 24s06*** airbag light illuminated. Scanned for srs codes found: rcm- restraint control module (b007e-13). Driver seatbelt pretensioner c deployment control - circuit open.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the passenger’s side front seat belt exploded. There was an abnormal banging noise heard and there was smoke inside the vehicle. While occupying the passenger's side front seat, the seat belt pulled hard, and the passenger was slammed against the seat. The driver was able to pull over safely. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v099000 (seat belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side air bag inadvertently deployed on its own. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with both the seat belt and driver's side air bag. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v099000 (seat belts), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 93,000.
In or around October I reported my seatbelt tensioner/retractor explosive device deployed almost causing me to have an accident. After really complaining to Ford, they finally fixed it. Now my warning light came on pertaining to my passenger side tensioner. I also received the notice, and went to my dealership. They had the vehicle for a week and could not fix it. They said Ford has to ok it and supply the parts, and it could take all the way to the end of 2024. They gave me the vehicle back, refused a loaner and said their hands were tied. I can tell you first hand that someone may die or cause a serious accident if driving at high speed when the device deploys. It is as loud as a 45 cal or shotgun, inside the cab. The spl is enormous and the seatbelt tightens 3 to 4 inches, causing disorientation, total fear and loss of control of the vehicle. My incident caused me to have irregular heartbeat and I ended up in the hospital. They need to replace these devices ASAP, befoe someone dies.
Airbag pre-tensioner fired without any collision.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that after the vehicle was shifted into park, the seat belt was removed, and the contact heard a loud popping sound then the front driver’s side air bag inadvertently deployed. As a result of the failure, the seat belt retracted and burned the contact hand. No medical attention was required. The air bag warning light and the seat belt warning light illuminated. No medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat belt retractor pretensioner failed and the seat belt retractor pretensioner and air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened and the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Vehicle parked and had just been started. Went to put on dvr seatbelt and a loud explosion happened to my left and the seatbelt shoulder strap was pulled out of my fingers. The driver seatbelt pretensioner activated without a collision and the cab filled with smoke. Vehicle has never been in a collision, ever had a restraint malfunction, is the original oem safety component, and hasn’t been serviced/replaced for a seatbelt/airbag issue. Now, the air bag light is activated and the seatbelt is tightly fully retracted to the pillar so tight it can’t be moved at all. Access to the onboard computer can verify all the above info. Dealership stated there was an activation of the pretensioned charge on the driver seatbelt resulting in the belt fully retracting and the seatbelt no longer functioning. 2nd 2019 Ford Expedition they have seen this week with the same mishap. If this would have deployed at highway speeds, a driver may have been startled due to the loud explosion in the cab and lost control of the vehicle (I was parked). Smoke immediately entered the occupant compartment. The seat belt retracted so quickly/tightly, injury to one’s chest would have occurred.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed and determined that the passenger’s side seat belt pretensioner was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Later, while driving approximately 55 mph, the front passenger’s side seat belt pretensioner suddenly deployed causing the driver to nearly lose control of the steering. During the failure there was no passenger seated in the front passenger's seat. There was no crash. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 97,000.
On July 24th 2023, at approximately 2:15pm my wife and I were completely stopped at a red traffic light on 66th st n that crosses ulmerton rd in pinellas county florida. We were talking and listening to the radio, when all of a sudden, a loud shotgun or explosive sound filled the vehicle. I got hit with something in the chest that felt like a punch or a kick, knocking me out of breath. But my wife only heard the extremely loud noise. I was clutching my chest in pain as I thought I was shot. When the light turned green, I immediately pulled into a dunkin donuts parking lot, and we exited the vehicle. There was no damage whatsoever on the inside and outside of the vehicle, but we smelled gun powder. My driver's seatbelt was stuck in the retracted position. I slowly drove to my home at 6500 30th avenue n, st petersburg, FL 33710. I immediately called the pinellas county sheriff's department to report the incident, because at the time I thought it was a gunshot. They have a record under my phone number. I had no idea what the loud gun sound was, so I started to research and found the driver's seat belt tensioner charge must have gone off. I called auto nation Ford and made an emergency appointment to bring the vehicle in. I explained everything to them, then dropped the vehicle off. Upon doing a full inspection, the auto nation Ford mechanic determined there was a factory short in the air bag circuit, which caused the seatbelt tensioner charge to explode. They found the location, under the center console & replaced all necessary wiring, sensors, modules, tensioner & seatbelt. I researched and found recalls for 2020 Expeditions and 2018 f150 pickups, but there was no recall for the 2019 Expedition. I can't imagine what would have happened if we were going fast on an interstate when it happened. Now I get in my 2 Ford vehicles and worry about it happening again. T turned out the kick in the chest was the seatbelt retracting 4 inches pulling me back in the seat.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 40 -45 mph, he collided with a Volkswagen jetta that cut him off. All the airbags in the vehicle deployed. The contact son was occupying the front passenger seat but the seat belt failed to retract. There were no warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel air bag struck the driver in the mouth. The passenger had scratches, but medical attention was not provided. A police report was filed. There were no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or re[aired . The manufacturer was notified about the failure but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.