general problems of the 2019 Ford Expedition - part 1

While I, the driver, was parking the vehicle, there was a loud pop noise next to my ear. My seatbelt locked up in place and there was smoke coming from the seatbelt tensioner area of the car. The seatbelt will not move at all now. I just took it into the Ford dealer and they said they are unable to fix it under the recall because it is only in the advanced stages. They recommend that I wait.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 mph, there was an abnormally loud popping sound coming from the vehicle, accompanied by a rotten-egg odor. The contact stated that the driver’s seat belt tightened and locked across the chest, rendering the seat belt inoperable; however, the contact was eventually able to unbuckle the belt. The contact had a headache due to the noise and left shoulder pain associated with the seat belt failure but had not sought medical attention. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact had received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v344000 (seat belts). The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The dealer and the manufacturer denied a request for a loaner vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an explosion sounding like a gunshot coming from the top of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt retractor tightened, and the contact felt severe pressure on the chest, almost knocking the wind out of the contact. The vehicle was swerving due to the failure, but the contact was able to keep the vehicle under control before pulling over. There was a burned electronics odor coming from the seat belt location. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 26v344000 (seat belts). The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while stopping at a red light, there was a big explosion coming from the seat belt pretensioner that shook the vehicle. Additionally, the seat belt seized, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact sustained whiplash and was treated with anti-inflammatory medication, shots, and muscle relaxers by the doctor. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 26v344000 (seat belts). The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

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 seatbelt failed, it retracted rapidly and locked into position. It left marks on my chest and a burn on my chest. The injury was from the tightened seatbelt. I was unable to easily get out of the seatbelt. The seatbelt will not work properly since it’s locked into place.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the driver’s and front passenger’s side seat belts failed to operate properly. The driver’s and front passenger’s side air bags warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of nthsa campaign number: 26v344000 (seat belts); and associated the failure with the recall. However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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 55,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the driver’s seat belt pretensioner exploded and locked the driver in extremely tightly. The contact was startled and lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle almost drove into a ditch. The vehicle was stopped, and after approximately 10 minutes, the driver’s seat belt retracted. The contact stated that the shoulder belt webbing did not retract, but the contact was able to latch the seat belt and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the seat belt and pretensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

I heard a load pop noise and then smelled almost a burnt type smell. The next day my driver side seatbelt is completely locked. I’ve tried all my Ford dealership close to me and I’ve called multiple customer service no one is willing to help me.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 26v344000 (seat belts); however, the part to complete the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the seat belt warning light illuminated, and an abnormal loud sound emanated from the vehicle. The contact then noticed that the front passenger-side seat belt pretensioner had exploded without impact, releasing smoke inside the vehicle. Several dealers were contacted, but the dealers informed the contact that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that parts would not be available until September. The failure mileage was unavailable.

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.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while unbuckling the passenger’s side seat belt, the assembly deployed forcefully and struck the contact in the stomach. Following the retraction, white smoke was coming from the top of the seat belt assembly by the b-pillar. The contact experienced abdominal pain for several days but did not seek medical attention. An independent body shop inspected the vehicle and provided a repair estimate. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 24v099000 (seat belts); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer and the manufacturer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle must be repaired by an authorized Ford dealer to qualify for a reimbursement. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

As I was driving down the road, my passenger seatbelt popped and exploded, filling my car with smoke. My son yelled fire although I didn’t see a flame. My passenger seatbelt is no longer functioning. Leaving me with one less seat in my car. Ford refuses to fix or give a loaner.

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.

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2019 Ford Expedition seatbelt-related safety recall (25v197). The defect involves seatbelts that are unsafe & require replacement. Ford has acknowledged the defect but despite my numerous requests for assistance, has not provided any repair timeline, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition for an indefinite period. Seatbelts are a critical safety component. The defect prevents my seatbelts from functioning properly, creating risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. On 5/26 at 5:30 pm our passenger side seatbelt suddenly deployed while driving. At first my significant other 88 year old female thought she'd been shot due to the loud bang & odor of gun powder when her seatbelt snapped violently, impacting her upper chest near the throat. Furthermore, the recall applies to the front driver’s side seatbelt as well. As the vehicle cannot be safely operated, I've been forced to park it until repairs are available. Manufacturer response: Ford has stated that no parts or remedy timeframe is available. They are offering rental reimbursement, but the reimbursement rate is far below the actual cost of a rental vehicle, making it financially impossible to maintain safe transportation while waiting for Ford to provide a remedy. Impact: I'm without a safe vehicle due to a known safety defect, & Ford’s inadequate remedy/reimbursement leaves me without reasonable transportation. So I've been forced to secure a comparable rental vehicle. After searching for the lowest possible rates, beginning 7/24 I'm renting at a cost of $49. 60/day for 30 days at a time. Requested action: I request that NHTSA investigate Ford’s failure to provide a timely remedy for this safety recall & evaluate whether Ford’s rental reimbursement program complies with federal safety recall obligations. I also request that NHTSA require Ford to provide immediate remedy, transportation assistance, or full reimbursement for until repairs are completed.

He contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 35mph, occupied with his wife in the vehicle, the contact heard a loud bullet noise and his wife thought she has gotten injured from a weapon. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and he noticed the passenger seat belt had retracted independently the exposed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they informed the recall was paused and they were nothing they could do at this time. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 26v344000 ( seat betls) the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate mileage was 73,000.  .

While backing up the vehicle, the front passenger seat belt retractor pretensioner suffered an inadvertent, spontaneous pyrotechnic deployment. There was a loud pop resembling a firecracker, immediately followed by smoke in the cabin and the odor of gunpowder. The force of the explosive deployment dislodged the interior b-pillar trim panels. The passenger front seatbelt has been locked into place. Following this, the dashboard displayed a check engine light and a battery charging system warning light, indicating the electrical system was damaged. The vehicle is rendered undriveable due to the disabled charging system and the compromised passenger seat belt. There were absolutely know warning lamps, messages, or unusual symptoms prior to the failure. At this time, the incident has not yet been physically inspected, as corporate customer service lines indicated a remedy hold on the active safety recall (recall 24s06).

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition max. The contact received a recall notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v099000 (seat belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's seat belt retractor pretensioner unexpectedly deployed while the contact's minor son was seated in the front passenger seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not inspected. The contact was informed of an inspection fee and was informed that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v197000 (seat belts). However, the parts required to complete the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that both front seat belt retractors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that the original seat belt retractors would be reinstalled and would not be replaced due to the manufacturer advising that the recall remedy is currently on hold. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide a remedy for the recall. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v099000 (seat belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer sent a mobile mechanic to place of employment to inspect the vehicle and the contact was informed that the seat belts were in proper working order. Recently while attempting to park the vehicle, there was a loud booming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact discovered that the front passenger's side seat belt retractor pretensioner had unexpectedly deployed. The contact stated that 30 minutes after the failure, there was an abnormal burning sulfur odor coming from the vehicle. The contact called the dealer, and a mobile mechanic arrived to inspect the vehicle. The mechanic advised the contact to drive the vehicle to the dealer for additional inspection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it remained. The contact was later informed that a second recall, NHTSA campaign number: 26v344000 (seat belts), was added to the VIN and that parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Complaint: while driving at normal road speed with no collision or impact, I experienced a sudden loud “pop” from the driver-side seatbelt area. Immediately after, I noticed a burning smell coming from the same location. I initially believed I had a tire blowout and pulled over to inspect the vehicle. When I attempted to unbuckle and then re-extend the seatbelt, I found that the seatbelt was locked and would not retract or extend normally. The restraint system is now inoperable. This incident appears to be an inadvertent deployment of the seatbelt pretensioner without a crash event, resulting in a restraint system malfunction. The failure occurred during normal driving conditions and without any external trigger. This creates a serious safety risk because: * the seatbelt is no longer functional and cannot properly restrain the occupant * the unintended deployment could startle the driver and lead to loss of vehicle control * the presence of a burning smell raises concern for thermal or electrical hazard within the restraint system I am aware of similar complaints involving unintended seatbelt pretensioner deployment in Ford Expedition vehicles of similar model years. This incident should be investigated as a potential defect affecting occupant restraint systems. I’ve contacted Ford with no help to resolve the issue injury: no crash: no fire: no (burning odor present, no visible flames) speed at time of incident: 35 mileage at time of incident: 170xxx the vehicle’s seatbelt system remains in a failed/locked condition and requires repair.

Had a passenger in my vehicle and the seatbelt would open/work. I took my vehicle to confidence Ford in norman,ok and was told the second row passenger seat lower retractor assembly needs to be replaced and it was not covered by the recall/warranty.

While driving down the highway I suddenly heard a loud bang and what looked like smoke came out from the area by the front passenger seatbelt. The seatbelt had suddenly retracted fully and locked. Thankfully the seat was unoccupied at the time, so nobody was injured by this. When calling the local Ford dealership we were told we needed to bring vehicle in for inspection before parts could be ordered. When we called back to schedule the inspection we were told the recall was paused so we needed to wait to even have the inspection. After contacting Ford corporate we were finally able to bring in for inspection 06/01/2026 to confirm what we already knew about the broken seatbelt retractor. The dealership relayed this info to Ford, and Ford told them not to fix it at this time. When we called the dealership 06/08 they relayed that info to us. We then requested that Ford provide us a loaner vehicle. The dealership called us back 06/09 to let us know that Ford would not be providing a loaner vehicle. Our front passenger seat is occupied about 95% of the time, and that seatbelt is completely unusable. We have not been given any kind of timeline for when it can be repaired, and have no other option but to drive it the way it is. It is illegal and we are forced to put the life of one of our family members at risk because we do not have any extra seats or the money to buy yet another vehicle or pay for a rental as we are still paying for this vehicle that we bought less than a year ago.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the contact heard a loud bang noise coming from the left driver's side, and afterwards her seat belt retracted independently, causing the contact to have bruising to her left collarbone. There was an unknown odor present during the failure. The contact stated that the seat belt performed as if the vehicle were involved in an impact; however, there was no impact. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate mileage was 93,672.

I have a recall for my seatbelt that my local Ford dealership still has been completed. I've been waiting for months and they tell me the parts aren't available yet. I researched these parts online and they show that they are indeed available for my 2019 Ford Expedition limited max. I'm leaving for a 4,000 mile vacation on 2/19/2026 and would like this recall taken care of before I leave [xxx] [xxx] 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 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.

I was driving and the seatbelt exploded. Started smelling like it was burning super loud explosion it’s a good thing I didn't crash and hit somebody . I’ve never had anything like that in my life happen before.

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.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph with the driver's seat belt fastened, she observed a loud explosion inside the vehicle, and then she felt what she thought was an impact to her chest, and the wind was knocked out of her as she began gasping for air. The contact stated that she believed she had been shot. The contact added that she steered the vehicle to the side of the road and where she observed that the driver's seat belt did not extend or retract, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after 20 minutes, she observed a swollen imprint of the seat belt, which eventually scabbed over. 911 was called, but medical attention was not needed. The contact stated that she continues to drive the vehicle, but had to buckle the seat belt behind her while driving so that the notification chimes do not go off continuously while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Seatbelt pretensioner inadvertently exploded while driving the vehicle and locked the seatbelt.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition max. The contact stated that after the wife started the vehicle and while the gear shifter was in the parked position, the front driver's side seatbelt pretensioner erroneously deployed. During the incident, the wife sustained a left shoulder abrasion, which required medical treatment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA campaign number: 24v099000(seat belts). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.

On [xxx], the seatbelt pretensioner on my 2019 Ford Expedition max platinum suddenly discharged without warning while the vehicle was stationary. It emitted a loud noise, caused the seatbelt to lock, and released a strong burning smell, consistent with prior reports linked to recall 24v099 / 25v197000. I purchased this vehicle used on [xxx] from taverna Infiniti of north miami (FL). At the time of sale, the dealership: •did not disclose any active recalls •provided an inspection form stating the seatbelt and warning systems were “ok” •sold the vehicle with an illuminated airbag (srs) warning light •delivered the vehicle with a non-functional driver-side tail light four days later ([xxx]), the dealer sent me a carfax report showing the vehicle had an active NHTSA safety recall (24v099), issued in February 2024, with a known remedy available. The dealership knowingly sold a vehicle with an unrepaired safety defect, and the defect has now resulted in an actual pretensioner discharge — which could pose a fire risk and compromised occupant protection. I am currently working to have the vehicle serviced at a Ford-authorized dealer. I am reporting this event to document: •the failure of the seatbelt pretensioner •the dealer’s noncompliance with safety disclosure obligations •the risk posed to other consumers information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Passenger air bag light came on and passenger seat belt locked up also the transmission had to be fixed.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that when the vehicle started, the driver's side front seat belt retractor fractured. The contact noticed an extremely loud pop and a burning odor. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer in may 2025, prior to the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v099000 (seat belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 73,065. Parts distribution disconnect.