Table 1 shows one common seat belt related problems of the 2020 Ford Expedition.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Seat Belt problems |
Beginning xxx, the vehicle's restraints control module repeatedly warned of a fault with the passenger seatbelt retractor pretensioner circuit, via in-vehicle warning light and Ford app alert. This warning recurred on xxx, and again on xxx, each instructing the owner to contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible. On xxx, the vehicle was brought to clement Ford in [xxx] for diagnosis. Service technician [xxx] confirmed via text message that the diagnostic codes were secondary codes tied to the open recall for the seatbelt pretensioners, and stated that "the pretensioners have been placed on hold for that recall. " the technician advised the owner to wait until the recall remedy was released, have the recall repair completed, and verify the concern was resolved at that time. On xxx, the owner again contacted [xxx], this time in connection with a required state safety inspection for license plate renewal. The vehicle passed the safety inspection. In the same exchange, the owner again asked about the open recall, and [xxx] confirmed in writing: "the seatbelt recall is on hold and can not be done at this moment. . . Nothing can be performed at this time. We are just waiting on Ford to get things going. " no interim repair, part replacement, or other remedy was offered or performed on either occasion. On xxx, at approximately 1:40 pm, at 79,000 miles, while driving with the engine on and under normal conditions — no collision or impact event — the front passenger seatbelt retractor pretensioner deployed inadvertently. The deployment produced a loud explosion-like sound and a strong odor resembling gunfire/gunpowder. The belt immediately locked tight across the occupant's chest and would not retract or extend, causing an abrasion injury to their arm. This is the exact failure mode described in NHTSA recall 26v344: driver and/or front passenger seatbelt retractor information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
My 2020 Ford Expedition has an open Ford safety recall 26s34 involving the front seat belt retractor/pretensioner. My driver’s seat belt is now completely unusable (shredded and locked in place), making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Ford and the dealership have confirmed that the recall applies to my vehicle, but I have been told the permanent recall part is currently unavailable. I was told that if I want a functioning driver’s seat belt while waiting for the recall part, I must pay out of pocket to have a temporary/older part installed. I explained to Ford that I cannot safely operate the vehicle without a functioning driver’s seat belt and asked what no-cost solution Ford would provide while its recall remedy is unavailable. I requested either a covered temporary repair or alternate transportation and asked for the matter to be escalated. Ford customer service refused to transfer me to a supervisor, and the representative ultimately disconnected the call. I am requesting NHTSA review whether Ford is meeting its obligations under this safety recall when an affected vehicle currently has an unusable driver’s restraint, the recall remedy is unavailable, and the owner is being required to pay out of pocket to restore a functioning restraint while waiting. Ford case #cxh09305259.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive with the unrepaired seat belt recall. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign number: 26v344000 (seat belts), 26v368000 (structure), and 26v402000 (power train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while parking, the passenger removed their seat belt. As the seat belt retracted, there was a very loud explosion sound. A cloud of dust was observed, and the passenger-side seat belt became extremely tight. The contact stated that the vehicle shook, and the sound and movement originated from the passenger-side seat belt retractor housing. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v344000 (seat belts); however, the part to perform the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with the failure related to the recall; however, the dealer stated that the contact would have to pay out of pocket for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,849.
My 13 year old daughter and I were driving home from softball practice, and mid conversation, without warning, it felt like something rammed into us from the side of my car. We were coasting at a cool 40 miles per hour and were winding down after a long day. My daughter yelped that her seatbelt was suffocating her. My mind was racing but I didn't see a vehicle that anywhere that looked like it actually hit us. After further researching the issue, I discovered that the massive boom we felt in my vehicle was most likely the pyrotechnic charge firing inside the seatbelt retractor assembly. My daughter's seatbelt instantly retracted tightly, and my daughter had to unbuckle quickly. I'm glad I was still with it enough not to stop right there because no doubt we would've been hit on the highway, and her sitting there without a seatbelt. We pulled over and inspected our vehicle but no sign of a wreck, confused we googled exactly what had happened and were in shock to find that the seatbelt had deployed like a bomb in our vehicle. The recall has been noted without a remedy on both the dealer's website as well as NHTSA, however, we were never notified by mail. The vehicle was inspected previously, and the dealership noted that it had the recall without communicating with us. This happened without warning, messages, or anything else. My driver side seatbelt did not work effectively like it would if we were indeed in a crash, so I felt like someone wrecked into us and I basically didn't have a seatbelt restraint because the vehicle did not recognize the deployment of the mechanism as a "wreck". My neck down to my back hurts and has continued to be sore from the incident. I have been hit by vehicles before over my lifetime, and this felt much harder than any hits I have encountered.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the front driver's side seat belt retractor pretensioner independently deployed. The contact stated that there was no crash or any impact to the vehicle to cause the inadvertent deployment. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder of the road and then driven to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test was not performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 25v197000 (seat belts) and 26v344000 (seat belts); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 66,230.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the seat belt retractor exploded, and the seat belts became inoperative. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v197000 (seat belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,361.
While driving on a public road, the recalled driver's side seatbelt pretensioner (recall 26s34) spontaneously exploded without a crash. The seatbelt violently locked on my body, causing friction burns and bruising to my skin while the explosion caused hearing loss in my left ear. The vehicle is now un-driveable as the seatbelt no longer works and has been towed to a Ford dealership. The dealership has obtained possession of the vehicle stating it is not safe or legal to drive. We have contacted both the dealership and corporate Ford for assistance with alternate transportation and have not been provided with any thus far. We have called 10 different times and visited the dealership in person twice & still no help. Since the incident, I experience high anxiety and stress whenever I am inside a motor vehicle. To add to this, the loss of my vehicle has caused severe logistical distress, disrupting my daily routine, which compounds my daily anxiety. It has been 10 days without any answers, only to be told if we don’t hear anything by mid August to call back and then we can escalate. This is unacceptable.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 26v368000 (structure), 26v402000 (power train), 26v344000 (seat belts) and 25v197000 (seat belts); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while shifting the transmission into park(p) or drive(d), the vehicle lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Took my car in for the seat belt recall and an oil change and the dealership said the recall has been paused. They are still looking into it for me but, this recall should not be paused. It is a real issue. Real people are having. My seat belt never retracts all the way back into place. I have to manually tighten it when I put it on and it randomly locks up while I’m driving even if brakes were not hit or it wasn’t yanked on. I worry in the event of an accident it wouldn’t do the job that’s needed to protect me.
The vehicle has experienced repeated critical transmission failures and currently has four active federal safety recalls with no available remedy. The transmission has failed four separate times, requiring four transmission assemblies within approximately 68,795 miles. The latest failure produced dtc p07f7 (gear 10 incorrect ratio) and was confirmed by the Ford dealer and an independent inspector as an internal transmission failure. Symptoms included harsh engagement, delayed shifting, hesitation, slipping, and repeated powertrain malfunction messages. The vehicle was out of service for 26 consecutive days during the most recent repair. A NHTSA VIN lookup shows four active unrepaired recalls: a transmission rollaway hazard affecting the parking system (26s48), two seatbelt pretensioner recalls involving inadvertent deployment or failure to retract (25s31 and 26s34), and a chrome trim recall involving sharp edges (26s38). All four recalls currently have no remedy available, with estimated repair dates extending into late 2026 and 2027. These defects affect critical safety systems including the power train, seat belts, and parking system. The rollaway hazard recall indicates the vehicle may move unexpectedly even when shifted into park, creating a serious risk of injury or collision. The seatbelt pretensioner recalls involve components that may deploy without warning or fail to retract, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. The chrome trim recall involves sharp edges that may injure occupants. Combined with repeated transmission failures, these issues create multiple simultaneous safety risks. The problems have been confirmed by the Ford dealer and an independent inspector. Warning symptoms occurred before each failure, including harsh shifting, slipping, hesitation, and powertrain alerts. The combination of unresolved federal safety recalls and repeated transmission failures makes the vehicle unsafe to operate.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 26v344000 (seat belts), 26v368000 (structure), and 26v402000 (power train); however, the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the parts to be available. The contact stated that after pulling into the driveway and shifting into park(p), the parking brake engaged independently, causing the vehicle to jerk into park. The failure was intermittent. The following morning, the gear shifter shifted hard into reverse(r) while attempting to reverse out of the driveway. While driving at lower speeds under 50 mph and coasting forward, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact attempted to continue driving but the vehicle slightly jolted forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there were metal shavings inside the transmission. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. While entering the vehicle, the contact became aware that the front passenger’s side seat belt was locked but was able to be retracted. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v344000 (seat belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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. The contact had not experienced a failure.
We recently purchased a certified pre-owned 2020 Ford Expedition max limited with approximately 70,000 miles. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has experienced several issues, particularly with the transmission. Before the transmission was replaced, the dealer attempted to repair it twice but was unable to resolve the problem. After the replacement transmission was installed, the same symptoms returned within one to two weeks, including harsh shifting, shuddering, and harsh engagement when shifting into reverse and park. In addition, the front seat belts and the captain’s chair seat belts have locked up multiple times. I also received a recall notice for the replacement transmission that was installed about a month ago, with an estimated repair timeframe of the second quarter of 2027. There is currently no repair available for the seat belt issue either. There have been no warning lights or messages displayed for any of these problems. I am concerned that these ongoing issues put both my safety and my child’s safety and the public at risk while operating or riding in this vehicle.
While I the vehicle was on, the seat belt malfunctioned. The issue appears to be the same one described in the recall. During the incident, the belt tightened / locked unexpectedly and caused significant pressure to my chest. Since then I’ve been experiencing chest pain. The air bag light in the car is now on.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while depressing the lock panel with the numbers on the driver’s side door, the seat unintendedly moved forward, and the seat belt retracted, and the driver was squeezed in the seat. The contact turned off the vehicle and seat belt to returned to the original position. The contact stated that coolant was added to the coolant reservoir; however, the vehicle was leaking coolant. The contact was unsure if the cap was positioned correctly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 26v344000 (seat belts) and 26v368000 (structure). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and remained for five days. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the seat needed to be adjusted. The dealer informed the contact that the coolant reservoir tank needed to be inspected. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 106,920.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v197000(seat belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 40 mph, the front driver’s side seat belt retracted and tightened unexpectedly, and then detached. Additionally, the front driver’s side air bag deployed unexpectedly. The contact’s wife sustained bruises and a head injury; however, no medical assistance had been received. The insurance company assisted in towing the vehicle to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer related the failure to the recall and confirmed that the recall parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to confirm when the parts would be available. The contact also stated that no loaner vehicle was provided. The contact expressed concerns that the failure posed a serious risk of injury to the vehicle occupants. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v197000 (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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Seatbelts have been recalled but no fix has been approved, Ford says 3rd quarter of 2025, but we are now nearly in the 4th quarter.
I was parked sitting with my babies in the car and my mom in the passenger seat. I heard an explosion and felt like I had been shot or electrocuted. I was dazed and didnt know what happened. The sound was traumatizing. I rushed to get everyone out of the car. My neck and head were hurting and had friction type burn from the seatbelt. Called 911 and they sent the fire department to make sure no explosives were in the car. They thought it was the seatbelt. Went to urgent care. No warning lights were on. Happened out of the blue. I can’t even imagine how this would have affected someone driving or an elderly person. Extremely dangerous. Terrifying.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, there was a loud pop, and smelled a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle, and the contact’s child cried out in pain, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. Upon inspection, the contact observed that the front passenger’s side seat belt had tightened excessively and locked, causing a small cut on the child’s chest. The air bag warnig light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the seat belt locking mechanism. The vehicle was not repaired due to the recall being a "advance notice recall" which was not yet an official recall, and the contact would have to pay out of pocket for the repairs. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25v197000 (seat belts). 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 82,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 26v344000 (seat belts), 26v368000 (structure) and 26v402000 (power train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and stalled and needed to be towed on several occasions. An unknown dealer was initially notified of the failure during an oil change appointment, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had become undrivable and was parked at the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the second-row driver's side and passenger's side seat belts became excessively tight and seized. The contact stated that the seat belts had to be unlatched and latched. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while two minor children were seated in the second-row seats. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was provided with the fee for a diagnostic test to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Safety recall issued but no parts and no date set. Go on record as stating the safety recall was issued, dealer contacted but no repair available and no estimated date.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of manufacturer recall number: 25s31; NHTSA campaign number: (awaiting); regarding seat belts; however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v197000 (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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts for the recall repair were on back order. The dealer was unable to confirm when the vehicle would be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Use this car for business as part of my income. Ford has issued an advance recall notice. In March 2025. I have not been able earn money because of the recall notice. Manufacturer recall number: 25s31 NHTSA recall number: pending from legal advice, the advance recall notice is for the dealers and is not an official recall notice. Since the notice, I have been unable to rent out my vehicle. I have another advance recall notice on my other vehicle a 2018 explorer. I need to make a living. What actions can be taken. ? I've called numerous times first to times, no answer phone just rang after initial message. The following times, a human answered after message but I was disconnected or inadvertently put on hold. Then steered to this page. Looking for some assistance. I have 2 vehicles down due to advanced recall notices. I can't afford to have 2 cars down. What is going on here.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 30 mph with his wife seated in the front passenger’s seat, the seat belt snapped into the socket of the door and was no longer able to be used. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to expand or release from the buckle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the driver's side seat belt became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the seat belt would lock but would not retract until the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the seat belt retractor tensioner had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the nhsta hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The vehicle was in park, with the engine running. The tailgate was open as I was loading a stroller into the back and my infant into a back passenger seat car seat. The driver's door was open, back drivers side door open, and tailgate open. The front passenger's seat belt pretensioner deployed and it sounded as though something hit the vehicle. I walked around the car to inspect for damage and even looked on top of the vehicle for damage. No damage occurred as nothing hit the vehicle. My wife got into the car in the front passenger seat and could not move the seat belt. I walked around and verified that it could not be moved as it was in the rest position with the pre-tensioner deployed. Issue: non-event with front passenger seat belt pre-tensioner deployment available to be inspected: yes safety at risk: my wife just had a c-section and if deployed with her in it, would have been much worse. Additionally, cannot use the seat now that seat belt is inoperable. Issue been reproduced: no. The pre-tensioner goes off with explosive charge making reproduction impossible. Warning lamps present: no.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front passenger’s side seat belt buckle tension sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the failure code for the seat belt tension sensor had been actively showing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the nhsta hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 62,935.
The second row passenger seat belt will not retract. Also, all three passenger seats on the second row would not lock when trying to install a car seat.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving in the rain at 50 mph, a vehicle hydroplaned and crashed into both the contact's vehicle and another vehicle. The contact stated that air bags did not deploy , the seat belts did not lock and no warning lights appeared upon impact. The contact and her daughter both sustained a headache and other aches to their neck and shoulders. A police report was filed. Despite the failure, the contact managed to drive the vehicle back home despite front end damage to the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure and both referred her to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
The seat belt receiver in the right middle captains chair failed and cracked. It was rarely used and still broke.
Every time I put seatbelt on in passenger side it locks up and it stays in that position until I take it off. I can pull on it and it will not move at all I will unusually have to take it off and put on again just for the same thing to happen. This happens with front seats belts not sure if back ones do the same I just know I can not put on back seat belt it’s seems they are made for kids only.