Air Bag Problems of Ford Expedition - part 1

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.

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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.

2020 Ford Expedition max. Ford issued safety recall 26s48 / NHTSA 26v402 confirming a transmission park pawl defect causing potential rollaway and crash risk. Remedy not available until q2 2027. Vehicle has experienced the exact defect symptoms since at least November 2025 including stuck-in-park diagnostic codes and shifting anomalies. Prior to November 2025 the transmission failed to execute a commanded shift at approximately 65mph while passing another vehicle on an expressway causing sudden unexpected deceleration with family members present — a near-miss consistent with the park pawl defect Ford now confirms. An authorized Ford dealer visit in June 2026 for computer reprogramming included verbal acknowledgment of transmission concerns but no documentation on the repair order. Eight days later Ford issued recall 26s48. Separately this vehicle has generated over 1,400 restraints indicator lamp warnings logged in Ford’s own connected vehicle app since at least April 2023. Restraints warnings began within 30 days of purchase at under 400 miles. Ford issued recall 26s34 / NHTSA 26v344 for front seatbelt retractor inspection on this vehicle. On multiple dealer visits spanning 2021 to 2026 service advisers verbally acknowledged the restraints warning but documented no concern and performed no diagnostic action on repair orders. Ford’s telematics platform received all warnings in real time with no proactive owner notification. Remedy not available for either recall.

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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.

"your air bag warning is on due to an issue with the front passenger air bag system. The front pasenger airbag may not work properly. " this system should under no circumstance be malfunctioning in any way outside of a collision. This needs recalled and fixed.

I was in a head on collision and my airbags did not deploy. Also when I looked at my seat belt after the crash it was fully extended out and did not retract.

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The contact owns a 2022 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it failed to start with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was jump-started. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light continuously remained illuminated. The failure was associated with NHTSA campaign number: 23v847000 (steering, air bags); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, another vehicle drove through a stop sign, causing the contact to t-bone the other vehicle, causing damage to the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that no air bags did not deploy in his vehicle. The contact stated that he sustained whiplash to the neck and upper back. No medical attention was required. The contact mentioned the vehicle was towed to a collision center. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed him to take the vehicle to the dealership. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

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Air bags did not deploy impact directly to drivers side of vehicle the other car was going 55 mph caused me the driver to hit my head on the window hard. I was informed the air bags should have deployed by officer on site.

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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.

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.

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 2020 Ford Expedition. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side air bag deployed unexpectedly. The contact stated that his twelve-year-old daughter was seated in the front passenger’s side seat during the failure. The daughter sustained a seat belt injury to the neck. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the unintended deployment of the passenger’s side air bag was confirmed. The contact was informed that the air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that there was no recall coverage for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,682.

2025 Expedition safety recalls* transit custom passenger airbag replacement recall incomplete connecting rod inspection recall incomplete 3. 5l engine cup plug inspection recall incomplete as no recalls are or have been reported for this vehicle, this report is an initial report in behalf of an investor. Please broadcast "amber alert", as airbags are detrimental for safety during collision accidents of the body size and passager capacity. Please broadcast "amber alert" for highway and safety control.

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

My "restraints indicator lamp warning" is going off occasionally. Ford just contacted me to tell me that my airbag will not deploy if needed.

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[xxx], I bought a new Ford Expedition max platinum. Four days after I bought the Ford Expedition max, I experienced brake failure and all warning lights going off on the Ford. I was unable to brake correctly and almost causing a wreck on [xxx] in charlottesville, va. I called the Ford dealership, (myers Ford) in elkton where I bought the Ford and they sent me a message saying there was an open recall that would be coming out but not till q3 due to no fixes as of yet. I told them I didn't trust the car and what was I supposed to do. They sent me a text with a fix and said Ford told them it would be safe to drive. I had to follow the instructions on the message from Ford and the car was back up and running. [xxx], my family and I were returning from nc and there was a wreck that ensued in front of us and with about 60 feet of room, we tried to brake and the brakes failed on us and we rear ended the truck ahead and we totaled are new Expedition max. I have tried to reach out to Ford and make a complaint but they keep hanging up on us and rejecting our phone calls. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was in a car accident on June 12, 2025, and my steering wheel airbag did not deploy correctly or function correctly. It was a front in straightforward collision. I did not have warning signs so my brakes could have been an issue because I was paying attention and unable to avoid an accident going under the speed limit. The rear cross traffic. Warning stays on pretty consistently because we live down a dirt road, and every time it rains, it again comes back on. I do not believe I heard the forward collision detection go off either. When I hit the back of a work convoy truck straight on, my steering wheel airbag did not deploy correctly. It did come out it never inflated. It did not protect me. I do not have any broken bones, but I do have a hematoma right beside my under arm, and a great deal of bruising.

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I actually have already sent in an assessment for airbag, but then read the recall on brakes, which at the time, because a new vehicle, I didn’t think possible. Even when pushing on my brakes, my vehicle was not slowing down like it should have, and I had a front end collision. It was hard for me to think this was because of brakes because new, but I do think they need to be examined.

Driver side seat belt air bag popped while driving down the road and now the seat belt will not retract. Shows that this is a known issue in my year model but this is not a recall for my specific VIN.

I was in an accident on December 9 at 2 pm it was slightly wet out & 51 degrees I was making a left turn out of a business went into the middle lane and gave some gas to merge into the lane and the back end of the vehicle locked up and swung into a tail spin to the right as I applied the brakes it locked up worse and the vehicle spun around twice. Went into oncoming traffic and was hit. Had to exite the vehicle on the passenger side because I could not open the drivers door. When the police and tow truck came the both could not believe the airbags did not deploy . The car was found to be totaled by my insurance CO. Aaa the fact that not one of the airbags didn’t deploy is very disturbing to me!!! this was my first Ford and dont think I will ever own anther.

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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.

I was in a head on collision and my airbags did not deploy but my glove box separated from my dash by about 2 inches looking as if they tried to deploy.

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 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 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.