Table 1 shows one common seat belt related problems of the 2026 Ford Explorer.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Seat Belt problems |
Nhtsa vehicle safety complaint narrative I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety incident involving the rear seat belt of a Ford rental vehicle obtained from budget rent a car. My [xxx] grandson was properly restrained in a weight-appropriate booster seat and secured with the vehicle’s rear lap and shoulder seat belt in accordance with child passenger safety recommendations. There had been no collision, sudden stop, or other event that would normally activate the seat belt locking mechanism. While seated in the vehicle, the seat belt became tightly wrapped around my grandson’s waist and locked in a manner that prevented it from being loosened or released. Multiple adults attempted to free him by following the normal procedures for releasing and loosening the seat belt, but all attempts were unsuccessful. An off-duty emergency medical technician (emt) stopped to assist. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to release the seat belt, the emt determined that the only safe way to free my grandson was to cut the seat belt. The child could not be removed from the vehicle until the seat belt was cut. This incident caused significant concern because a properly functioning seat belt should not trap an occupant in a manner that prevents emergency release. My grandson had been properly restrained in a weight-appropriate booster seat and was using the seat belt as intended. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this incident represents a defect in the seat belt restraint system and determine whether similar incidents have been reported involving this vehicle or seat belt design. If appropriate, I request that this information be shared with the manufacturer so that corrective action can be taken if a safety defect exists. My goal in submitting this complaint is to help prevent another child or other vehicle occupant from becoming trapped in a seat belt and requiring emergency intervention for release. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(.