Ford SUV Recall 2025: Seatbelt Defect Affects Thousands of Vehicles
Ford has announced a recall in 2025 impacting more than 80,000 SUVs, specifically the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. The issue centers on defective seat belt pre-tensioners in the front seats, which may lock unexpectedly. This malfunction increases the risk of injury during a crash because the seatbelt may not perform as intended.
Which Models Are Affected?
- Ford Expedition (2018–2020 production years still in circulation in 2025)
- Lincoln Navigator (2018–2020 production years still in circulation in 2025)
Even though these vehicles were manufactured before 2021, many remain on the road today. The recall addresses ongoing safety risks in the active fleet, making it highly relevant for current owners.
Why Is This Recall Important?
Seatbelt pre-tensioners are designed to tighten the belt instantly in a collision, holding passengers firmly in place. In these recalled vehicles, the system may malfunction and lock prematurely, creating a dangerous situation. If the belt locks before or outside of a crash event, passengers may face an increased risk during actual accidents.
Ford has released a statement addressing the nature of the defect, outlining technical details and associated risks. According to Ford, the company’s Critical Concern Review Group theorizes that a water leak related to a drain seal on the right front floor, associated with air-conditioning usage, might elevate humidity levels when Max A/C is used extensively. This increased humidity could potentially lead to corrosion of the pretensioner’s squib pin, a crucial component for its operation.
Seat belt pre-tensioners serve to tighten seat belts immediately before a collision, enhancing passenger security and reducing injury risks. However, the described defect may cause these pretensioners to deploy unnecessarily, resulting in seat belt locking without warning. Ford’s hypothesis suggests that prolonged use of Max A/C could exacerbate this issue by raising interior humidity levels, potentially accelerating corrosion of the pretensioner’s squib pin.
The Dangers of Faulty Seatbelts in 2025
Faulty seatbelts continue to pose a serious safety risk for drivers and passengers in 2025. Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety systems, but these systems rely on seatbelts functioning properly. When a seatbelt fails, the consequences can be life-threatening and financially damaging.
Key Risks of Faulty Seatbelts
1. Higher Risk of Injury or Death
Seatbelts are designed to distribute crash forces across the stronger parts of the body, such as the chest, hips, and shoulders. This design reduces the severity of injuries in the event of a collision. A faulty seatbelt may fail to lock, tighten, or secure the occupant, increasing the chance of severe injury or fatality.
2. Risk of Ejection
One of the most essential functions of a seatbelt is keeping passengers inside the vehicle. Ejection during a crash increases the likelihood of death by up to 75% according to 2025 NHTSA data. A malfunctioning belt dramatically raises this risk.
3. Disruption of Other Safety Features
Airbags and other restraint systems are designed to work with seatbelts. If a seatbelt does not function properly, airbags may deploy too early or too late, reducing their effectiveness. This can worsen injuries instead of preventing them.
4. Legal and Financial Liabilities
Using a car with a known seatbelt defect can expose owners to lawsuits, medical costs, and fines. In 2025, manufacturers have recalled thousands of vehicles due to faulty belts, and failure to address these recalls can have legal consequences for drivers.
Why Seatbelts Still Matter in 2025
Despite advances in autonomous driving and collision-avoidance systems, seatbelts remain the most effective line of defense in crashes. A seatbelt that doesn’t function correctly undermines every other safety feature in a vehicle.
Identifying a Potential Lemon in 2025
For owners of recalled Ford SUVs in 2025, ongoing seatbelt malfunctions raise serious concerns about the reliability and safety of these vehicles. Beyond frustration, these defects may qualify a vehicle as a legal “lemon.” A lemon is a car with a substantial defect that cannot be fixed after multiple repair attempts, making it unsafe or unfit for everyday use.
If you’re dealing with repeated seatbelt failures, you may have a case under your state’s Lemon Law. Here’s how to evaluate whether your SUV could be classified as a lemon in 2025:
Steps to Determine If Your Ford SUV Is a Lemon
1. Review the Repair History
- Lemon Law claims usually require multiple unsuccessful repair attempts for the same defect.
- Keep detailed records: repair dates, problem descriptions, dealer reports, and any parts replaced.
- A well-documented repair history strengthens your claim.
2. Understand State-Specific Lemon Law Rules
- Lemon Laws vary widely by state in 2025.
- Key factors include:
- How many repair attempts qualify
- The timeframe for those repairs
- Total number of days the SUV was out of service
- For example, California’s Lemon Law has stricter protections than many other states. Always check the exact requirements where you live.
3. Confirm Warranty Coverage
- Lemon Law protections typically apply only if the vehicle is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty.
- Seatbelt issues, being safety-related, usually fall under warranty coverage. Confirm this before filing a claim.
4. Determine Significant Impairment
- The defect must impact safety, value, or usability.
- Since seatbelts are essential for passenger safety, a malfunction often meets the impairment test without question.
Don’t Settle for a Defective Ford SUV in 2025
If your Ford SUV continues to have issues even after multiple repair attempts, it may qualify as a Lemon Law case in 2025. A qualified Lemon Law attorney can:
- Review your documentation and repair history.
- Explain the legal thresholds for your state.
- Guide you through the process of pursuing a replacement, refund, or settlement.
Taking legal action can feel overwhelming, but the law is designed to protect you from being stuck with an unsafe or unreliable Ford’se.
Ford’s 2025 SUV Recall
In 2025, Ford issued a recall affecting more than 80,000 SUVs due to critical seatbelt defects. These defects pose serious risks to drivers and passengers, underscoring the importance of staying proactive about vehicle safety.
Steps you should take right now:
- Contact your dealer immediately to confirm whether your vehicle is part of the recall.
- Schedule the repair as soon as possible.
- Monitor your SUV—don’t assume one fix eliminates all problems.
Vehicle safety doesn’t always end with a recall repair. If your SUV continues to exhibit defects, you should consider your consumer protection options.
Q&A for Ford SUV Owners
Q: What if my Ford SUV keeps having seatbelt or safety problems after the recall repair?
A: Document every repair attempt. If the problem continues, you may be entitled to compensation or a replacement under state Lemon Laws.
Q: How do I know if my SUV qualifies under the Lemon Law in 2025?
A: The thresholds vary by state, but in general, your vehicle must have:
- A defect that substantially impairs safety, value, or use.
- Several failed repair attempts or a prolonged period out of service.
Q: Should I call Ford first or a lawyer first?
A: Start with Ford to comply with the recall. If problems persist, speak with a Lemon Law attorney to evaluate your options.
