The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently opened a preliminary evaluation into complaints regarding the seat belt pretensioners in the 2019 Ford Expedition. This investigation comes after receiving ten reports from owners who have experienced inadvertent deployment of the seat belt pretensioners without any crash impacts.

These unexpected deployments have raised owners’ concerns and prompted the NHTSA to examine the issue further. Learn more below!

 

What Are Owners Experiencing?

According to complaints received by the NHTSA, owners of the 2019 Ford Expedition have reported instances where the seat belt pretensioners deployed without any crash occuring. Some owners have described hearing a loud, explosion-like sound followed by the sudden tightening of the seat belt around the torso area. This unexpected deployment has left owners startled and sometimes feeling the impact as if they were punched or kicked in the chest.

Owners have also reported a burning smell and smoke filling the cabin of their vehicles after the incident.

 

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The seat belt pretensioner issue appears to affect an estimated 20,331 Ford Expedition SUVs. While this investigation focuses on the 2019 model year, it’s worth noting that the Expedition shares its platform with the Lincoln Navigator, and both vehicles feature pickup truck underpinnings from the F-150.

 

How Has Ford Responded?

As of now, the NHTSA’s investigation is in the preliminary stage, and no official recall has been issued. However, the agency is working to understand the root cause of these abnormal seat belt pretensioner deployments. Potential factors being considered include:

• Poor wiring.
• Software logic issues.
• Incorrect sensor calibration.
• Defects with the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) module.

If the NHTSA determines that a recall is necessary for the affected vehicles, Ford will be required to take appropriate action to address the issue and ensure the safety of its customers.

 

Does a Faulty Seat Belt Pretensioner Make My Car a Lemon?

If you’re experiencing issues with the seat belt pretensioner in your 2019 Ford Expedition, you may wonder if this problem qualifies your vehicle as a lemon under California law. The California Lemon law protects consumers who have purchased or leased defective vehicles that can’t be repaired within a reasonable number of attempts.

A faulty seat belt pretensioner that poses a safety risk and can’t be adequately repaired could potentially make your vehicle eligible for lemon law protection. However, you should consult an experienced lemon law attorney to evaluate your specific situation.

 

Think You Have a Lemon? Contact Our California Lemon Law Firm Today!

At Norman Taylor & Associates, our California lemon law firm assists consumers who have purchased or leased defective vehicles.

Our experienced team understands the intricacies of the lemon law cases and can provide the guidance and representation you need. We’ll fight for your rights and work towards obtaining the compensation and resolution you deserve.

Contact us today for a FREE consultation to discuss your case.

Schedule my consultation