Problems · by component

2019 Ford Expedition seat belts problems

110 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2019 Ford Expedition cite seat belts, 21% of all 521 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 3 recalls on this component.

Complaints
110
21% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
30
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the seat belts

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My 2019 Ford Expedition is subject to Ford Safety Recall 26S34 (NHTSA Recall 26V344), involving inadvertent deployment of seat-belt retractor pretensioners. The driver's-side seat-belt pretensioner has deployed, causing the seat belt to retract and lock in a position where it physically cannot extend far enough to fit around the driver. As a result, the driver's seat belt is completely unusable, and the vehicle cannot be safely operated. Ford previously issued an advance recall notice indicating that a remedy was anticipated by September 30, 2026. As of October 24, 2026, I have not been provided with an available remedy. I have contacted Ford Customer Service multiple times and spoken with representatives regarding this issue. Ford has informed me that because the recall remains classified as an Advance Notice, its current policy does not authorize rental vehicle assistance. The dealership has also indicated that it cannot provide a rental without authorization from Ford. I have explained repeatedly that this is not simply a vehicle awaiting a recall repair. The recalled safety component has already failed, leaving the driver's seat belt unusable. Despite these…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 24, 2026Seat beltsODI 11773379
“While driving my 2019 Ford Expedition on the interstate at approximately 75 mph, the driver side seatbelt suddenly and unexpectedly locked up and forcefully retracted without warning. At the same time, there was a loud popping sound resembling a small explosion, followed by a visible puff of smoke and a noticeable odor. There was no collision or impact that would have caused the seatbelt system to activate. The seatbelt tightened forcefully against my body cause me pain and injury. The seatbelt remained locked and could no longer be moved or adjusted. This incident created a serious safety hazard because it occurred unexpectedly while I was traveling at a highway speed. The vehicle and affected seatbelt are available for inspection. The cause of the malfunction has not yet been confirmed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Seat beltsODI 11772882
“The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while his daughter was sitting in the front passenger-side seat, the front passenger-side seat belt suddenly retracted with force, the seat belt retractor locked, and there was white smoke. The contact's daughter sustained severe mental distress. The local dealer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026Seat beltsODI 11771623
“The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver's and passenger's side seat belts failed to unlatch. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers, where the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts); however, the parts to complete the recall repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the remedy was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 120,500.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026Seat beltsODI 11771205
“Driving to pick up my son from school (in a school zone under 20 mph) while my daughter was in the back seat, we hear a loud noise sounded like a gun shot, I immediately pull over somewhere safe got out and checked the outside of my car, didnt notice anything so i opened the passenger side front door to find the plastic covering piece near the seat belt had broke off, finding the airbag had exploded, the seat belt is no longer usable, This is my only vehicle as a family of 4 with two children. I also reached out to several local dealerships neither are able to help with a loaner for the time being. in fact I was instructed by ford headquarters to keep driving the vehicle even though it does not have operating seatbelt and throwing codes on my dash.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 13, 2026Air bags, Seat beltsODI 11770898
“A loud “explosion” or “pop” was heard on the driver side area of vehicle. The seatbelt will extend or move. There is an active recall (Ford Recall # 26S34) and Ford will not fix the issue or make it right.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026Seat beltsODI 11770699

Showing 6 of 110 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

3 recalls on this component

Seat belts: pretensioner

Remedy pending

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.

Seat beltsReported May 27, 2026NHTSA 26V344000

Seat belts: pretensioner

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.

Seat beltsReported May 23, 2025NHTSA 25V197000

Seat belts: pretensioner

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend.

Seat beltsReported Feb 9, 2024NHTSA 24V099000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.