The problem is due to a faulty pretensioner, an important safety device that uses a controlled explosive charge to tighten the belt at the beginning of a crash to prevent injury. If the pretensioner deploys when it isn’t supposed to, the belt may lock into place and won’t protect occupants during a crash. In addition to a stuck seat belt, drivers may notice that an airbag warning light is lit up on the display behind the steering wheel.
To fix the problem, Ford and Lincoln dealerships will replace the seat belt pretensioners free of charge. Initially, Ford engineers thought that the problem was due to a water leak from the air conditioning system. However, the problem may be with the pretensioners themselves.
In documents provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the automaker says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the recall in this newly recalled batch of vehicles, but that there have been 17 dealer reports or warranty claims about the issue. The earlier recall followed 11 reports of injuries.
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