Ford Addresses Seat Belt Defects

Dearborn, Mich. – Dec. 19 –  The Ford Motor Company has announced a recall of Ford and Lincoln vehicle models with seat belt defects that may threaten the safety of drivers and passengers. In addition, the company plans to recall some Fusion vehicles that have problems with their seat back frames.

The Defect

For will be recalling model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured between Nov. 2, 2012 and July 31, 2014, as well as model year 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured between Nov. 14, 2012 and July 31, 2014, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

These vehicles contain seat belt defects that could prevent them from deploying properly. Ford claims that seat belt anchor pretensioners can overheat during use, causing them to snap when deployed during a crash. This could lead to an uptick in injuries and deaths – in fact, Ford believes that at least two accidents and injuries can be traced to the defect.

The recall will cover 602,739 vehicles in the U.S., 35,614 in Canada, 8,665 in Mexico and 653 elsewhere, according to USA Today.

In addition, Ford will also recall 27 Ford Fusion vehicles from the 2017 model year due to improperly welded pivot pins on the second row left-rear seat back frame. As it stands, these seats may not be able to secure cargo in a crash, increasing the risk of passenger injury.

Resolution

Vehicles owners will soon be notified of the defects, and will have the opportunity to bring their cars in to dealers and have them repaired at no charge.

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