Component
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The buckle in your vehicle's front seat belts has a small part called a post that helps keep you securely buckled in. In certain cases, this post could break, making it harder or impossible to click into your seat belt safely.
Risk if Unfixed
If the buckle post breaks, you could be at risk of not being properly restrained in a crash. This means you might not be as safe as you should be, and could be more likely to get hurt.
Free Fix
Your Ford dealer will replace the broken buckle cover with a new, improved one at no charge to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A POST WITHIN THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE COVERS COULD FRACTURE, WHICH COULD AFFECT LATCH FUNCTION, RESULTING IN EITHER A "NO LATCH" OR "PARTIAL LATCH" CONDITION. IN THE "PARTIAL LATCH" CONDITION, THE BUCKLE TONGUE CAN BE INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE AND APPEAR TO BE ENGAGED, BUT WILL RELEASE FROM THE BUCKLE WITHOUT THE PUSH BUTTON BEING DEPRESSED WHEN A RELATIVELY LOW LOAD IS APPLIED, SUCH AS WHEN AN OCCUPANT MOVES SLIGHTLY IN THE SEAT.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL HAVE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE COVER REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SERVICE BUCKLE COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 2, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →