Ford Recalls More Than 240,000 Vehicles for Seatbelt Bolt Issues

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

1% of the 240,510 vehicles affected by Ford’s recall—approximately 2,405 SUVs—are estimated to have improperly secured seatbelt anchor bolts.

The recall impacts 2020-2021 Ford Explorers and 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviators, where the seatbelt bolts may not be properly fastened on multiple seats.

The 2025 Ford SUV Seatbelt Bolt Recall issue could pose a significant safety risk in the event of an accident.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The 2025 Ford SUV Seatbelt Bolt Recall impacts 2020-2021 Ford Explorer and 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator models.

The issue involves improperly secured seatbelt anchor bolts, which could pose a significant safety risk in the event of an accident. If you own one of these vehicles, Ford will begin sending notifications starting March 31, 2025.

What’s Wrong with the Seatbelt Bolt?

The problem with the seatbelt bolts in certain Ford vehicles stems from potential improper installation during manufacturing.

Specifically, the seatbelt buckle anchor bolts may be loose or incorrectly secured, reducing their ability to function properly in an accident.

This issue came to light following an investigation that found some seat rework had been conducted outside of the usual procedures at a supplier’s facility.

While Ford has not pinpointed the exact cause of the loose bolts, the company suggests that a supplier may have performed undocumented seat modifications after the restraint assemblies were initially installed, deviating from standard protocols.

Ford’s inquiry into the matter began on November 5, 2024, when the defect was first detected in both Ford and Lincoln models. An official investigation was launched on December 10, 2024, and remains ongoing.

If the seatbelt bolts are not securely fastened, the seatbelts may not function correctly in a crash, increasing the likelihood of injury.

The affected vehicles could have improperly secured seatbelt buckle anchor bolts in one or more seating positions.

Additionally, some models may also have loose seatbelt retractor anchor bolts or improperly secured anchor bolts in the second-row center seat, if applicable.

Ford has analyzed supplier process and maintenance records to identify the impacted vehicles and can trace seat production back to the specific vehicle where each seat was installed.

Among the recalled models, 216,563 are Ford Explorers. Since these vehicles were not manufactured in sequential VIN order, owners can check if their vehicle is affected by calling Ford’s toll-free number at 1-866-436-7332 or by reaching out to a local Ford or Lincoln dealership.

Dealers can verify recall status through Ford’s Online Automotive Service Information System (OASIS).

Does Ford Have a Solution for the Seatbelt Bolt Issue?

Yes, Ford says it has a solution for the seatbelt bolt issue. The company will inspect the seatbelt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions of the affected vehicles.

If any loose bolts are identified, Ford will replace the affected seat components at no cost to the owner. For vehicles with a second-row center seat, the seatbelt retractor and anchor bolts will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.

Dealers will conduct inspections of the seatbelt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions, as well as the seatbelt retractor and anchor bolts at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.

Any loose bolts found will be replaced with new components free of charge. Owner notification letters will be mailed starting March 31, 2025.

Affected owners can also contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332 for more information. Ford’s recall number for this issue is 25S09.

Dealers were notified of the recall as of February 17, 2025, and owners can visit their local dealer for an inspection.

If loose bolts are found, Ford will replace them at no cost. If the service was performed outside the warranty period, owners may be eligible for reimbursement.

What Steps Should I Take?

If your vehicle is affected by the recall, follow these steps to ensure it is properly addressed:

1. Check for Notification: Ford will begin sending notification letters to affected vehicle owners starting March 31, 2025. Be sure to watch for this letter in the mail.

2. Contact Your Dealer: Once you receive the notification, contact your local Ford or Lincoln dealer to schedule an inspection. If you suspect your vehicle may be affected, you can proactively reach out to your dealer.

3. Inspection and Repair: Bring your vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The dealer will check the seatbelt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. If any loose bolts are found, the necessary seat components will be replaced free of charge.

4. Follow-Up: After the inspection and any required repairs, confirm that all necessary fixes have been made. Be sure to keep any documentation provided by the dealer for your records.

5. Stay Informed: If you have any further questions or concerns, you can contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332 for assistance.

6. Explore Legal Options: If your vehicle is affected by the recall but you experience issues that aren’t resolved or if repairs take too long, you may be entitled to a buyback or replacement under the lemon law. The law offers protection for consumers facing persistent safety defects or unresolved issues that affect the vehicle’s performance. If you believe your vehicle qualifies, consulting a lemon law attorney can help you explore your options for compensation or a replacement vehicle.

Taking these steps will help ensure your vehicle is safe and fully compliant with the recall. If repairs are insufficient or ongoing issues arise, the lemon law can provide a potential solution.

Get in Touch with Experts in the Lemon Law!

If your Ford or Lincoln is impacted by the seatbelt bolt recall or facing other recurring issues, it’s important to understand your legal options.

The seatbelt bolt issue poses a significant safety concern, and if repairs aren’t effectively addressing the problem, you may be eligible for compensation or a vehicle replacement under the lemon law.

Consulting with an experienced lemon law attorney can help determine whether your vehicle qualifies for a claim.

Whether you’re dealing with ongoing safety defects like the seatbelt bolt issue or other persistent problems, a qualified attorney can guide you through the process of securing a replacement, refund, or other compensation.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we have been assisting consumers with automotive defect cases since 2009. Our team is dedicated to holding manufacturers accountable for faulty products and ensuring your rights are protected.

If your Ford or Lincoln continues to experience issues related to the seatbelt bolts or other defects, contact us today to explore your legal options and find out how we can help you achieve the best resolution possible with the lemon law.