Ford and Lincoln Recall Over 100,000 Vehicles Due to Seat Belt Safety Concern

Ford Motor Company has issued a significant safety recall affecting approximately 103,400 vehicles across its Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ model lines. The recall addresses a potentially dangerous issue with seat belt anchor pretensioners that could compromise passenger safety during collisions.

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The Safety Risk Explained

The recall centers on the seat belt anchor pretensioner system, a critical safety component designed to tighten seat belts during collisions. According to Ford's filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), elevated temperatures generated during pretensioner deployment could degrade the tensile strength of the retention cable.

This thermal degradation creates a potential safety hazard where the cable might not properly restrain occupants during a crash. Ford has acknowledged one reported injury potentially related to this condition, prompting the voluntary safety recall.

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Technical Details of the Defect

Automotive safety experts note that seat belt pretensioners typically use pyrotechnic charges to rapidly retract seat belts during collisions. In the affected vehicles:

• The pretensioner's heat output exceeds expected parameters
• Prolonged exposure to high temperatures weakens the steel cable
• Cable strength degradation could occur after multiple deployments
• The issue affects both driver and front passenger systems
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Ford's Proposed Solution

Ford has developed a relatively straightforward repair for the affected vehicles. Authorized dealerships will:

• Apply a specialized protective coating to the pretensioner cable
• The coating acts as a thermal barrier during deployment
• Service typically takes under one hour to complete
• All repairs will be performed at no cost to vehicle owners

Understanding Vehicle Recalls

Vehicle recalls are relatively common in the automotive industry, with manufacturers routinely addressing potential safety issues. Key facts about recalls:

• Recalls are mandated when a safety risk is identified
• Repairs are always performed at no cost to the owner
• Even minor recalls should be addressed promptly
• Unrepaired recalls can affect vehicle resale value
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Checking for Other Recalls

Owners should regularly check for recalls affecting their vehicles. MotorVero provides a comprehensive service center locator to help owners find authorized dealerships for recall repairs. Additionally, both Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ owners can check for other outstanding recalls specific to their vehicles.

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Safety Implications and Expert Recommendations

While the recall affects a specific component, safety advocates emphasize that seat belts remain the single most effective vehicle safety device. Experts recommend:

• Continue using seat belts as normal
• Schedule the recall repair at earliest convenience
• Have all seat belts inspected if any unusual behavior is noticed
• Consider the recall when purchasing used vehicles
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Next Steps for Affected Owners

Ford will begin mailing recall notices to registered owners once repair parts and procedures are fully available at dealerships. In the interim, concerned owners can:

• Monitor the Ford owner portal for updates
• Contact their preferred dealership's service department
• Sign up for recall alerts through the NHTSA website

This recall underscores the importance of regular vehicle safety checks and prompt response to manufacturer recall notices. While the risk of failure remains statistically low, addressing the issue ensures optimal protection for all vehicle occupants.