Ford Motor Co. has recalled more than 240,000 SUVs for a seat belt issue.

The automaker is recalling recalling 240,510 of its 2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles because the seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured, Ford said in a report filed to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, the company said.

Seat belts or buckles with improperly secured anchor bolts may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury, NHTSA said in a report.

Vehicle owners may notice noise in the form of squeak and rattle in the event of an improperly secured anchor bolt, Ford said in its report.

Check car recalls here:Toyota, GMC, Lexus among over 225,000 vehicles recalled

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Which vehicles are included in the Ford recall over a seat belt issue?

Recalled vehicles:

• 2020-2021 Ford Explorer (216,563)
• 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator (23,947)

How did the recall come about?

Ford began an investigation into the issue in December 2024 after transportation safety agency Transport Canada contacted the company about a defect complaint on a 2020 Ford Explorer, the company said.

Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition. As of Feb. 4, 2025, Ford said it knew of four warranty claims and one customer complaint potentially related to this concern.

Ford seat belt recall remedy

Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions and, if the vehicle is equipped, the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, Ford said. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced. Repairs will be done free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 31, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S09.

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