Ford Explorer Seatbelt Defects

Protecting Drivers and Passengers from Auto Safety Failures

At McCune Law Group (MLG), we believe that safety should never be optional, especially when it comes to vehicles marketed as a safe choice. When a well-known safety feature like a seatbelt fails, it puts lives at risk. Our team is currently reviewing potential claims related to defective seat belts in the second row of certain 2011–2019 Ford Explorers. This defect is often signaled by an illuminated air bag light. If you or a loved one has been affected by a defective seatbelt in one of these vehicles, please contact our team of Auto Defect Attorneys today.

Our automotive defect attorneys have an expansive understanding of both the automotive industry and the technical details of automotive engineering. With decades of experience in bringing and winning successful lawsuits, we are dedicated to not only making sure our clients are properly taken care of over their lifetime but also to holding negligent carmakers accountable for their actions.

Give us a call at (909) 345-8110 if your Ford Explorer has been affected by a seatbelt defect.

Affected Ford Explorer Models

In all of the affected vehicles, the air bag light may illuminate as a result of a worn or damaged connection to the rear inflatable seat belt connector.

The affected vehicle models include:

  • Explorer 2014 Chicago Plant Build February 18, 2013 through June 2, 2014
  • Explorer 2015 Chicago Plant Build February 17, 2014 through May 4, 2015
  • Explorer 2016 Chicago Plant Build September 19, 2014 through February 28, 2021

With over 30 years of experience handling some of the most high-profile automobile defect cases of our time, the automotive defect lawyers at McCune Law Group are dedicated to obtaining maximum compensation for victims who are injured in automobile accents due to defective vehicle manufacturing or design.

Reported Ford Explorer Seatbelt Defects

Seatbelts are the cornerstone of passenger safety. But numerous reports suggest that in many Ford Explorers, second-row inflatable seatbelt systems are failing to latch, remain secure, or release properly. In some cases, families have reported children becoming trapped or seat belts simply ceasing to function altogether.

Reported Defects Include:

  • Failure to latch or remain latched.
  • Inability to release seatbelts, risking entrapment.
  • Fractured or broken buckle casings.
  • Malfunctioning seatbelt warning lights.
  • Airbag system disabled due to wiring harness failure.

These issues are not isolated. Federal records show over 100 complaints related to these seatbelt systems, yet Ford has not issued a recall for many of the affected vehicles.

Ford’s Response and Investigations

In January 2022, Ford issued a Customer Satisfaction Program (21B11) for some 2014–2016 Explorer models addressing seatbelt-related airbag light issues. However, not all affected owners were covered. Many reported that the required parts are on national backorder or that their VINs were excluded despite identical issues. As of 2025, complaints continue to be filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), signaling a persistent and unresolved safety threat. 

Legal Action May Be the Next Step

If you have experienced problems with your Ford Explorer seatbelts and been told that repair costs are your responsibility, or that no remedy exists, you are not alone. Our firm is currently exploring legal action on behalf of affected vehicle owners to seek compensation for:

  • Costly repairs not covered under warranty.
  • Risk of injury due to malfunctioning seatbelts.
  • Loss of vehicle use.
  • Emotional distress and family safety concerns.

If you or a loved one has been negatively impacted by this issue, do not wait to reach out. Our experienced team at MLG will evaluate your situation and advise you on further potential action.

Steps to Take if You Have Been Affected

If your Ford Explorer’s seatbelt system has failed or malfunctioned, it is important to act promptly and document your experience. Even if no injury has occurred, these defects present a serious risk to passenger safety and may entitle you to legal remedies. Here are some steps to take if your vehicle has been affected by this defect:

  • Document the Problem Thoroughly: Begin by taking detailed photographs or videos of the seatbelt failure, including any broken components or warning lights on the dashboard. Write down the date you first noticed the problem and whether it occurred while the vehicle was stationary or in motion. If the defect prevented you from securing a child or passenger, make sure to note that as well.
  • Gather Supporting Documentation: Retain all paperwork related to the defect. This includes dealership service records, mechanical assessments, repair invoices, warranty information, and communications with Ford or local dealerships. If you were told that the required part is on national backorder, request that confirmation in writing.
  • File a Complaint with the NHTSA: Filing a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) creates a formal record and contributes to a growing database of similar cases. This can increase the likelihood of government investigation or future recall. Be specific about the symptoms, timing, and how the defect has affected your ability to use the vehicle safely.
  • Contact MLG for a Free Case Evaluation: Whether your complaint was denied, ignored, or excluded from warranty coverage, we want to hear your story. We can advise you on your legal options and explain whether you may be eligible for compensation at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my VIN is not covered by the Customer Satisfaction Program but I am experiencing the same seatbelt issue?

Even if your VIN was not included in Ford’s program, you may still have a valid claim. Many affected owners report identical failures outside the CSP range. Reach out to our team to determine your legal options.

Yes. Past repair costs can be part of your damages, and you may be eligible for reimbursement if legal action proves successful.

No. A Customer Satisfaction Program is not the same as a recall. Recalls are mandated and tracked federally, while CSPs are often voluntary and may have time or mileage restrictions.

We offer free initial evaluations. If we take your case, you do not pay unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact McCune Law Group Today

As a powerhouse consumer protection firm, MLG is dedicated to ensuring clients across the country receive the maximum possible compensation for their losses. Combining the focused attention of a boutique practice with the vast technological and legal resources of a major law firm, we have the skills and tools necessary to empower owners impacted by Ford Explorer seatbelt defects.

Talk to our team today. Call (909) 345-8110 or complete our online form.

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McCune Law Group, APC is responsible for this advertisement. The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. The information you obtain is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Use of this website or submission of the online form does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Counsel Richard McCune is licensed to practice only in the state of California. The law firm of McCune Law Group has attorneys licensed to practice law in AZ, CA, MO, NY, and PA. McCune Law Group is a national firm that brings lawsuits in a majority of the states. In states where one of its attorneys is not barred, it does so by filing the complaint along with local counsel barred in that state.

The results discussed do not guarantee, warrant, or predict the results in future cases.