Ford Explorer Seatbelt Safety Concern

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 possible seatbelt issues in the second row of certain 2011–2019 Ford Explorers. This potential issue is often signaled by an illuminated air bag light. If you or a loved one has been affected by a seatbelt issue in one of these vehicles, please contact our team of Auto Product Attorneys today.

Our auto product liability 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 safety issue.

Affected Ford Explorer Models

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

The potentially impacted vehicle models include the following Ford Explorer model years:

  • 2011
  • 2012
  • 2013
  • 2014
  • 2015
  • 2016
  • 2017
  • 2018
  • 2019

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 Safety Concerns

Seatbelts are the cornerstone of passenger safety. However, we are investigating reports from Ford Explorer owners regarding potential issues with second-row inflatable seatbelt systems, including alleged problems with latching, remaining secure, or releasing properly. Some families have reported experiencing situations where children became trapped or seat belts appeared to cease functioning.

Reported Potential Issues 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. Publicly available Federal records show over 100 complaints related to these alleges seatbelt systems, yet Ford has not issued a recall for many of the potentially 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 potential 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 potentially 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 potential issues may present a 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 potential issue:

  • 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 issue prevented you from securing a child or passenger, make sure to note that as well.
  • Gather Supporting Documentation: Retain all paperwork related to the issue. 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 potential issue 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 years of Ford Explorer are potentially affected by the possible seatbelt safety issue?

Ford Explorer models made between the years 2011 and 2019 may be affected by the possible seatbelt safety issue. In affected models, the air bag light may illuminate as a sign of the problem. You do not need to have experienced the a seatbelt issue in order to be potentially eligible.

Used cars may be eligible for the potential Ford Explorer lawsuit under certain conditions. Potentially eligible second-hand vehicles will need to be CPO (certified pre-owned), meaning they have passed auto-maker backed inspections before being resold at a dealership. If you’re unsure of your used car’s CPO status, you can check for a certification logo on the dashboard and documentation or reach out to your retailer.

Yes. You may qualify for the potential Ford Explorer lawsuit if you live in California, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, or New Jersey.

You do not need to be injured in order to qualify for the potential Ford Explorer seatbelt case. Because this a potentially critical safety issue, owning the vehicle is enough to qualify, even if you have not noticed signs of any seatbelt issue in your vehicle.

If you own a Ford Explorer made between 2011 and 2019, you may want to look for seatbelt issues such as failure to latch or remain latched, inability to release, fractured or broken buckles, malfunctioning warning lights, and/or a disabled airbag system. Seatbelt issues may present differently across vehicles, but these signs may indicate a cause of concern.

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 potential Ford Explorer seatbelt issues.

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.

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