2019 Ford Expedition Complaints

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/24/2026

The Chrome of the center console is peeling off and my [XXX] daughter reached to grab her drink and slit her finger. She started to bleed and cry and saying she hates this car. She was cleaned and bandaged to prevent inventions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SEAT BELTS — Filed 09/24/2026

On September 24, 2026 around 4:10PM, the driver's front seatbelt retractor/pretensioner on my 2019 Ford Expedition unexpectedly malfunctioned and deployed while I was driving on the interstate approximately 70 mph. There was no collision or crash. The seatbelt made an extremely loud popping sound and immediately tightened and locked so tightly around me that it made a rash/burn on my neck. The vehicle has an open seatbelt pretensioner recall, and the airbag warning light had illuminated prior to this incident. I called the local Ford dealer when the light came on, they told me it was not related to the seatbelt recall. I contacted a Ford dealer after the incident and reported what happened, but the vehicle and component have not yet been inspected or confirmed by the dealer, manufacturer, police (told me they would not dispatch and I needed to take it to the dealership), insurance company, or an independent service center. I also contacted Ford Corporate Customer Service and they told me I did not need to operate the car, but there is not a fix until September 30. The local dealer told me that I could bring the car to them and pay out of pocket to get it fixed, if it was the same fix the recall suggests then I would be reimbursed, my worry is, what if they fix it but then the recall suggests a different way to fix it? The vehicle and component remain available for inspection upon request. I am concerned that the unexpected deployment of the driver's pretensioner created a serious safety hazard and that another affected seatbelt in the vehicle could malfunction and cause injury to another occupant.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE — Filed 09/19/2026

On XXX, I experienced a serious safety incident involving my 2019 Ford Expedition, VIN [XXX]. My family and I were parked at a Lowe’s with the vehicle running but completely stationary. I was in the driver’s seat wearing my seat belt. Without any collision or impact, there was a sudden loud pop and the driver’s seat belt forcefully tightened around my chest. It was violent enough that I initially thought another vehicle had struck us from behind. Immediately afterward, smoke/haze appeared inside the cabin and moved toward the windows, accompanied by a strong chemical/burnt odor. My family and I immediately exited the vehicle and remained outside for approximately 30–40 minutes before entering again. Lowe’s may have surveillance footage confirming that the vehicle was stationary, no collision occurred, and we exited immediately afterward. The driver’s seat belt has not functioned normally since the incident. The vehicle had also displayed an airbag/SRS warning light prior to this event. I have photographs documenting the condition of the seat belt immediately afterward. I contacted Ford Customer Relations. The first representative requested my Social Security number, which I declined to provide, and then requested an account number I did not have. The interaction became hostile, and he told me I was “terrible.” When I asked to speak with a supervisor because of his behavior, the call was disconnected. I called again and spoke with a more courteous representative. She initially stated that she could not find a recall associated with my VIN. I asked her to review NHTSA information regarding the Expedition seat-belt pretensioner issue, after which she located the recall information I was referring to. When I requested escalation, she said a supervisor would contact me Monday but also stated that the supervisor would give me the same answer. Ford has not provided a repair, rental/loaner, towing assistance, or another transportation solution INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/03/2026

I was in a collision and the whole front end was crushed but the airbags did not deploy

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/02/2026

I started by 2019 Ford Expedition and was driving through a parking lot at a low speed when there was an explosion sound (comparable to a gun shot over my left shoulder as the driver). My seatbelt pulled in and locked down. My car smelled like a firework had been set off and there was a white-grey powder across my lefts. I immediately stopped and parked my vehicle. I had my passenger move to the back of the car as a safety precaution. It took effort to get the belt to unlatch and off. We moved the vehicle to a safer parking spot and had it towed to David McDavid - FtW. I have a seatbelt burn on my neck. My left shoulder, across my chest, and right hip are very sore today. We received the recall notice the day prior. However, the letter states that: Ford has not issued instructions to stop driving your vehicle…. Had this happened while driving at a faster speed, the incident could have very easily been catastrophic. My concern now is that the dealership is trying to say this is an interior trim concern, and Ford’s customer service could do nothing other than repeat their script that there is no remedy at this time. Their advice lent the consumer to saving receipts for rental and/or repair with faulty parts until the advanced notice becomes an active one. I have no vehicle to drive, I have mild injuries, and we have zero support from Ford. Making matters worse, our dealership is wanting to charge us for inspecting the vehicle and calling it an “interior trim concern”, while listing the seatbelt retractor inspection right after it for free. THESE ARE THE SAME ISSUE.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 08/30/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belt). The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH with his wife seated in the passenger’s seat, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that approximately 5 minutes later, the passenger’s seat belt pretensioner exploded. The contact's wife sustained stomach bruises when the seat belt tightened on her stomach, and the contact released the passenger from the seat belt. Medical attention was not needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 08/20/2026

There was a loud bang and the seat belt suddenly tightened unexpectedly while I was driving. I cannot retract the seatbelt and can no longer fasten it.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 08/10/2026

While driving a 2019 Ford Expedition under normal conditions, the driver-side front seat belt pretensioner suddenly deployed without a collision, impact, hard braking event, or other apparent reason. The deployment produced a very loud explosion-like sound immediately next to the driver's head/ear and forcefully activated the seat belt pretensioner. After the deployment, the driver's seat belt became completely locked and can no longer be extended or used. There were no known warning signs immediately before the deployment. The vehicle was not involved in an accident. The failure occurred spontaneously while the vehicle was being operated. I contacted an authorized Ford dealer after the incident. The vehicle is affected by Ford's recall involving inadvertent front seat belt retractor pretensioner deployment. The dealer advised that there is currently no remedy available for the recall. Because the pretensioner has already deployed and the driver's seat belt is now inoperative, the vehicle cannot be safely operated with a functioning driver's restraint. The failed seat belt/pretensioner assembly remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. I am also contacting Ford directly regarding the failure and the lack of an available recall remedy.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 05/25/2026

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2019 Ford Expedition seatbelt-related safety recall (25V197). The defect involves seatbelts that are unsafe & require replacement. Ford has acknowledged the defect but despite my numerous requests for assistance, has not provided any repair timeline, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition for an indefinite period. Seatbelts are a critical safety component. The defect prevents my seatbelts from functioning properly, creating risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. On XXX at 5:30 PM our passenger side seatbelt suddenly deployed while driving. At first my significant other [XXX] old female thought she'd been shot due to the loud bang & odor of gun powder when her seatbelt snapped violently, impacting her upper chest near the throat. Furthermore, the recall applies to the front driver’s side seatbelt as well. As the vehicle cannot be safely operated, I've been forced to park it until repairs are available. Manufacturer Response: Ford has stated that no parts or remedy timeframe is available. They are offering rental reimbursement, but the reimbursement rate is far below the actual cost of a rental vehicle, making it financially impossible to maintain safe transportation while waiting for Ford to provide a remedy. Impact: I'm without a safe vehicle due to a known safety defect, & Ford’s inadequate remedy/reimbursement leaves me without reasonable transportation. So I've been forced to secure a comparable rental vehicle. After searching for the lowest possible rates, beginning 7/24 I'm renting at a cost of $49.60/day for 30 days at a time. Requested Action: I request that NHTSA investigate Ford’s failure to provide a timely remedy for this safety recall & evaluate whether Ford’s rental reimbursement program complies with federal safety recall obligations. I also request that NHTSA require Ford to provide immediate remedy, transportation assistance, or full reimbursement for until repairs are completed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SEAT BELTS — Filed 07/29/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormally loud popping sound coming from the vehicle, accompanied by a rotten-egg odor. The contact stated that the driver’s seat belt tightened and locked across the chest, rendering the seat belt inoperable; however, the contact was eventually able to unbuckle the belt. The contact had a headache due to the noise and left shoulder pain associated with the seat belt failure but had not sought medical attention. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts). The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The dealer and the manufacturer denied a request for a loaner vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 07/28/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while stopping at a red light, there was a big explosion coming from the seat belt pretensioner that shook the vehicle. Additionally, the seat belt seized, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact sustained whiplash and was treated with anti-inflammatory medication, shots, and muscle relaxers by the doctor. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts). The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 07/16/2026

The seatbelt failed, it retracted rapidly and locked into position. It left marks on my chest and a burn on my chest. The injury was from the tightened seatbelt. I was unable to easily get out of the seatbelt. The seatbelt will not work properly since it’s locked into place.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 06/19/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while unbuckling the passenger’s side seat belt, the assembly deployed forcefully and struck the contact in the stomach. Following the retraction, white smoke was coming from the top of the seat belt assembly by the B-pillar. The contact experienced abdominal pain for several days but did not seek medical attention. An independent body shop inspected the vehicle and provided a repair estimate. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V099000 (Seat Belts); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer and the manufacturer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle must be repaired by an authorized Ford dealer to qualify for a reimbursement. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/20/2026

Recall 26S28 As I put my hand in the center console and took it out it was cut by the trimming. I than had to stop as I felt and noticed blood was dripping off my hand. The following day I seen the recall not ice in the mail and that there is no repair available yet.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 05/26/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while slowing down and pulling into the driveway at 25 MPH, the passenger’s side air bag suddenly deployed without warning or impact. The seat belt struck the contact’s wife on the right arm and wrist, and she sustained bruises; however, medical attention was not provided. The local dealer was contacted and informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V344000 (Seat Belts) and 24V099000 (Seat Belts). A loaner vehicle was initially provided, but the dealer informed the contact that the loaner was his responsibility. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to parts being on back order. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/07/2022

In early 2022 I was going to retrieve my wallet from the console area of my wife's 2019 Ford Expedition when thumb was lacerated by something on the vehicle. I was unable to find what exactly had cut my thumb. A few months later on June 7, 2022 my wife was injured when her hand was lacerated by a sharp piece of chrome trim in the console area of the same vehicle. The injury to her hand was much worse than mine and resulted in a significant scar. I have attached pictures of the injury and a picture taken of the chrome piece that lacerated her hand along with a picture today of the scar left behind. I made an appointment at the Ford dealership back in 2022 to have the piece fixed but I can't remember if they replaced the part or simply cut the chrome piece off. We traded that expedition off on January 28, 2023. We currently have a 2024 expedition so we received a recall notification in the mail, I wanted to make sure NHTSA was aware of our injuries in relation to this recall.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 06/18/2026

As I was driving down the road, my passenger seatbelt popped and exploded, filling my car with smoke. My son yelled fire although I didn’t see a flame. My passenger seatbelt is no longer functioning. Leaving me with one less seat in my car. Ford refuses to fix or give a loaner

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 05/29/2026

Ford issued TSB 22-2089 addressing the evaporator temperature sensor that provides an incorrect or "biased" reading in Ford F-150 / Raptor: 2015–2022Ford F-250 / F-350 / F-450 / F-550 Super Duty: 2017–2022Ford Expedition: 2018–2022Lincoln Navigator: 2018–2022 causing cabin temperatures to reach hazardous levels that can cause heat stroke in adults and especially children posing a significant risk on roadways and to other drivers. The faulty part was installed in family advertised vehicles. It is a known Technical Service bulletin. On May 29th 2026 at 10:35 am the family advertised 2019 Ford Expedition with capacity to seat 7-8 passengers experienced TSB 22-2089 faulty while on a family trip in another state, causing extreme respiratory distress in 2 of the 4 children due to cabin temperatures reaching a recorded 83 degrees fahrenheit and climbing.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 10/24/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and with the engine idling, the front passenger side seat belt pretensioner erroneously deployed, causing the passenger to be forcefully retracted into the seat. During the incident, an explosion had occurred, and smoke filled the cabin of the vehicle. The contact sustained an injured neck during the seat belt deployment. No medical treatment was required. After the incident, the air bag warning light had remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that the failure had previously occurred on the front driver's side seat belt, also. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V197000(SEAT BELTS). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 135,000.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 11/14/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the contact heard a loud bang noise coming from the left driver's side, and afterwards her seat belt retracted independently, causing the contact to have bruising to her left collarbone. There was an unknown odor present during the failure. The contact stated that the seat belt performed as if the vehicle were involved in an impact; however, there was no impact. An Independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate mileage was 93,672.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 10/30/2025

The contact called on behalf of a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while he was driving his 2017 Kia Rio at 10-20 MPH, and approaching a red traffic light, the 2019 Ford Expedition that was driving approximately 60 MPH crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle. The contact sustained neck and head injuries and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The contact was informed that the injuries had aggravated the contact's underlying spinal injury. The contact was advised to undergo an emergency surgery. The air bags of the contact's vehicle did not deploy. The contact's vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was totaled. A police report was filed, and the report stated that the driver of the 2019 Ford Expedition advised that the vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle due to brake failure. The other driver sustained unknown injuries and was also transported to the hospital by ambulance. No further information was available.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 08/17/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH with the driver's seat belt fastened, she observed a loud explosion inside the vehicle, and then she felt what she thought was an impact to her chest, and the wind was knocked out of her as she began gasping for air. The contact stated that she believed she had been shot. The contact added that she steered the vehicle to the side of the road and where she observed that the driver's seat belt did not extend or retract, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after 20 minutes, she observed a swollen imprint of the seat belt, which eventually scabbed over. 911 was called, but Medical attention was not needed. The contact stated that she continues to drive the vehicle, but had to buckle the seat belt behind her while driving so that the notification chimes do not go off continuously while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 03/06/2024

I purchased a 2019 Ford Expedition Max from Rivertown Ford – Group 1 Automotive (Columbus, GA) in 2022. During the test drive, I heard a rattling noise at startup and was told by my salesperson, Derrick, that it was just a “cold start.” I was shown a CarFax report claiming no recalls or major repairs. I later discovered this was false. An internal Ford OASIS report revealed that transmission work had been performed before sale, which Rivertown Ford never disclosed or reported to CarFax. Since purchase, my Expedition has had harsh shifting, delayed gear engagement, jerking, and sudden loss of acceleration, often without diagnostic codes—making it difficult to obtain warranty repairs under my Ford ESP plan. Rivertown Ford told me the transmission backlog meant I’d have to pay for my own rental vehicle and wait indefinitely for a technician. In March 2024, the vehicle shifted into neutral instead of drive while backing out of a driveway, rolling down uncontrollably and hitting two trees. Neither USAA (my insurer) nor Ford acknowledged that this incident matched the 10R80 transmission defect and TSB 23-2249 (Nov 2023), which addresses uncommanded neutral engagement and loss of power. I was never notified of this defect. My insurance labeled it an “at-fault” accident, raising my premiums drastically. My Expedition is now being serviced for TSB 23-2249 after new video evidence and stored code P07E06-00 confirmed the defect. Ford’s OASIS system—which hides warranty and powertrain repairs from the public—enabled this concealment. This issue has caused financial loss, emotional distress, and fear of driving, especially as this is our only family vehicle for transporting our children. I have video, audio, photos, and documentation proving these events and request NHTSA’s investigation into Ford’s 10R80 transmission defects and disclosure practices.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 10/08/2025

I was driving and the seatbelt exploded. Started smelling like it was burning super loud explosion It’s a good thing I didn't crash and hit somebody . I’ve never had anything like that in my life happen before.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 07/17/2025

July 17th on highway going near highway speed of 65-70mph in congested heavier traffic, person merging from on ramp caused abrupt slow to stop and rear ended a F250 truck causing MAJOR front end damage, couldn’t get front doors open, frame bent, vehicle totalled with $22k or more in damages. Seatbelt locked and air bags NEVER deployed. Ford dealership and insurance company very very suprised that given impact, speed, etc airbags never went off. Also emergency braking system did give collision detection warning and then seemed to entirely take over braking as I attempted to brake very hard nothing seemed to be happening for brakes. Seemed crash could have been entirely avoided. Vehicle totalled and gone to salvage yard. Thank goodness no injury very badly bruised