The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched two investigations into Ford’s handling of vehicle recalls, further increasing scrutiny of the automaker.
On Monday, NHTSA initiated an investigation into the automaker’s recall of 112,567 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs from the 2019-2020 model years due to concerns over seat belt retractor pretensioners. Three complaints sparked this probe, with consumers alleging that the seat belt system deployed accidentally, making a loud sound before rapidly tightening and locking it into place.
In addition to the seat belt concerns, NHTSA has opened a second probe into approximately 456,565 Ford vehicles, including the Bronco Sport crossover SUVs and Maverick pickup trucks from 2021-2024. This investigation centers on reports of sudden loss of motive power and electrical system failures.
These investigations come just days after Ford agreed to pay a $165 million civil penalty for failing to recall vehicles with defective rearview cameras in a timely manner.
Ford has stated that it is working closely with the NHTSA to support both investigations. However, the scrutiny follows a broader regulatory review. As part of a settlement reached with NHSTA last week, Ford is now required to conduct a thorough review of all recalls filled over the past three years.
The fine, the second-largest in the NHTSA’s history, underscores the severity of the automaker’s neglect. So far in 2024, Ford has issued a staggering 62 recalls, the most of all automakers, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
While the automaker has confirmed that it will cooperate fully with NHTSA to address the issues, these additional probes amplify the regulatory agency’s scrutiny and further erode its reputation with the general public.
