Ford recalls more than 680,000 vehicles for seatbelt malfunction

Ford Motor Company issued a safety recall for 680,872 vehicles due to seatbelt restraints that may fail during a crash. 

The recall affects 2013 through 2016 Ford Fusion and 2013 through 2015 Lincoln MKZ models.

"In the affected vehicles, increased temperatures generated during deployment of the seat belt anchor pretensioner could cause pretensioner cables to separate, which may inadequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing risk of injury," said Ford.

Pretensioners tighten up any slack in the seat belt webbing in the event of a crash and work in tandem with air bags.

Ford said they are aware of two accidents with injuries associated with the seatbelt issue. 

Affected vehicles include:

  • 2013-15 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Nov. 2, 2012 to July 31, 2014
  • 2013 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Aug. 13, 2012 to Nov. 1, 2012
  • 2015-16 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Aug. 1, 2014 to April 2, 2016
  • 015-16 Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Aug. 1, 2014 to Feb. 22, 2016
  • 2014-15 Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, April 12, 2013 to July 31, 2014
  • 2013-15 MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Nov. 14, 2012 to July 31, 2014

602,739 of the recalled vehicles are in the United States, while the remaining almost 80,000 are in Canada, Mexico, and federalized territories. 

If yours is one of the vehicles included in the recall, the dealers will inject a conformal coating to protect the cables from increased temperatures generated during deployment at no cost to the customer.