Ford is initiating a significant recall affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles in the U.S., driven by concerns over seatbelt and rearview camera defects. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported on Friday that the recall involves 332,778 Mustang vehicles from model years 2015 to 2017. The issue arises from potential corrosion of the front seat belt anchor pretensioner cables due to water and road salt exposure. Should these cables break, the effectiveness of the seatbelts in restraining occupants during a crash could be compromised, heightening the injury risk.
In a related recall, 291,901 super duty trucks, including F-250, F-350, and F-450 models from 2020 to 2022, are being recalled due to problems with their rearview camera display. The NHTSA indicated that the 360-degree camera system may fail to show a proper rearview image in certain lighting conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
To address the camera display issue, Ford will update the image processing module software at no charge to owners. Initial letters informing customers of the safety concern are set to be dispatched on October 20, followed by another communication when the final solution is ready, expected around March 2026.
For the seatbelt concerns, Ford dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front seat belt anchor pretensioner assemblies. They will also remove any carpet sections and underlayment that could come in contact with the cables, with all repairs provided free of charge. Interim warning letters to affected owners are expected to be mailed this month, with more details to follow once the remedy is available in January 2026.
In a statement to FOX Business, Ford emphasized that customer safety is of utmost importance, noting that the number of recalls reflects their commitment to swiftly addressing and rectifying safety issues. The company has reportedly increased its safety and technical workforce by more than two times in the last two years.
This latest round of recalls is part of an ongoing series of actions by Ford. Earlier this year, the company recalled over 694,000 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles due to a potential fuel leak that could create a fire hazard, as well as over 850,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles for another issue. Just weeks prior, a software glitch prompted a recall of over 200,000 vehicles, marking a focus on ensuring vehicle safety across all models.
As Ford continues to address these safety concerns, the proactive measures taken to fix identified issues illustrate the company’s dedication to enhancing vehicle reliability and customer protection, fostering a safer driving experience for all.