Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles

Sep 10, 2020 — Recall Campaign #20V549000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with second row center seat belt buckles that may not be properly secured to the seat.

The recall was influenced by the manufacturer with about 29 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

20V549000

Manufacturer:	Ford Motor Company
Recall date:	September 10, 2020
NHTSA Campaign #:	20V549000
Units affected:	29

Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with second row center seat belt buckles that may not be properly secured to the seat.
Consequeces:: Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the second row center seat assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S50.
Notes:: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affects the following:

2020 FORD EXPLORER

2020 FORD EXPLORER Complaints
My 2020 Ford Explorer experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure directly tied to active Safety Recall 26S48 / NHTSA Campaign 26V402000. While operating the vehicle, the transmission's internal parking pawl failed/shattered, completely locking the rear wheels mechanism. The vehicle is entirely immobilized and cannot move even an inch, even when the gear selector is manually turned to Neutral or when the Manual Park Release (MPR) tether is fully engaged. [1, 2] The vehicle had to be flatbed-towed using specialized wheel dollies to prevent severe structural and drivetrain destruction because the wheels are locked solid. When attempting to have the vehicle received at an authorized Ford dealership, the dealership refused to accept the vehicle or open a formal repair ticket, claiming that because the final recall remedy parts are delayed until 2027, they "cannot take the vehicle." [1] Ford Motor Company is failing to provide a timely safety remedy or manage its dealership network to accommodate a vehicle that has already suffered a total mechanical failure due to this exact recalled defect. The vehicle is a severe rollaway and structural hazard, completely undriveable, and Ford is denying responsibility or alternative transportation assistance because the parts do not yet exist. I am requesting immediate federal intervention to compel Ford to ground this vehicle, provide a safe loaner, and initiate a manufacturer buyback.;