In May 2021, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) was informed of a warranty report affecting the seatbelts in a 2021 Ford F-150 Super Cab truck. According to the report, the front passenger outboard seatbelt webbing was routed through only the rubber trim sleeve, and not properly routed through both the sleeve and anchor eyelet. A misrouted seatbelt may not adequately restrain an occupant during a crash and could increase the risk of injury.
In July, another potentially related warranty report was identified during Ford’s ongoing monitoring process. The dealer forwarded photos of the suspect assembly showing that the seatbelt was routed through the anchor’s rubber sleeve cover but not through the anchor attachment, similar to the prior report. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition, but have approved a field action for vehicles produced between January 1, 2021 and May 27, 2021.
Owners will be notified by mail with instructions on how to perform a preliminary self-assessment of the vehicle’s seatbelts. Performing this procedure does not replace the need for an inspection by a Ford technician.
If the customer is uncomfortable with the self-assessment procedure or uncertain of the results, they will be instructed to not drive their vehicle and make arrangements with their Ford or Lincoln dealer to have vehicle towed for inspection.
If the customer does not detect a suspect seatbelt, they will still be instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to be inspected.
If the customer detects a suspect front passenger seatbelt, they will be instructed to not use the seating position and to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to be inspected.
If the customer detects a suspect driver seatbelt, they will be instructed to not drive their vehicle and make arrangements with their Ford or Lincoln dealer to have vehicle towed for inspection.
The dealer will inspect the front row outboard seatbelts to verify the belt is routed correctly through the anchor’s metal eyelet and anchored to the pretensioner assembly. Should the inspection fail, the dealer will replace the affected seatbelt retractor and pretensioner assembly. Ford’s number for this recall is 21C20 an d the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-653.
