NHTSA Complaint #11505228 — 2017 FORD ESCAPE

The backseat passenger side seat belt locked up. The seat belt pulls out, but it will not retract without being forced in. This means I cannot have a passenger in this seat, because they would not be properly restrained if an accident were to occur. There have been no accidents with my vehicle to have caused this malfunction, but it is a serious issue. I had it examined by the dealership that sold it to me (Ray Skillman in Avon), and I was told that while it is a common issue it is not covered under warranty or on recall. I was also told that it could be months until the part would get in, because it still has to be ordered from Ford and it is so common that the part is on back order. I was not aware of this until I had a passenger in the backseat (still a new car to me since I bought it used with no accidents reported on it and the dealership does not check the seatbelts prior to sale of vehicles, only the engine), and they pointed it out to me. It is available for inspection upon request.