NHTSA Complaint #11694571 — 2019 FORD EXPEDITION

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH with the driver's seat belt fastened, she observed a loud explosion inside the vehicle, and then she felt what she thought was an impact to her chest, and the wind was knocked out of her as she began gasping for air. The contact stated that she believed she had been shot. The contact added that she steered the vehicle to the side of the road and where she observed that the driver's seat belt did not extend or retract, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after 20 minutes, she observed a swollen imprint of the seat belt, which eventually scabbed over. 911 was called, but Medical attention was not needed. The contact stated that she continues to drive the vehicle, but had to buckle the seat belt behind her while driving so that the notification chimes do not go off continuously while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.