Ford is recalling 176,000 Ford Bronco SUVs from model years 2021 to 2023 due to concerns raised by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The issue involves difficulty for drivers and front seat passengers in reaching the metal portion of the seatbelt when it’s retracted. This accessibility challenge could potentially discourage seatbelt use, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The recall specifically affects the five-door version of the Bronco. Ford clarified that the problem occurs only in certain seat positions, though they did not specify which ones. The solution involves attaching a barrette clip or sliding clip latch to the belt to ensure the latch portion remains accessible and secure.
Unlike most recalls prompted by customer complaints, this issue was identified during a routine examination by the NHTSA. Ford stated they have not received any warranty or field reports regarding seatbelt accessibility concerns from customers.
In contrast to more severe recalls, such as those involving safety risks like improperly tightened lug nuts, which could potentially lead to wheel detachment, Ford reported a single incident where a wheel came off without resulting in injuries.
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