2020 Ford Explorer Seat Belts Problems
NHTSA lists 18 seat belt complaints for the 2020 Ford Explorer, about 1% of its 1,218 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 43,500. Three recalls (26V159000, 25V093000, 20V549000) cover seat belt anchor bolts and buckle issues, and no crashes, fires, or injuries were reported.
- Seat Belts complaints
- 18
- 1% of 1,218
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 43,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical seat belt symptoms owners report
- Front seat belts unexpectedly unlatch or fail to hold tension while driving, even after the buckle is refastened.
- A seat belt fails to fully retract after the driver exits, then hangs loose with little restraining tension the next time it is fastened.
- Owners report a broken passenger-side seat belt retractor, with replacement parts placed on backorder.
- Several owners who received recall notice 25V093000 for seat belt buckle anchor bolts report that repair parts were not yet available from dealers.
- One owner found a second-row bucket seat seat belt installed upside down during unrelated repair work.
When 2020 Ford Explorer seat belt complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 23, 2020, latest Aug 19, 2026.
Seat Belts recalls for the 2020 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 26V159000Mar 17, 2026Seat Belts561 vehicles
Seat belts
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
- NHTSA 25V093000Feb 14, 2025Seat Belts240,510 vehicles
Seat belts
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles. The seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions may be improperly secured. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped.
Risk: A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle anchor bolts in all seating positions. Additionally, dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. If loose anchor bolts are found, the affected seat components will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S09.
- NHTSA 20V549000Sep 10, 2020Seat Belts29 vehicles
Seat belts: rear/other:buckle assembly
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.
Risk: Vehicles with seat belt buckles that are not properly secured may fail to restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Seat Belts complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many seat belt complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Ford Explorer?
- NHTSA lists 18 seat belt complaints for the 2020 Explorer, about 1% of the 1,218 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a seat belt recall for the 2020 Ford Explorer?
- Yes. Three recalls cover seat belts: 26V159000 for second-row outer anchor bolts, 25V093000 for buckle anchor bolts, and 20V549000 for second-row center buckles not properly secured to the seat.
- Have seat belt problems caused crashes or injuries in the 2020 Explorer?
- NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to the seat belt complaints for this model year.
- At what mileage do seat belt problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for seat belt complaints on the 2020 Explorer is 43,500 miles.
- Are recall parts available to fix the seat belt issue?
- Some 2025 complaints describe recall 25V093000 repair parts as not yet available at the time owners contacted dealers.