The latest Ford F-150 recall involves the pretensioner, which is designed to pull the seat belt tight if the driver is involved in an auto accident. If sensors detect a serious crash, the pretensioner device explodes to quickly tighten the seat belt of the front-seat passengers.
Discover how to check recall lists to ensure your vehicle(s) are as safe as possible.
Vehicle recalls is a topic that has come up a number of times in recent news. Lately, there have been new recalls announced concerning a variety of vehicles due to safety concerns; some of those vehicles being recalled are popular right here in Colorado.
Number of Recalls Grows Every Year
According to one federal safety organization, the number of vehicle recalls seems to be growing each year. Since 1996, more than 11,000 recalls have been issued affecting more than 471 million cars, trucks, and SUVs. Earlier last month, one of the nation’s most popular trucks, the Ford F-150, was hit with a recall that has impacted nearly two million trucks built between 2015 and 2018. At issue is a defect in the truck’s seat belts that can result in a fire.
The problem involves the pretensioner, which is designed to pull the seat belt tight if the driver is involved in an auto accident. If sensors detect a serious crash, the pretensioner device explodes to quickly tighten the seat belt of the front-seat passengers. The recall was ordered after some truck owners reported smoke or fire in their vehicle. Upon further investigation, Ford found that some of the seat belt pretensioners were generating a spark which, in some cases, was causing smoke to appear in the truck cabin or, worse, starting a fire. Not only is the F-150 being investigated for this safety problem, but last year, Ford recalled other F-150s due to an issue with the front power seats.
But Ford is not alone when it comes to recalls. Other car manufacturers, like GM, Honda, Nissan, Chevy, Toyota, and even Subaru, are issuing recalls for a variety of safety concerns. Local drivers need to pay attention to the Subaru recall due to the popularity of the model in Colorado. The latest recall from Subaru is for its new 2019 Ascent, which is already on car dealer lots.
As reported by Consumer Reports, a small number of Ascents, those built between July 13 and July 21 of this year, are missing vital components that hold the back door to its hinges. Subaru notes the error was due to an improper software programming issue with its automated system. The issue was found quickly, so the recall is not massive. Subaru is asking anyone who bought the 2019 Ascent to check their vehicle’s VIN number for a recall notice and to contact their dealer if they are on the list.
Colorado Vehicle Owners Encouraged to Report Any Issues
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is tasked with investigating potential problems that could lead to vehicle safety issues. NHTSA has a complete database of recalls and encourages all drivers to check its website to make sure their vehicles do not have a recall. The site also gives specific instructions on how you can report a complaint on your vehicle and what happens when a complaint is filed. Following up on all inquiries is vital, as some of them can lead to serious issues, like the massive recall that has occurred due to a critical safety issue with the Takata airbag, a problem that has led to injuries and driver deaths.
Again, federal officials encourage all drivers, regardless of what vehicle you own, to keep up-to-date on all recalls; check your specific vehicle every few months to ensure a recall has not been issued. Some recalls are minor, but none should be overlooked as safety is the main concern. Do your part to make sure the vehicle you are driving is as safe as possible.