Ford Expedition Seat Belt Sensor Misreads Child Passengers

NHTSA campaign 20V574000 · Reported Sep 23, 2020 · Ford Motor Company

high How serious is it? About this label

If a child is misclassified as an adult, the passenger air bag could deploy instead of being turned off in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to that child. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	20V574000
Reported to NHTSA	Sep 23, 2020
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Part affected	Seat Belts
Vehicles covered	1 model/year combination, model years 2020
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

Certain Ford Expedition vehicles have a problem with the seat belt tension sensor. This sensor is meant to tell whether the person in the seat is a child or an adult. In some cases, it may incorrectly identify a child as an adult.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2. Contact a Ford dealer; Ford's customer service number is 1-866-436-7332.
3. The seat belt buckle replacement is free.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 20V574000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (1)

2020 Ford Expedition

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Ford Seat Belt Recalls Involving Anchors, Retractors, and Buckles · all 18 Ford recalls in this area

Other Ford Expedition recalls

Sep 22, 2026Ford Expedition and Super Duty Trucks: Headlight Failuremedium
Jun 24, 2026Ford, Lincoln SUVs: Transmission Park System May Failhigh
Jun 9, 2026Ford Expedition: Center Console May Have Sharp Edgesmedium
May 27, 2026Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator Seat Belt May Lockhigh
Mar 31, 2026Ford, Lincoln Windshield Wiper Arms May Breakmedium
Feb 20, 2026Ford and Lincoln Trailer Brake and Light Failurehigh

All 46 Expedition recalls

Official notice

Component: SEAT BELTS
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Expedition vehicles. The seat belt tension sensor may incorrectly classify a child occupant as an adult.
Safety risk: In the event of a crash, the incorrect classification would enable the passenger air bag to deploy instead of disabling it, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S54.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.