Air bags: critical fastenersRecall 20V-497 · Ford and Lincoln vehicles
Ford Motor Company recall 20V-497 covers 488 Ford and Lincoln vehicles for a air bags: critical fasteners problem, reported to NHTSA on August 21, 2020. The manufacturer's latest report (2022 Q2) shows 87% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 20V497000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag and/or seat back module attachments may not have been properly tightened in the front seat backs.
The risk
If the side air bag or seat back fasteners were not properly tightened, the side air bag deployment could be affected, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove front seat back panels from one or both front seats (VIN-specific) and verify that the fasteners have been properly tightened, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S48.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How fast cars are being fixed
87%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. 4 vehicles were listed as unreachable.