ford NEW SIZE ©ShutterstockFord Motor (NYSE:F) is recalling nearly 420,000 vehicles in the United States after identifying a seat belt issue that could prevent the restraint system from functioning properly during a collision, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).The recall covers 419,967 vehicles and addresses a defect that may affect the performance of seat belts in certain sport utility vehicle models.Recall Covers Expedition and Lincoln Navigator ModelsAccording to the NHTSA, the action applies to certain Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles from model years 2018 through 2022.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe safety concern involves the seat belt pretensioner mechanism installed in the driver and front passenger seats. Regulators said the component may unexpectedly lock, preventing the seat belt from extending or retracting as designed.As a result, occupants may not receive the intended level of restraint protection in the event of an accident.Safety Risk Could Increase Injury PotentialThe NHTSA stated that a locked seat belt may reduce the effectiveness of the restraint system during a crash.If the belt is unable to move properly, it may fail to secure vehicle occupants as intended, potentially increasing the risk of injury.The regulator noted that the issue could affect either the driver’s seat belt, the front passenger’s seat belt, or both.Dealers to Inspect and Repair Vehicles Free of ChargeAs part of the recall campaign, Ford dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors in affected vehicles.AdvertisementAdvertisementAny defective components identified during the inspection process will be replaced at no cost to owners.The remedy is intended to ensure that the seat belt system operates correctly and provides the expected level of occupant protection.More About Ford MotorFord Motor Company is one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers, producing a wide range of passenger vehicles, trucks, SUVs and commercial vehicles under the Ford and Lincoln brands. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, the company operates globally and continues to invest in vehicle safety, electrification and advanced mobility technologies.Ford stock price