The primary issue at hand is that these hidden buckles do not meet U.S. federal safety regulations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also emphasized that the difficulty in finding a seatbelt buckle may discourage occupants from using it, significantly increasing the risk of injury or even fatality in the event of an accident.
Ford has identified the cause of this problem, which lies in the insufficient space between the seat back and the interior trim, hindering occupants' access to the latch plate. To rectify the situation and ensure compliance with safety standards, the company will be launching a recall campaign, beginning on June 30.
Approximately 175,550 Broncos are affected by this recall, and Ford aims to reach out to affected customers promptly. Authorized dealers will add a clip to the seatbelt latch, preventing it from sliding between the seats and making it easier for drivers and passengers to fasten their seatbelts securely.
Source: Carscoops
