Recall 17V526 covers 117,423 2015-2017 Ford crew-cab trucks with a loose left rear seat belt buckle. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 117,423 2015-2017 F-150, F-250 Sd, and F-350 Sd crew cab trucks under recall 17V526 because the left rear inflatable seat belt buckle assembly is inadequately attached to its mounting bracket. If the buckle separates, the seat occupant is not adequately restrained; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The left rear inflatable seat belt buckle in the 2015-2017 Ford F-150, F-250 Sd, and F-350 Sd crew cab trucks is the latch point for the rear passenger belt. It bolts to a mounting bracket so the belt can hold the passenger in place when the belt is loaded. The inflatable part is built into the belt system, but the recall concern is the buckle attachment.
On affected trucks, the rivet that fastens the buckle assembly to its bracket was not formed correctly. Ford traced the issue to a supplier measurement change that allowed rivet heads with inadequate thickness into production. A thin rivet head weakens the joint, so the buckle attachment can separate from the bracket when it is stressed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The buckle can look normal from the seat even when the rivet head does not meet Ford's requirements.
Who's affected?
Covers the F-150, F-250 Sd, and F-350 Sd across the 2015-2017 model years, all tied to the rear seat belt.
| 2015 Ford F-150 | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2016 Ford F-150 | seat belt |
| 2017 Ford F-150 | seat belt |
| 2017 Ford F-250 Sd | seat belt |
| 2017 Ford F-350 Sd | seat belt |
| Units affected | 117,423 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the left rear inflatable seat belt buckle separates from its bracket, the seated passenger is not held as designed, which increases injury risk. Keep using seat belts, but schedule the recall repair soon and avoid carrying a passenger in that seat until it is inspected. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Ford F-150, F-250 Sd, or F-350 Sd is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free rear inflatable seat belt buckle inspection and attaching-rivet repair that secures the buckle to its mounting bracket.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V526 and Ford recall 17C12 when you call.
- Avoid using the left rear seat until the inspection and needed rivet replacement are complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the left rear inflatable seat belt buckle assembly and checks how it is attached to the mounting bracket. If the attaching rivet is not correct, the technician replaces that rivet. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Ford is not offering a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior paperwork for this seat belt repair.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 28, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 29, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| August 29, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 16, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 16, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 8, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V526?
Recall 17V526 covers 117,423 2015-2017 Ford F-150, F-250 Sd, and F-350 Sd crew cab trucks. The left rear inflatable seat belt buckle assembly can be inadequately attached to its mounting bracket, so Ford dealers will inspect the assembly and replace the attaching rivet as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Ford F-150, F-250 Sd, or F-350 Sd is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 17V526. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the seat belt inspection. Reference recall 17V526 or Ford recall number 17C12 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects and compliance defects at no cost. Ford dealers will inspect the left rear inflatable seat belt buckle assembly and replace the attaching rivet as necessary free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V526?
The risk is reduced restraint for the left rear seat occupant. If the inflatable seat belt buckle separates from its mounting bracket, that passenger is not adequately restrained in a crash, increasing injury risk under NHTSA campaign 17V526.
What if I bought this Ford truck used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your exact F-150, F-250 Sd, or F-350 Sd is included, then contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 17V526.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V526000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V526 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V526000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →