Recall 20V574 affects 123 2020 Ford Expedition vehicles for a seat belt tension sensor defect. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 123 2020 Expedition SUVs because the seat belt tension sensor can classify a child passenger as an adult. In a crash, that error would let the passenger air bag deploy instead of staying off, increasing injury risk, and Ford dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The seat belt tension sensor on the 2020 Ford Expedition is part of the seat belt buckle assembly. It measures load on the belt and helps the occupant classification system decide whether the person in the seat is a child or an adult. That classification feeds the restraint system's decisions during a crash.
On affected Expeditions, the sensor was built with the wrong calibration. Ford traced the problem to supplier calibration equipment with a loose screw, which allowed sensors to pass through the process even though their readings were off. With the wrong calibration, the system can read belt tension in a way that classifies a child occupant as an adult.
There is no warning sign before failure. The buckle and belt can look normal, and the driver gets no clear symptom that the sensor is using the wrong calibration.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Ford Expedition | seat belt |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 123 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Ford Expedition is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, an incorrect passenger classification lets the passenger air bag deploy instead of staying disabled. That raises the injury risk for the seat occupant. Schedule the buckle replacement soon, even without a warning sign. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Ford Expedition is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free seat-belt-buckle replacement that fixes the child-occupant classification problem.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V574 when you call.
- Keep children out of the front passenger seat until the seat-belt-buckle repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the seat belt buckle covered by recall 20V574. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The repair addresses the buckle and tension sensor concern that can incorrectly classify a child occupant as an adult. Ford excludes a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty provides a free repair for this concern. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask the Ford service desk how the warranty applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 23, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 24, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| September 24, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 12, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 12, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 16, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V574?
Recall 20V574 covers 123 2020 Ford Expedition vehicles with a seat-belt tension sensor that can classify a child passenger as an adult. In a crash, that error can allow the passenger air bag to deploy instead of staying disabled, increasing injury risk. Ford dealers replace the seat belt buckle for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Ford Expedition is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific SUV is included in recall 20V574. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and schedule the seat belt buckle replacement. Use Ford recall number 20S54 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy for recall 20V574 is a free seat belt buckle replacement at any franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V574?
The risk is improper passenger air bag deployment for a child occupant. The seat-belt tension sensor can classify a child as an adult, so the passenger air bag deploys in a crash instead of staying disabled. Ford fixes the defect by replacing the seat belt buckle for free.
When did Ford start this recall repair?
Ford began recall 20V574 on October 16, 2020. The remedy is available now, so included owners can contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free seat belt buckle replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V574000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V574 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V574000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →