Ford Motor Co. has issued a recall for over 240,000 SUVs due to seat belt issues that could turn your next crash into a surprise party—minus the fun and with way more injuries.

In a move aimed at keeping passengers safely buckled in, Ford is recalling 240,510 of its 2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator models because improperly secured seat belt bolts might not do their job during a collision. While the automaker has received a handful of complaints, luckily, no accidents have been reported yet—so maybe this 'party' is just starting. Owners will be informed about the fix by March 31, 2025, ensuring their SUVs can transition from death traps back to families’ go-to road trip vehicles, all for free!

The hitch in this automotive tale lies with the seat belt buckle anchor bolts, which, at various seating positions, may not be as secure as a toddler's grip on a candy bar in a candy store. Specifically, the seat belt retractor anchor bolt and the seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seat position were found to potentially have issues. You know, that small piece of hardware that could decide whether you stay snug in your seat or get launched into the dashboard like a human cannonball.

Ford initiated its investigation back in December 2024, triggered by a little nudge from Transport Canada, who had received a defect complaint. Perhaps the complaint was lodged in a snowstorm, and by the time the message reached Ford, the seas had gone calm. Regardless, the company took action—as much as a multi-billion-dollar corporation can in the face of faulty bolts, anyway.

Despite the serious nature of the issue, Ford has stated they are not aware of any accidents or injuries directly related to these uncooperative bolts. Consumers can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their adventures have not turned into an unintended episode of "Survivor: SUV.

As for the extent of the problem, as of February 4, 2025, Ford had become aware of four warranty claims and one customer complaint specifically linked to this issue. Those numbers might sound unremarkable, but remember: every journey begins with a single bolt—or in this case, a loose one. It's probably best to avoid rolling pickup truck-style, bragging about how you've never had an accident, lest karma hands you a troubling seat belt situation.

In response to the loose bolts that could potentially lead to a stressful rollercoaster ride, dealers will carry out inspections on all seat belt buckle anchor bolts in every seating position. Should they find any misbehaving anchor bolts, the necessary seat components will be replaced—free of charge, of course. Because nothing says 'we care about your safety' like inspections and warranty claims.

Rumblings from the recall are expected to culminate in owner notification letters, which will be sent out on March 31, 2025. It’s a little like receiving a late birthday card—better late than never, but you still question your place in their hearts. Hopefully, when the letters do arrive, Ford does not advise its customers to keep their seat belts firmly fastened until their repairs are complete, leaving everyone with mixed feelings about their next drive.

Ford's official reference number for this escapade into vehicular safety is 25S09, perhaps intending to make it sound more like a classified CIA program than a standard recall. However, rest assured, there's no secret mission to solve here—just quality control gone sidways.

So while Ford may have kicked off this nonsense parade with a hefty number of SUVs to recall, their proactive approach might keep clients safer, at least until the next mishap sneaks up on them. Perhaps it's a good reminder to give those seat belts an occasional tug—it's more than just a safety ritual; it may be your ticket to avoid the uninvited surprise party that is an accident.