Symptoms
None. There is nothing to hear, feel or look for while driving — this only shows itself in a crash, which is the worst moment to discover it. Ford's wording: "if a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area."
Likely cause
A pretensioner works by firing a small pyrotechnic charge to snatch the belt tight, and that charge produces sparks. The recall is not about the pretensioner failing; it is about what was sitting next to it. Ford's fix says as much — remove the B-pillar insulation material and the wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape in their place.
How should it be checked?
Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for 18V-568. The work is free and recalls have no expiry or mileage limit. Before you even do that, look at the cab: this recall covers Regular Cab and SuperCrew only. A SuperCab — the one with the small rear-hinged half doors — is outside it.
How can you check it yourself?
Count and look at the doors: two doors, or four full-size doors, and the recall may apply; four doors with small rear-hinged ones and it does not. Then run the VIN. There is nothing to test by driving.
The question to ask the shop
Has recall 18V-568 been completed on this VIN? Which cab style is this truck, exactly? Has either front seat belt or B-pillar trim ever been disturbed for any other repair?
