Ford is recalling about two million pickup trucks, most of these from their top -selling F-series product line.  The problems are a seat belt equipment malfunction that could cause smoke or fire.  According to the report in the Wall Street Journal, the recall is specifically for F-150 vehicles.  Trucks model years 2015 to 2018 are included as part of this recall.  Specifically, trucks built at the plants in Missouri and Michigan.

The specific problem is the devices that automatically tightens the seat belts, these are know as pretensioners.  They can give off excessive sparks when they are forced to deploy. Some of these devises use an explosive charge when vehicle sensors detect sudden deceleration from an accident. The seatbelt is retracted and locked into place by a mechanism that is triggered from the sensors.  is Ford notes it has a reported 23 cases of smoke or fire in North America.

Ford Recalls 2 Million F-150's Over Seat Belt Issue That Causes Fire
Getty Images
loading...

Ford says its investigation showed excessive sparks were generated by these devices and could ignite gases that are created.  Also, the insulation and carpet can catch on fire.  Most of the trucks under the recall are in the United States, but some are in Canada and Mexico.

More From WRRV-WRRB