Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (buckles, retractors, anchors and pretensioners).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Ford Expedition owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
We were rear ended while sitting at a redlight. The impact was hard enough to launch the 6000 lb Expedition 20-30 feet into the intersection. 2 out of 5 seat belts opened up and those 2 occupants went flying around in the car. Thank god it was not a head on collision. I never retested or checked the seatbelts and the vehicle was totaled and sent to a salvage yard in nc by travelers insurance. Injuries were whip lash, strained necks and cervical compression and concussions.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle's driver side seat belts would unlatch independently. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
On multiple occasions the driver's side seat belt has randomly unbuckled itself for no apparent reason. If an accident were to occur the seat belt May not be considered a reliable restraint which could result in serious injury or death. After multiple complaints from several consumers this safety device should be investigated.
The seat belts front, passenger side unlock by themselves while in motion. It can happen during city or highway driving. This has not been repaired by anyone and is factory original. Seems like a danger to passengers.
Ford contacted me today responding to my email regarding my seat belt that has been false latching since I bought it on 1/24/02. The man verified the attempts I'd made at dealerships in fixing the problem, and that the only thing I desired was for my seat belt to be fixed. When he came back to the phone, he said any safety warranty was voided because the mileage was over 50,0000, and the recall was for 2001 fords. When asked about all the paperwork from dealerships documenting their evaluation of the seatbelt problem going back to 1/02, he said to try to take the car back there. [I have and they told me to call Ford].
I have a 2002 Expedition and am having problems with the front passenger seat belt unlatching. I looked it up and the 2001 was recalled. I contacted Ford and we took it to the local dealership and they confirmed that it is faulty but not covered in the recall. They won't fix it. It will cost about $150. There is obviously a defect and they have had many problems with their belts and they should fix the problem before more people are killed or injured. We haven't had an accident yet, but I won't ride in that seat.
Seat belt locking latch will release while driving. This is a random condition. The dealer could not reproduce the event in the shop and said nothing was wrong. This problem has progressively gotten worse. I will have to fix the problem since I am out of warranty now, but this is a Ford problem I have seen noted on other complaints submitted.
The seat belt randomly comes unfastened. At first I thought I wasn't buckling it properly but have since begun yanking on it to make sure it was buckled each time I drive it. It just releases on its own, whether I am going 10-20 miles per hour or freeway speed. It is happening more often, sometimes several times each trip.
Driver's side safety belt fails (disconnects) often. Service personnel at a Ford service center informed me that they knew of the defect as being a faulty female connection in the driver's side safety belt. They stated there had been no recall and they would not repair it without full costs being paid by me.
While driving down the road my wifes seatbelt became unbuckled. Then, on 2/27/2013 when I put my vehicle into reverse, my seatbelt came unbuckled. For both seats to become unbuckled with no external influence convinces me we are not safe in our 2002 Ford Expedition.
Seat Belt complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 2002 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the seat belts of the 2002 Ford Expedition, 6% of the model year's 340 complaints. The component named most often is front (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Expedition seat belt problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seat belts recall for the 2002 Ford Expedition, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Expedition seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to seat belts problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.