Recalls happen from time to time. Most recently, Ford announced it’s recalling the 2021 Ford F-150. The F-150 recall includes 16,430 F-150 SuperCab pickup trucks and concerns improperly installed seatbelts. The good news is that, to date, Ford is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries related to the most recent Ford F-150 recall. The automaker has also announced that there is a fix in place.

Why was the 2021 Ford F-150 recalled?

Ford announced that it’s recalling 16,430 F-150 SuperCab pickup trucks from the 2021 model year. According to Consumer Reports, the Ford F-150 recall comes down to front outboard seat belts that might not be properly routed both on the driver and passenger side of the truck. Unfortunately for Ford F-150 owners, a misrouted seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash. 

What owners need to know about the latest Ford F-150 recall

At this time, approximately 16,430 Ford trucks are included in the recall, the NHTSA reports. The affected Ford F-150 trucks were manufactured between January 2 through May 27, 2021. While the Super Cab body style is included in the latest Ford F-150 recall, it’s important to note that the Regular Cab and Crew Cab body styles use a different seat belt assembly and are not affected by this recall.

And if your truck is included in this recall? Ford F-150 Super Cab owners are currently being advised to perform a preliminary self-inspection of the truck’s front seatbelts, the NHTSA reports. Owners can also have the truck towed to a nearby Ford dealership for inspection, Consumer Reports added.

Regardless, if either side fails inspection, owners should not drive their truck until the seatbelts are repaired. The good news is that if your truck’s seatbelts are affected by this latest Ford F-150 recall, dealers will replace the seatbelt retractor and pre-tensioner, free of charge.

Can seat belts keep you safe?

There’s no beating around the bush here. Wearing your seatbelt can save your life. In fact, seatbelts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017, the NHTSA reports. Additionally, of the 22,215 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019, 47% of them were not wearing seat belts. For owners of the 2021 Ford F-150, that can make this latest recall particularly unnerving. Because, whether you’re wearing your seat belt or not, an improperly installed seat belt can increase your risk of injury in a crash.

Fortunately, as mentioned previously, Ford does have a fix in place for the latest Ford F-150 recall. So if your truck is one of those affected by the recall? You can rest assured knowing that while your truck’s seatbelts may be improperly installed, Ford will replace them at no additional cost.

Is the 2021 Ford F-150 still a safe truck?

We said it before and we’ll say it again. Recalls happen from time to time. But does that mean the 2021 Ford F-150 isn’t a safe truck? Well, if you ignore the recall and don’t have your truck’s seatbelts repaired, then yes, that could change how safe your Ford F-150 is. But if your truck is affected by the recall and you get it fixed? Chances are, you’ve got nothing to worry about.