2001 Ford Escape Seat belts Problems

“I was involved in a highway speed motor vehicle accident. I rear ended another vehicle at highway speeds. In the accident the seat belt pre-tensioner (or retractor) did not lock the belt in position. When I unbuckled after the accident the belt retracted back into the side panel.”

“1. The airbag light would stay on or flash 2. There was no consequence or failure since I responded immediately by taking the car to the dealership 3. Diagnostics were run showing diagnostic code b1881, high resistance, r&r both seats, r&r pretensions r kits. Reinstall and clear codes. I was told this meant in a crash, the front seat belts (both driver and passenger) would fail to retract, in essence, rendering the seat belts useless. Repair kits were installed on each seatbelt. …”

“In nov. Of 2006, I took my 2001 Ford Escape to the dealership because my right rear passenger seatbelt was twisting and was not retracting. My child's booster seat was held with this belt and was not working. The dealership told me that due to a flaw, condensation was able to get inside and that it had caused an internal spring to rust and break. They told me that in 2002 + models, it was redesigned and that coil or spring is now protected with a protective covering. I called Ford motor corp and they covered the repair and I had to pay a $75.00 deductible. …”

“After starting the car, the dash light for airbag/seatbelts flashes continuously or flashes and then stays lit. Was told this was a known issue and was a wiring/sensor issue with the seatbelts. Assured there was nothing wrong with the seatbelt or airbag. This was intermittent in late 2016 and became continuous by june 2017. As this now happens continuously, it is impossible to know when or if you actually have an issue with your airbag or seatbelt.”

“Seat belt pretensioner fired while vehicle was in park and engine was being started. Right side fired one weekend left side fired next weekend same circumstances.”