Seat Belt Inspection
Inspect the seat belts and child restraint anchors periodically to make sure they operate correctly and are not damaged. Make sure there are no scratches, tears or cuts. Replace if necessary.
Inspect the following seat belt components after a crash.
- Retractors.
- Buckles.
- Front seat belt buckle assemblies.
- Shoulder belt height adjusters.
- Shoulder belt guide on the seatback.
- LATCH and child restraint tether anchors.
- Attachment hardware.
Read the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for additional inspection and maintenance information applicable to the child restraint.
We recommend that all seat belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a crash be replaced. However, if the crash was minor and an authorized dealer finds that the belts have no damage and continue to operate normally, they do not need to be replaced. Seat belt assemblies not in use during a crash should also be inspected and replaced if damaged or if improper operation is noted.
Test yourself
A quick Ford Escape quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.