Got that annoying “Rear Belt Monitor Fault” message popping up on your Ford Escape dashboard? You’re facing a widespread issue affecting thousands of vehicles—and despite what the name suggests, the problem likely isn’t with your rear seats at all.
This comprehensive guide breaks down what’s really happening with this confusing fault, how it impacts your vehicle’s safety systems, and exactly what you can do about it. With Ford’s new customer satisfaction program covering repairs for eligible vehicles, you’ll want to understand if your Escape qualifies for free fixes.
What Is the Ford Escape Rear Belt Monitor Fault?
The Ford Escape rear belt monitor fault is a safety system error that primarily affects 2021-2024 model years. When this fault occurs, you’ll see a “Rear Belt Monitor Fault – Service Required” message on your dashboard display, typically appearing shortly after starting your vehicle.
Despite its name suggesting a problem with the rear seats, this fault is misleading. In about 65% of cases, the actual issue is with the driver’s seat belt buckle sensor—not the rear seats at all.
The diagnostic trouble code most commonly linked to this issue is B0050:13, which specifically indicates “Driver Seat Belt Sensor: Circuit Open.” This means the vehicle’s restraint control module has detected a broken connection in the driver’s seat belt buckle sensor wiring.
Why This Fault Matters for Your Safety
This isn’t just an annoying dashboard message you can ignore. When the rear belt monitor fault appears:
- Your airbag warning light will likely illuminate
- Your vehicle’s airbag deployment system may be completely disabled
- The seat belt status display will show a “question mark” for the driver’s position
- You’ll need to repeatedly dismiss the warning message while driving
The most concerning aspect is the potential airbag system failure. According to Ford’s documentation, when this fault is active, your airbags might not deploy properly during a crash—putting you and your passengers at increased risk.
What’s Actually Causing the Problem?
Primary Cause: Faulty Driver’s Seat Belt Buckle
The most common root cause (approximately 65% of cases) is a broken sensor wire within the driver’s seat belt buckle assembly. These buckle assemblies were manufactured with faulty connections between 2022 and 2024. The clip mechanism works fine, but the electrical connection to the wiring harness fails intermittently or permanently.
The sensor wire typically breaks due to:
- Repeated stress from normal seat belt usage
- Temperature changes in the vehicle
- Normal vibration during driving
- Manufacturing defects in the wire connections
Secondary Causes
Other potential causes include:
- Wiring harness problems (20% of cases): Corroded connections or damaged wiring between the seat belt buckle and control modules.
- Control module failures (10% of cases): Issues with the Restraint Control Module or Body Control Module.
- Mechanical buckle failures (5% of cases): Physical damage to the buckle mechanism preventing proper sensor operation.
The intermittent nature of the problem makes it particularly frustrating. Many owners report the fault appears for days before disappearing for weeks, only to return again later.
Ford’s Official Fix: Customer Satisfaction Program 24N08
In March 2025, Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 24N08 to address this widespread issue. This program covers 868,248 vehicles including the Ford Escape, Bronco Sport, and Maverick.
Is Your Vehicle Covered?
The program applies to:
- 2021-2024 Ford Escape vehicles
- Built at the Louisville Assembly Plant
- Between July 19, 2021, and January 26, 2024
Coverage extends for 15 years of service or 250,000 miles from your warranty start date, whichever comes first. For vehicles already beyond these limits, Ford provides coverage through April 30, 2026.
What the Repair Involves
The official repair process includes:
- Replacing the entire driver-side seat belt buckle assembly
- Installing Ford part number LJ6Z-7861203-BC (upgraded buckle assembly)
- Adding new seat hold-down bolts (part number W719675-S451)
The repair takes approximately 0.6 hours of labor and must be performed by technicians certified in Service Technician Specialty Training.
Cost to You: $0
If your vehicle is covered under the program, you shouldn’t pay anything for diagnosis or repair. Ford states this is a legitimate safety issue and should be covered under all types of warranty. If dealerships attempt to charge for this repair, Ford recommends contacting Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332.
How to Diagnose the Problem
Dashboard Warning Signs
The most obvious symptoms include:
- “Rear Belt Monitor Fault – Service Required” message on your dashboard
- Illuminated airbag warning light
- Question mark symbol in the seat belt status display for the driver’s position
- Need to repeatedly dismiss the warning message
Professional Diagnostic Process
Proper diagnosis requires professional equipment like Ford’s Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or equivalent OBD-II scanners that can read body control module codes. Technicians will:
- Check for stored code B0050:13 in the Restraint Control Module
- Perform visual inspection of the driver’s seat belt buckle
- Test the electrical continuity of the buckle sensor circuit
- Examine connections under the driver’s seat for corrosion
Advanced diagnostic tools like ForScan provide more detailed information about the specific nature of the fault and allow real-time monitoring of sensor readings.
DIY Options and Limitations
Can You Fix This Yourself?
While some owners report temporary success with basic troubleshooting, professional repair is strongly recommended for several reasons:
- Working with airbag system components carries safety risks
- Improper installation could compromise critical safety systems
- The repair requires specific Ford parts and proper system relearning
Some temporary measures that might provide short-term relief include:
- Disconnecting and reconnecting the electrical connector under the driver’s seat
- Cleaning electrical connections with contact cleaner
- Applying dielectric grease to prevent corrosion
However, these are band-aid fixes that don’t address the underlying buckle sensor failure.
Cost Comparison
- DIY replacement buckle: $50-150 (plus your time and safety risk)
- Professional repair (not covered): $200-450
- Professional repair under CSP 24N08: $0
Given these costs and the safety implications, having an authorized Ford dealership perform the repair under the customer satisfaction program is clearly the best option for covered vehicles.
Model-Specific Information
Which Ford Escapes Are Most Affected?
The rear belt monitor fault primarily impacts:
- 2021-2024 Ford Escape models
- Peak issues occur in 2022-2023 model years
- Some 2020 models may experience similar issues (though not covered under CSP 24N08)
The fault affects all Ford Escape variants equally, including:
- Conventional gasoline engines
- Hybrid powertrains
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models
- Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations
Other Ford Models with Similar Issues
This problem isn’t unique to the Escape. The same customer satisfaction program covers:
- Ford Bronco Sport (2021-2024)
- Ford Maverick (2022-2024)
These vehicles share similar seat belt buckle assemblies and monitoring system architectures. Other Ford models, including the F-150, Explorer, and various Lincoln vehicles, have experienced related seat belt monitoring issues with different diagnostic codes.
How to Protect Your Vehicle
Proactive Monitoring
To stay ahead of potential issues:
- Regularly check your FordPass app for Customer Satisfaction Program notifications
- Visually inspect your driver’s seat belt buckle for physical damage or wear
- Be alert for intermittent dashboard warning messages
Proper Usage Habits
While the fault typically stems from manufacturing defects rather than user error, these practices can help:
- Avoid using excessive force when fastening or releasing the buckle
- Keep the buckle area clean and free of debris
- Protect the connections under the driver’s seat from moisture and debris
- Use floor mats to reduce exposure to dirt and liquid spills
Long-Term Implications
The widespread nature of this fault raises broader questions about modern vehicle safety system reliability. With airbag deployment potentially disabled during fault conditions, this issue represents a significant safety concern.
The intermittent nature makes it particularly problematic, as drivers may not realize their safety systems are compromised during certain periods. While Ford has addressed the issue through a Customer Satisfaction Program rather than a formal recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to monitor seat belt and airbag system failures across all manufacturers.
Ford’s comprehensive response through CSP 24N08 demonstrates their commitment to addressing the issue, though the initial delay in recognition has impacted owner confidence in the brand’s quality control.
Taking Action
If you’ve experienced the rear belt monitor fault in your Ford Escape:
- Check if your vehicle is covered under Customer Satisfaction Program 24N08
- Schedule service with an authorized Ford dealership
- Reference CSP 24N08 when making your appointment
- Don’t accept charges for this repair if your vehicle is covered
- Have the repair completed as soon as possible to ensure your safety systems function properly
The potential for complete airbag system disabling makes this more than a convenience issue—it’s a genuine safety concern requiring prompt attention. With Ford covering repair costs under CSP 24N08, there’s no financial reason to delay fixing this critical safety system fault.
