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What Ford models have inflatable seat belts?

Ford has introduced inflatable seat belts as an innovative safety feature on select models. These advanced seat belts use airbag technology to provide enhanced protection in the event of a collision.


What are Inflatable Seat Belts?


Inflatable seat belts are a safety feature that combines the functionality of a traditional seat belt with the added protection of an airbag. In the event of a crash, the seat belt's internal airbag inflates, distributing the force of the impact over a wider area of the occupant's body. This helps to reduce the risk of injuries, particularly to the chest and neck.


Ford Models with Inflatable Seat Belts


Ford has made inflatable seat belts available on the following models:



  • Ford Explorer (2011 and later models)

  • Ford Flex (2009 and later models)

  • Lincoln MKT (2010 and later models)

  • Lincoln MKZ (2013 and later models)


These inflatable seat belts are designed to provide an extra layer of safety for passengers, particularly in the rear seats where they are most commonly found.


Benefits of Inflatable Seat Belts


The key benefits of Ford's inflatable seat belts include:



  • Enhanced Impact Protection: The inflatable airbag within the seat belt helps to distribute the force of a collision over a wider area, reducing the risk of injuries to the chest and neck.

  • Improved Comfort: The inflatable design helps to provide a more comfortable and secure fit for passengers, particularly in the rear seats.

  • Compatibility with Child Seats: The inflatable seat belts are designed to work seamlessly with child safety seats, providing an additional layer of protection for young passengers.


Ford's inflatable seat belts are just one example of the automaker's commitment to developing innovative safety technologies to protect its customers.

Did the Ford Model A have seat belts?


Seatbelts had been invented when Model As were first made (for airplanes), but they were not an option on Ford automobiles until the 1950s (according to Wikipedia). Clearly, they were not an option on Model As.



What car seats are compatible with inflatable seat belts?


All of the manufacturer's harnessed car seats and boosters can be used with inflatable seat belts if the manufacture date is after May 2014. However, specific shoulder-belt routing is required on rear-facing-only car seats.



What year did Ford start using seat belts?


In 1955 (as a 1956 package), Ford offered lap-only seat belts in the rear seats as an option within the Lifeguard safety package.



What cars have seat belt airbags?


Inflatable seat belts are now found in the back seats of many Ford & Lincoln vehicles (starting in 2011) as well as Mercedes Benz (starting in 2014). The table below lists all of the vehicles – and the applicable model years – where inflatable belts are an option (updated 2020).



How do I know if my car has seat airbags?


Identifying if a seat is equipped with an airbag is typically straightforward. Look for the words “Airbag” or “SRS” on a tag sewn to the side of the seat or embossed on a plastic trim piece of the seat. Care must be taken to ensure the seat airbags are not obstructed.



Did the Ford Model T have seat belts?


Ford's Model T cars did not have seatbelts. Nor, for that matter, did his competitors in Chevy or GM. The Delahaye 135 convertible, built in the 1940s, could hurtle its passengers down the road at speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour but in case of a sudden stop there would be no seatbelts protecting them.



Why did they discontinue automatic seat belts?


Though more awkward for vehicle occupants, most manufacturers opted to use less expensive automatic belts rather than airbags during this time period. When driver side airbags became mandatory on all passenger vehicles in model year 1995, most manufacturers stopped equipping cars with automatic seat belts.



Are Ford new inflated car seat belts said to distribute the impact energy across?


In the event of a frontal or side crash, the inflated belt is designed to deploy in less than the blink of an eye. Its unique design helps distribute crash force energy across more of the occupant's torso than a traditional belt, which helps reduce the risk of injury while providing support for the head and neck.



How do I know if my car has inflatable seat belts?


Inflatable seat belts have two layers of outer material with an airbag system sandwiched between them. This makes them slightly thicker than regular seat belts. They also have a unique, solid metal buckle, and in some makes and models, “Inflatable Belt” is stitched into the belt material.



Why did Ford stop making Model T?


The Model T was no longer the most modern car on the market, and Ford wanted to continue to innovate and bring new products to his customers. The Model T was replaced by the Model A, which was a more modern and sophisticated car.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.