My airbag light stay on, had Ford dealer check out the problem, inform of the defect with the seat belts harness is not working up to stander. If I got into a crash, the seat belts would not hold me back.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

Airbag warning light repeatedly flashes warning code#47. Lic mech can clean connector contacts and reset computer code but if won't reset, bag(s) may not deploy. Mech advises prob is well known occurrence w/ 1999-2005 Ford Escapes. Codes#46/47 (drivers seat/rt frt passenger seat) appearing as a result of original equipment defective wiring harnesses for airbag/pretensioner seat belt system. Only fix if light stays on and can't be reset is to replace wire harnesses; cost $550+ (must remove seats, pull up carpet to gain access to harness and replace same). NHTSA investigated issue in 1999 (action# SQ99026 Nov.'99-May.-2000) but closed case with no further action. Internet inquiry indicates large number of complaints about above and also failure of airbag deployment in accidents. Internet indicates issue involves Mazda tributes also as Ford associated with Mazda and uses same harness and system. Ford apparently has a replacement harness to fix problem but owners must pay for part and labor as Ford doesn't acknowledge defective original equipment.

- San Jose, CA, USA

We have a 2003 Ford Escape the airbag light has came on and went off sporadically in the past 3 years but went out. This time it has stayed on so we took it to the Ford dealer and they said the seat belt wiring harness on both the front seats was bad and if there was an accident the air bag might not deploy the vehicle has never been in water so there is no reason for the wires to be bad other then they where inadequate to begin with. They said to fix it they would have to take out the seats pull the carpet back and replace the harnesses.

- South Jordan , UT, USA