NHTSA Campaign 00V228001

SEAT BELTS

Issued by FORD MOTOR COMPANY · Reported Aug 18, 2000 · 144,435 vehicles affected

What's wrong

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Vehicles affected by this recall

Make Model Year Units
FORD CONTOUR 2000 144,435
FORD ESCORT 2000 144,435
FORD EXPLORER 2000 144,435
FORD F-150 2000 144,435
FORD RANGER 2000 144,435
FORD WINDSTAR 2000 144,435
LINCOLN TOWN CAR 2000 144,435
MERCURY MOUNTAINEER 2000 144,435
MERCURY MYSTIQUE 2000 144,435
MERCURY VILLAGER 2000 144,435

Source: NHTSA Campaign 00V228001 on nhtsa.gov. To check the current repair status for a specific vehicle, use our free VIN decoder.