THE GEAR SHIFTER STUCK IN PARK. CONSUMER HAD TO GIGGLE THE SHIFTER TO REMOVE IT FROM PARK INTO DRIVE. TWO DAYS LATER, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. WHEN THIS OCCURRED CONSUMER HEARD SOMETHING BREAK LOOSE IN THE COLUMN, FOLLOWED BY A RATTLING NOISE. THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED AFTER BREAKING LOOSE, AND…
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THE GEAR SHIFTER STUCK IN PARK. CONSUMER HAD TO GIGGLE THE SHIFTER TO REMOVE IT FROM PARK INTO DRIVE. TWO DAYS LATER, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. WHEN THIS OCCURRED CONSUMER HEARD SOMETHING BREAK LOOSE IN THE COLUMN, FOLLOWED BY A RATTLING NOISE. THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED AFTER BREAKING LOOSE, AND A RATTLING NOISE OCCURRED. PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE. DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO TAKE THE STEERING COLUMN APART TO INSPECT IT UNTIL THEY COULD DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THEY WERE ONLY WILLING TO REPLACE THE STEERING PUMP, BUT THE FAILURE WAS IN THE STEERING COLUMN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10087384
66,000 miles · Jul 18, 2004
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FAILURE
NHTSA ODI #10081291
35,735 miles · Jul 9, 2004
Power Train
WHILE SLOWING DOWN AT A STOP LIGHT I TRIED TO ENGAGE MY CLUTCH PEDAL AND GEAR BECAME STIF, AND I COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 4TH GEAR. THE CLUTCH PEDAL WOULD TRAVEL DOWN TO ALMOST THE FLOOR AND NOT COME BACK UP. I GOT THE GEAR SHIFT INTO NETURAL AND SAT FOR THE LIGHT. THE CLUTCH PEDAL SLOWLY RETURNED TO IT'S NORMAL POSITION, I DEPRES…
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WHILE SLOWING DOWN AT A STOP LIGHT I TRIED TO ENGAGE MY CLUTCH PEDAL AND GEAR BECAME STIF, AND I COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 4TH GEAR. THE CLUTCH PEDAL WOULD TRAVEL DOWN TO ALMOST THE FLOOR AND NOT COME BACK UP. I GOT THE GEAR SHIFT INTO NETURAL AND SAT FOR THE LIGHT. THE CLUTCH PEDAL SLOWLY RETURNED TO IT'S NORMAL POSITION, I DEPRESS IT AGAIN AND THERE WAS ALOT OF FREE TRAVEL, BUT I DID GET IT INTO GEAR AND DROVE RIGHT INTO A EARNHARDT DEALERSHIP THAT I WAS GOING BY. I HAD TAKEN MY VEHICLE INTO HAVE A SIMILAR CLUTCH PROBLEM CHECK OUT LAST MONTH AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP EARNHARDT AND THEY COULD NOT FINE ANY THING WRONG THROUGH COMPUTER TESTING. THEY ARE SAYING NOW THAT IT COULD BE THE CLUTCH MASTER OR A CLUTCH SLAVE COMPONENT. THE VEHICLE A FORD RANGER 2001 HAS UNDER 36,000 MILES AND JUST OVER 3 YRS OLD. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WITH WESTERN NATIONAL WARRANTY SCOTTDALE, AZ 85255 THEY SAY THEY DON'T COVER THESE COMPONENTS. I NEVER RECIEVED A COPY OF THE POLICY. I AM WAITING ON THIS INFORMATION TO BE SENT TO ME. I DO NOT UNDER STAND HOW THESE COMPONENT WITH LESS THAN 36,000 MILES AND MOSTLY HIGHWAY DRIVING GO OUT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10080692
53,000 miles · Jun 14, 2004
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING AND APPROCHING A FREEWAY ENTRANCE THE VEHICLE STICK SHIFT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT. FINALLY WHEN ENTERING 5TH GEAR THE VECHILE SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE STICK SHIFT FROZE UP. I HAD TO COAST OF TO THE SIDE OF FREEWAY AND BE TOWED TO NEAREST FORD DEALER. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A FAULTY MASTER AND SLAVE CILINDER A…
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WHILE DRIVING AND APPROCHING A FREEWAY ENTRANCE THE VEHICLE STICK SHIFT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT. FINALLY WHEN ENTERING 5TH GEAR THE VECHILE SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE STICK SHIFT FROZE UP. I HAD TO COAST OF TO THE SIDE OF FREEWAY AND BE TOWED TO NEAREST FORD DEALER. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A FAULTY MASTER AND SLAVE CILINDER AND A FAULTY CLUTCH SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 3 YEAR OLD AND HAS 53,000 MI. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A PREMATURE SYSTEM FAILURE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10075376
Mileage unknown · May 4, 2004
Power Train
I HAVE A 2001 FORD RANGER 4-WHEEL DRIVE OFF ROAD. IT HAS 22.000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE DRIVEN IT APPROXIMATELY 10 (TEN) MILES IN 4-WHEEL, NEVER OFF-ROAD. I HAD ALL OILS CHANGED AND ANALYSED TO ENSURE NO HIDDEN PROBLEMS. THE RESULTS ARE: TRANSFER CASE (FIRST TEST) ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF COPPER--CRITICAL AMOUNT OF ALUMINUM--CRITICAL AMOU…
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I HAVE A 2001 FORD RANGER 4-WHEEL DRIVE OFF ROAD. IT HAS 22.000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE DRIVEN IT APPROXIMATELY 10 (TEN) MILES IN 4-WHEEL, NEVER OFF-ROAD. I HAD ALL OILS CHANGED AND ANALYSED TO ENSURE NO HIDDEN PROBLEMS. THE RESULTS ARE: TRANSFER CASE (FIRST TEST) ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF COPPER--CRITICAL AMOUNT OF ALUMINUM--CRITICAL AMOUNT OF SILICON. SECONT TEST--SIKICON LEVELS HIGH--WEAR METALS HIGH--FRONT DIFFERENTIAL--MODEARQATE LEVELS OF DIRT--WEAR METALS HIGH--REAR DIFFERENTIAL--NICKEL LEVEL APPEARS HIGH---TRANSMISSION--TEST INDICATE NO CORRECTIVE ACTION--ENGINE--TESTS INDICATE NO CORRECTIVE ACTION (I HAVE CHANGED OIL AND FILTER 7 TIMES). FORD MOTOR COMPANY CLAIMS IF NO PROBLEMS ARE CURRENT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. OIL CONTAMINATION LEADS TO PROBLEMS. FORD MOTOR COMAPNY IS SELLING DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT DOOMED TO FAIL.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10068270
38,397 miles · Apr 16, 2004
Power Train
FORD RANGER XLT 2001 TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FROM NEW AND NOW JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY BASED ON MILEAGE, THE TRANSMISSION IS NEEDING REBUILDING OR REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 38412 MILES TOTAL ON IT, WARRANTY COVERAGE ONLY LASTS UNTIL 36000 MILES OR 3 YEARS. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN AUGUST OF 20…
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FORD RANGER XLT 2001 TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FROM NEW AND NOW JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY BASED ON MILEAGE, THE TRANSMISSION IS NEEDING REBUILDING OR REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 38412 MILES TOTAL ON IT, WARRANTY COVERAGE ONLY LASTS UNTIL 36000 MILES OR 3 YEARS. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN AUGUST OF 2001. NO SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS HAVE EXISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE (I.E. TOWING, HEAVY EQUIPMENT OR ITEM HAULING). THIS VEHICLE BEGAN VERY EARLY SATURDAY APRIL 10, 2004 FLASHING THE O/D OFF INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH PANEL. I TOOK THIS VEHICLE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY INDICATED THAT THE OBDII SYSTEM WAS REGISTERING 3 DIFFERENT CODES HAVING TO DO WITH THE POWERTRAIN SYSTEM. THE CODES REGISTERING WERE P0731, P0733 AND P0735. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN WHO WAS WORKING ON THE VEHICLE THERE IS A TBS FOR THE CODE P0733 REGISTERING. THE SERVICE MANAGER WHO I ENDED UP RECEIVING THE BAD NEWS FROM ONLY GAVE ME THE OPTION OF INSTALLING A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF ROUGHLY $2600. I HAVE ALSO TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDANT TRANSMISSION MECHANIC TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE AND SEE WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING. THIS MECHANIC HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT, BUT ALSO COMMENTED THAT HE IS SEEING MORE OF THIS HAPPENING WITH THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION MODEL IN THIS VEHICLE. HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE TREND IS THAT BETWEEN 30-40,000 MILES IS THE RANGE AT WHEN THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS. I PLACED A CALL TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND THEY ARE 'RESEARCHING' POSSIBILITIES OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE. THE MAIN CONCERN THAT I HAVE WITH THIS 'FIX' IS THAT IT WILL BE REPLACED WITH THE SAME MODEL OF TRANSMISSION AND THAT THE PROBLEM WILL OCCUR AGAIN IN 30-40,000 MILES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10066314
33,000 miles · Mar 1, 2004
Power Train
2001 FORD RANGER 4.0 AUTOMATIC. ERRATIC SHIFTING DURING COLD WEATHER UNTIL THE VEHICLE WARMS UP. HAVE TALKED TO MANY OTHERS AND THE PROBLEM ACCORDING TO SOME DEALERS IS THE TRANSMISSION COOLER IS PLACED TO FAR FOREWARD OF THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUID GELS DURING COLD WEATHER. TALKED TO OUR FORD DEALER IN TOWN AND T…
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2001 FORD RANGER 4.0 AUTOMATIC. ERRATIC SHIFTING DURING COLD WEATHER UNTIL THE VEHICLE WARMS UP. HAVE TALKED TO MANY OTHERS AND THE PROBLEM ACCORDING TO SOME DEALERS IS THE TRANSMISSION COOLER IS PLACED TO FAR FOREWARD OF THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUID GELS DURING COLD WEATHER. TALKED TO OUR FORD DEALER IN TOWN AND THEY SAY ALOT OF THE ESCAPES THAT USE THE SAME TRANSMISSION AND COOLING SYSTEM HAVE LOST TRANSMISSION DUE TO THIS. THE SAME TRANSMISSION IS ALSO USED IN THE MAZDA AND MY BOSS AT WORK JUST HAD HIS GO OUT AT 15,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. IT SEEMS FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT IS NOT INCLINED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. MY VEHICLE DURING COLD DAYS ( BELOW 30 ) ACTS LIKE SOMEONE IS PUTTING THE CLUTCH IN AND OUT VERY RAPIDLY WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ATTEMPTS TO SHIFT WHEN IT IS FIRST DRIVEN. HAD IT AT THE DEALER LAST YEAR BEFORE MY FORD WARRENTY EXPIRED AND THEY FOUND NOTHING. OF COUSE IF WAS ABOVE 40 THAT DAY. ANY INFLUENCE THAT COULD BE BROUGHT TO FORD TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE WOULD BE HELPFUL. IT SEEMS ON THE VEHICLES THEY ARE FIXING NOW, FORD IS PUTTING IN ANOTHER SAFETY VALVE IN THE COOLING SYSTEM TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE SO ALL OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WON'T BLOW OUT. THANKS FOR LISTENING AND I HOPE YOU CAN HELP. FORD WON'T.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10060137
Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2004
Power Train
I HAVE A 01 RANGER 4X4 WITH 4.0L ENGINE AND 4.10 REAR END. I CONTINUE TO HAVE AN INTERMITANT SHUDDER PROBLEM FROM 1-2 AND THEN AGAIN FROM 3-4 (AROUND 2500 RPMS) AND 4-5 (AROUND 2100 RPMS). I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES AND HAD THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS PERFORMED: 1. REPLACED DRIVESHAFT 2. OVERHAUL VALVE BO…
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I HAVE A 01 RANGER 4X4 WITH 4.0L ENGINE AND 4.10 REAR END. I CONTINUE TO HAVE AN INTERMITANT SHUDDER PROBLEM FROM 1-2 AND THEN AGAIN FROM 3-4 (AROUND 2500 RPMS) AND 4-5 (AROUND 2100 RPMS). I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES AND HAD THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS PERFORMED: 1. REPLACED DRIVESHAFT 2. OVERHAUL VALVE BODY 3. PCM REPROGRAMMED 4. REPLACED VALVE BODY 5. REPLACED VALVE BODY AGAIN 6. OVERHAULED TRANSMISSION REPLACE OVERDRIVE DRUM DUE TO AN UNEVEN SURFACE SO FAR, I HAVE HAD OVER $2,500 IN REPAIRS (ALL UNDER WARRANTY LUCKILY). HOWEVER, THE SHUDDER IS STILL THERE, ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT AS HARSH AS IT ONCE WAS. A NEW PROBLEM HAS BEGUN IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS, NOW WHEN YOU PUT IT IN GEAR, IT TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE IT ENGAGES. IN FACT, YOU CAN SIT THERE WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS AND IT WON'T GO. ONCE THE TRUCK IS WARMED UP, THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM. THE SHUDDER THAT IS FELT IS ERRATIC, BUT CAN BE MADE TO SHUDDER IF DRIVEN AT THE CORRECT SPEEDS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10054616
52,000 miles · Oct 3, 2003
Power Train
THE SHIFT KNOB OF MY STICK SHIFT SLIPS OFF LEAVING ME IN NEUTRAL AS I SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND OR 3RD TO 4TH GEARS. THIS HAS NEARLY CAUSED 2 ACCIDENTS WHERE I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED AS THE KNOB CAME OFF WHILE I WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC. THIS PREVENTED ME FROM ACCELERATING INTO THE TRAFFIC FLOW. BECAUSE I WAS STUCK IN…
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THE SHIFT KNOB OF MY STICK SHIFT SLIPS OFF LEAVING ME IN NEUTRAL AS I SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND OR 3RD TO 4TH GEARS. THIS HAS NEARLY CAUSED 2 ACCIDENTS WHERE I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED AS THE KNOB CAME OFF WHILE I WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC. THIS PREVENTED ME FROM ACCELERATING INTO THE TRAFFIC FLOW. BECAUSE I WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL I HAD TO COAST (ONE TIME WHILE MERGING ONTO A FREEWAY) UNTIL I COULD GET THE KNOB BACK ON AND COMPLETE THE SHIFT INTO A GEAR. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10041207
9,000 miles · Aug 7, 2003
Power Train
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PERFORMED ERRATICLY. TRANSMISSION HAD A TENDENCY TO NOT SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE UPON COLD A START. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF OPERATION, THE TRANSMISSIONS PERFORMED NORMAL. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *PH
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND MINIVANS. EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS SUPPLIED BY TRW. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVER'S AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER'S OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT FULLY LATCH. FORD CROWN VICTORIA BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. LINCOLN TOWN CARS BUILT AT WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. LINCOLN NAVIGATORS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. FORD WINDSTARS BUILT AT OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. FORD RANGERS BUILT AT TWIN CITIES PLANT FROM 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, AND ALSO AT THE EDISON PLANT FROM 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. FORD F-150 TRUCK BUILT AT NORFOLK PLANT FROM 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; AT ONTARIO PLANT FROM 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; AT KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. FORD SUPER DUTY F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. FORD EXCURSIONS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. FORD EXPEDITIONS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE OCCUPANT PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLES AND IF THE BUCKLE FAILS THE INSPECTION PROCESS, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 25, 2001. 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 1-866-436-7332.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH STEEL HOODS AND CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SHEET MOLDING COMPOUND HOODS. A WIRE FORMED HOOD STRIKER COULD BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTURES. IF THE HOOD STRIKER FRACTURES, THE HOOD COULD FLY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A HOOD FLY-UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED COULD RESULT IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD STRIKER.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2001, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS USING A TEST TOOL THAT WOULD DETECT A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THE INSPECTION TEST FOR ONE OR BOTH FRONT BUCKLES.SUBSEQUENT TO THE RECALL SERVICE ACTION, ODI RECEIVED 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A PASSED INSPECTION BUCKLE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO LATCH OR INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED DURING USE.IN ADDITION, FORD HAS IDENTIFIED 543 OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING BUCKLE FAILURE SUBSEQUENT TO PASSING THE INSPECTION TEST.FORD TESTED AND EXAMINED OVER 100 WARRANTY-RETURNED BUCKLES AND FOUND THAT 44% OF THE BUCKLES HAD NO PROBLEM OR A CONDITION NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL INSPECTION (NON-LATCH RELATED BUCKLE DAMAGE OR FOREIGN CONTAMINATION).WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE HIGHEST DURING THE 18-MONTH PERIOD AFTER THE START OF THE RECALL (JULY 2001) AND HAVE BEEN DECLINING DURING THE PAST 24 MONTHS.OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, FORD HAS RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 12 WARRANTY CLAIMS PER MONTH OUT OF A VEHICLE POPULATION OF ABOUT ONE MILLION.COMPLAINTS COUNTS ARE ALSO DECREASING.DURING THE PAST SEVEN MONTHS, ODI HAS RECEIVED ONLY TWO COMPLAINTS. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seat Belts
DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2001, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS USING A TEST TOOL THAT WOULD DETECT A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THE INSPECTION TEST FOR ONE OR BOTH FRONT BUCKLES.SUBSEQUENT TO THE RECALL SERVICE ACTION, ODI RECEIVED 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A PASSED INSPECTION BUCKLE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO LATCH OR INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED DURING USE.IN ADDITION, FORD HAS IDENTIFIED 543 OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING BUCKLE FAILURE SUBSEQUENT TO PASSING THE INSPECTION TEST.FORD TESTED AND EXAMINED OVER 100 WARRANTY-RETURNED BUCKLES AND FOUND THAT 44% OF THE BUCKLES HAD NO PROBLEM OR A CONDITION NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL INSPECTION (NON-LATCH RELATED BUCKLE DAMAGE OR FOREIGN CONTAMINATION).WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE HIGHEST DURING THE 18-MONTH PERIOD AFTER THE START OF THE RECALL (JULY 2001) AND HAVE BEEN DECLINING DURING THE PAST 24 MONTHS.OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, FORD HAS RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 12 WARRANTY CLAIMS PER MONTH OUT OF A VEHICLE POPULATION OF ABOUT ONE MILLION.COMPLAINTS COUNTS ARE ALSO DECREASING.DURING THE PAST SEVEN MONTHS, ODI HAS RECEIVED ONLY TWO COMPLAINTS. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2001, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS USING A TEST TOOL THAT WOULD DETECT A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THE INSPECTION TEST FOR ONE OR BOTH FRONT BUCKLES.SUBSEQUENT TO THE RECALL SERVICE ACTION, ODI RECEIVED 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A PASSED INSPECTION BUCKLE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO LATCH OR INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED DURING USE.IN ADDITION, FORD HAS IDENTIFIED 543 OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING BUCKLE FAILURE SUBSEQUENT TO PASSING THE INSPECTION TEST.FORD TESTED AND EXAMINED OVER 100 WARRANTY-RETURNED BUCKLES AND FOUND THAT 44% OF THE BUCKLES HAD NO PROBLEM OR A CONDITION NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL INSPECTION (NON-LATCH RELATED BUCKLE DAMAGE OR FOREIGN CONTAMINATION).WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE HIGHEST DURING THE 18-MONTH PERIOD AFTER THE START OF THE RECALL (JULY 2001) AND HAVE BEEN DECLINING DURING THE PAST 24 MONTHS.OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, FORD HAS RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 12 WARRANTY CLAIMS PER MONTH OUT OF A VEHICLE POPULATION OF ABOUT ONE MILLION.COMPLAINTS COUNTS ARE ALSO DECREASING.DURING THE PAST SEVEN MONTHS, ODI HAS RECEIVED ONLY TWO COMPLAINTS. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
RQ04011 · Front Seat Belt Buckle Assembly
Opened Oct 22, 2004 · Closed Feb 17, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN (01V227), FORD RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 1.3 MILLION VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE.APPROXIMATELY 1.1 MILLION OWNERS RESPONDED BY TAKING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE BUCKLE USING A SPECIALIZED BUCKLE TEST TOOL.FORD REPORTED THAT 829,927 VEHICLES HAD BOTH BUCKLES PASS THE TOOL TEST AND ANOTHER 167,336 VEHICLES HAD ONE BUCKLE PASS.ODI AND FORD RECEIVED COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE SHORTLY AFTER PASSING THE ORIGINAL RECALL INSPECTION SERVICE.COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED THAT THE BUCKLE FAILED BY EITHER NOT LATCHING OR FALSE-LATCHING (PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT OF THE LATCH TO THE LATCH PLATE).A FALSE-LATCHED BUCKLE MAY RELEASE WITH MINOR MOVEMENT OR IMPACT AGAINST THE BUCKLE HOUSING INCLUDING INADVERTENT RELEASE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.ODI IS UPGRADING THIS RECALL QUERY TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-004) TO FURTHER ANALYZE THE FIELD PERFORMANCE OF THOSE VEHICLES THAT FORD DEALERS PASSED (ONE OR BOTH BUCKLES) USING FORD'S INSPECTION TEST (997,263 VEHICLES).
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