NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
515 reports88,000 miles · Sep 22, 2011
Wheels
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH I SLOWED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND ALMOST WENT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION INTO THE WOODS. I THOUGHT THAT THE TRUCK MIGHT ROLL. UPON INSPECTION, MY LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS NEARLY FLAT. WHEN I BROUGHT THE WHEEL/TIRE TO GET IT REPAIRED I WAS TOLD THAT THE WHEEL HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND THE TIRE WAS OKAY. THE FOLKS A…
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WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH I SLOWED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND ALMOST WENT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION INTO THE WOODS. I THOUGHT THAT THE TRUCK MIGHT ROLL. UPON INSPECTION, MY LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS NEARLY FLAT. WHEN I BROUGHT THE WHEEL/TIRE TO GET IT REPAIRED I WAS TOLD THAT THE WHEEL HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND THE TIRE WAS OKAY. THE FOLKS AT THE WHEEL & TIRE PLACE SHOWED ME HOW THE WHEEL WAS DESIGNED TO TRAP WATER AND WERE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM. I NOTIFIED FORD, WHO IGNORED THE DESIGN-FLAW ASPECT, AND TOLD ME I WAS OUT OF LUCK SINCE THERE WAS NO SAFETY RECALL. I HOPE THAT CHANGES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10426718
84,000 miles · Aug 18, 2011
Structure
2001 FORD RANGER WITH 86866K. IN AROUND SEPT 2010 I HEARD A THUMP AND BANGING FROM THE BACK. UPON HOME I LOOKED UNDER I SAW THAT THE SHACKLE MOUNT ROTTED AND BROKE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT BREAK BUT NOT ANY BETTER THEN THE ONE THAT BROKE. I BOUGHT THE SHACKLE AND THE SHACKLE MOUNTS. AFTER I REMOVED THE SH…
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2001 FORD RANGER WITH 86866K. IN AROUND SEPT 2010 I HEARD A THUMP AND BANGING FROM THE BACK. UPON HOME I LOOKED UNDER I SAW THAT THE SHACKLE MOUNT ROTTED AND BROKE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT BREAK BUT NOT ANY BETTER THEN THE ONE THAT BROKE. I BOUGHT THE SHACKLE AND THE SHACKLE MOUNTS. AFTER I REMOVED THE SHACKLE MOUNT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE I SAW ROT THROUGH THE FRAME AS WELL HEAVY FLAKING RUST THRO-OUT THE ENTIRE FRAME. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID IN A NUT SHELL TOO BAD. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10420053
71,050 miles · Aug 17, 2011
Structure
REAR PORTION OF FRAME AND LEAF SPRING BRACKETS ROTTED FRAME HAS ROTTED THROUGH. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10419774
280,000 miles · Aug 10, 2011
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PLACING TAGS ON THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERLEY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER, NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PLACING TAGS ON THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERLEY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER, NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 280,000. UPDATED 09/15/11*LJ UPDATED 01/20/11
NHTSA ODI #10418370
165,000 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL, HAZARD, AND BRAKE LIGHTS, AS WELL AS THE TURN SIGNALS WERE MALFUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE, BUT STATED THAT IT COULD BE RELATED TO A DEFECTIVE SWITCH. ALL OF THE LIGHT BULB…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL, HAZARD, AND BRAKE LIGHTS, AS WELL AS THE TURN SIGNALS WERE MALFUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE, BUT STATED THAT IT COULD BE RELATED TO A DEFECTIVE SWITCH. ALL OF THE LIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED AS A TEMPORARY SOLUTION. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA ODI #10413920
50,000 miles · Jul 20, 2011
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
MY 2001 FORD RANGER REAR SAFETY LIGHTS (TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND TURN SIGNALS) WILL ONLY WORK WHEN MY TILT STEERING WHEEL IS IN THE FULL UP RIGHT POSITION. I CAN DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION EVEN THOUGH IT IS A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE. MY WIFE MUST PLACE THE TILT WHEEL IN A LOWER POSITION TO DRIVE. SINCE THERE ARE NO …
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MY 2001 FORD RANGER REAR SAFETY LIGHTS (TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND TURN SIGNALS) WILL ONLY WORK WHEN MY TILT STEERING WHEEL IS IN THE FULL UP RIGHT POSITION. I CAN DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION EVEN THOUGH IT IS A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE. MY WIFE MUST PLACE THE TILT WHEEL IN A LOWER POSITION TO DRIVE. SINCE THERE ARE NO REAR SAFETY LIGHTS WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS IN THIS POSITION SHE CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE SAFELY. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10413760
90,000 miles · Jun 24, 2011
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE CONSTANTLY DISPLAYED THE SAME READING, UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE NEEDLE WITHIN THE OIL GAUGE WOULD FLUTTER. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE OIL SENSOR, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE CONSTANTLY DISPLAYED THE SAME READING, UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE NEEDLE WITHIN THE OIL GAUGE WOULD FLUTTER. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE OIL SENSOR, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10408833
Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2011
Structure
I HAVE A 2001 RANGER EDGE AND THE BUMPER MOUNTS . REAR SHACKLES AND SUPPORT PLATES THAT HOLD SHACKLE HAVE COMPLETELY RUSTED AND NOW THE SPRINGS ARE SITTING UP AGAINST THE BED OF THE TRUCK ALSO WHERE THE SUPPORT PLATE MOUNTS TO THE CHASSIS THERE ARE HUGE RUST HOLES SO IT CAN NOT BE REPAIRED . THIS TRUCK IS ONLY 10 YEARS OLD!!!!…
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I HAVE A 2001 RANGER EDGE AND THE BUMPER MOUNTS . REAR SHACKLES AND SUPPORT PLATES THAT HOLD SHACKLE HAVE COMPLETELY RUSTED AND NOW THE SPRINGS ARE SITTING UP AGAINST THE BED OF THE TRUCK ALSO WHERE THE SUPPORT PLATE MOUNTS TO THE CHASSIS THERE ARE HUGE RUST HOLES SO IT CAN NOT BE REPAIRED . THIS TRUCK IS ONLY 10 YEARS OLD!!!! WHAT CAN BE DONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10396635
111,197 miles · Mar 8, 2011
Suspension
I BROUGHT MY 2001 FORD RANGER IN FOR IT'S ANNUAL NEW YORK INSPECTION. THE INSPECTOR POINTED OUT THAT THE FRAME WAS DANGEROUSLY WEAK DUE TO RUST BY THE REAR SHACKLE BRACKETS WHICH THE LEAF SPRING IS ATTACHED TO. I HAD THESE BRACKETS REPLACED A FEW YEARS EARLY BECAUSE ONE RUSTED OUT AND BROKE. I WOULD HAT TO THINK WHAT WOULD HA…
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I BROUGHT MY 2001 FORD RANGER IN FOR IT'S ANNUAL NEW YORK INSPECTION. THE INSPECTOR POINTED OUT THAT THE FRAME WAS DANGEROUSLY WEAK DUE TO RUST BY THE REAR SHACKLE BRACKETS WHICH THE LEAF SPRING IS ATTACHED TO. I HAD THESE BRACKETS REPLACED A FEW YEARS EARLY BECAUSE ONE RUSTED OUT AND BROKE. I WOULD HAT TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF MY FRAME FAILED WHILE ON A INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH. I AM 63 YEARS OLD AND NEVER DID I HAVE A FRAME RUST OUT. I TOOK THE CAR TO A SHOP WHICH WELDED NEW STEEL ON THE FRAME BOTH SIDES.
NHTSA ODI #10389348
85,692 miles · Feb 24, 2011
Unknown Or Other
I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD RANGER EDGE, 4 DOOR, 4 WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCK FROM THE NYKAR STORE OFF OF EBAY MOTORS IN JANUARY. THE AD FALSELY CLAIMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN GREAT SHAPE WITH NO MECHANICAL DAMAGE DISCLOSED, BUT SOON I DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME HAS SEVERE RUST DAMAGE THAT WAS COVERED UP WITH FILLER AND UNDERCOATING. …
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I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD RANGER EDGE, 4 DOOR, 4 WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCK FROM THE NYKAR STORE OFF OF EBAY MOTORS IN JANUARY. THE AD FALSELY CLAIMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN GREAT SHAPE WITH NO MECHANICAL DAMAGE DISCLOSED, BUT SOON I DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME HAS SEVERE RUST DAMAGE THAT WAS COVERED UP WITH FILLER AND UNDERCOATING. THE FRAME, WHERE THE CONTROL ARMS CONNECT ARE SO VISIBLE RUSTED AROUND THE MOUNTING BOLTS THAT THE HOLES ARE LARGE ENOUGH TO PUT MY FINGERS THROUGH, AT LEAST ONCE ALL OF THE FLAKING RUST, FILLER AND UNDERCOATING WERE REMOVED. THE TRUCK IS TOTALED. IT WILL REQUIRE A COMPLETE FRAME REPLACEMENT WHICH WILL COST MORE THAN THE TRUCK IS WORTH. I PURCHASED A TRUCK THAT IS TOTALED FROM A DISHONEST DEALER, BUT THE FRAME SHOULD NOT BE RUSTED THIS BAD. IF I HAD HIT A POT HOLE, ONE OR BOTH OF THE FRONT TIRES COULD HAVE SHEERED OFF AND CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR PERSONAL INJURY. PLEASE ADVISE ME ON THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION TO TAKE IN THIS SITUATION.
NHTSA ODI #10385234
Official recalls
4Oct 13, 2009
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.
Aug 3, 2007
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.
Jul 16, 2001
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.
Nov 28, 2000
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA05004 · Front Seat Belt Buckle Assembly
Opened Feb 17, 2005 · Closed Jul 6, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts; 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.
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).
Illustration