NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
454 reports680,000 miles · Dec 12, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
YES, I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN JULY OF 2017. WHEN I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, EVERYTHING SEEMED PERFECTLY FINE. YET, THE DAY I RECEIVED IT, I WENT TO THE GAS STATION TO FILL UP. UPON RETURNING HOME, 1 MILE., THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS TOLD BY THE SELLER ALL WAS PERFECTLY FINE. DRIVE THE CAR, IT WILL BE FINE. I WAS CONCERNED A…
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YES, I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN JULY OF 2017. WHEN I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, EVERYTHING SEEMED PERFECTLY FINE. YET, THE DAY I RECEIVED IT, I WENT TO THE GAS STATION TO FILL UP. UPON RETURNING HOME, 1 MILE., THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS TOLD BY THE SELLER ALL WAS PERFECTLY FINE. DRIVE THE CAR, IT WILL BE FINE. I WAS CONCERNED AND I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC. AFTER RUNNING SOME DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A CATALYIC CONVERTER, REPAIRS OVER $1500.00. I WAS READING THE RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE AND CAME ACROSS CAMPAIGN ID# NHTSA 04V421000. THE RECALL WAS FOR CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER I THE FUEL DELIVERY MODE(FDM) CAN REDUCE AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE. IN WHICH, CAN CAUSE MANY PROBLEMS. I HAVE THOSE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. UPON STARTING, IT REVIVES UP, THEN EVENTUALLY SLOWS DOWN AND ALMOST KILLS. IT SOUNDS AS IF NO GAS IS GETTING TO THE ENGINE. LOSS OF POWER, STALLING. MY QUESTION IS HOW I COULD FIND OUT IF THIS RECALL WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE. WHERE DO I START. I REALIZE ITS BEEN MORE THAN 10YEARS FROM THE PURCHASE OF IT NEW, AND I DIDN'T PURCHASE NEW, BUT IF THE RECALL WASN'T DONE...MAY I BE ENTITLED? THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 68,000 MILES ON THE ENGINE. IS THIS THE PROBLEM AND HAS IT NOW EFFECTED THE CATALYIC CONVERTER? THANKS GREATLY FOR YOUR PRECIOUS TIME. A REPLY WOULD GREATLY BE APPRECIATED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
NHTSA ODI #11054177
Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2017
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting
I GOT IN MY CAR ONE DAY AFTER WORK IN THE PARKING LOT AND STARTED MY CAR AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. IT STAYED ON FOR THREE DAYS AND IS NO LONGER ON. IT SEEMS LIKE NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OR PROVIDE SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROBLEM. EVERYTIME I ROLL UP MY WINDOWS, MY LIGHTS DIM AS IF THE BATTERY IS DYING. MY WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTR…
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I GOT IN MY CAR ONE DAY AFTER WORK IN THE PARKING LOT AND STARTED MY CAR AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. IT STAYED ON FOR THREE DAYS AND IS NO LONGER ON. IT SEEMS LIKE NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OR PROVIDE SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROBLEM. EVERYTIME I ROLL UP MY WINDOWS, MY LIGHTS DIM AS IF THE BATTERY IS DYING. MY WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL DOESN'T SHUT OFF AND IM NOT ABLE TO CHANGE THE SPEED.
NHTSA ODI #10947691
150,000 miles · Nov 24, 2016
Power Train
TRANSMISSION HAVING PROBLEMS GOING INTO GEAR CONSTANTLY SLIPPING AND CATCHING GEARS WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE ONLY GETS UP TO 30 MPH
NHTSA ODI #10927776
120,000 miles · Aug 8, 2016
Service Brakes
CALIPERS CONSTANTLY FALLS OFF CAUSING WHEEL TO LOCK UP
NHTSA ODI #10894211
Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2016
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control
I HAVE PROBLEM WITH TRANSMMITION SHIFTING 1ST TO SECOND CHANGES AT 3000RPM BUT WHEN I CHANGE PARK TO DRIVE SHAKES MOTOR BAD , ONE OF THE WIRES START SMOKING I LIKE I PUT TAPE AROUND WIRED BURND. TEMPERATURE IT DOESN'T SHOW BUT WHEN I OPEN THE HOOD THE CAR IS VERY HOT EVERY TIME I TRIED DRIVING IT AT FREEWAY OVERDRIVE LIGHT S…
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I HAVE PROBLEM WITH TRANSMMITION SHIFTING 1ST TO SECOND CHANGES AT 3000RPM BUT WHEN I CHANGE PARK TO DRIVE SHAKES MOTOR BAD , ONE OF THE WIRES START SMOKING I LIKE I PUT TAPE AROUND WIRED BURND. TEMPERATURE IT DOESN'T SHOW BUT WHEN I OPEN THE HOOD THE CAR IS VERY HOT EVERY TIME I TRIED DRIVING IT AT FREEWAY OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTS BLINKING I LIKE I PAID TO GET IT FIX AND STILL DOES THE SAME.
NHTSA ODI #10877025
98,000 miles · May 27, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH APPROACHING A STOP, THE VEHICLE IDLED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO TURN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH APPROACHING A STOP, THE VEHICLE IDLED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO TURN BACK ON AND BE ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA ODI #10871134
115,000 miles · Dec 18, 2015
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE FAILED AFTER THE CONTACT DROV…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE FAILED AFTER THE CONTACT DROVE FOR A COUPLE OF MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR AND FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) OR 04V421000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
NHTSA ODI #10811201
191,487 miles · Nov 22, 2015
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
1999 COUGAR BATTERY CONNECTION PROBLEMS OR SOMETHING FAULTY. SOMETIMES WHILE I'M DRIVING MY CAR JUST GOES DEAD. IT'S DONE THAT A LOT LATELY. I NOW HAVE A NEW BATTERY BUT THE SAME THING HAPPENS AND I'M SCARED WHEN IT HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY . TONIGHT I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND IT WENT DEAD! I HAD NO LIGHTS , I HAD NO TA…
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1999 COUGAR BATTERY CONNECTION PROBLEMS OR SOMETHING FAULTY. SOMETIMES WHILE I'M DRIVING MY CAR JUST GOES DEAD. IT'S DONE THAT A LOT LATELY. I NOW HAVE A NEW BATTERY BUT THE SAME THING HAPPENS AND I'M SCARED WHEN IT HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY . TONIGHT I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND IT WENT DEAD! I HAD NO LIGHTS , I HAD NO TAIL LIGHTS,NO HEAD LIGHTS ,NO BLINKERS AND NO EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND THE CAR CLOSE BEHIND ME HAD TO SLAM ON BREAKS CAUSE THERE WAS NO EMERGENCY LANE, NO SIDE OF THE ROAD JUST A GUARD RAIL! I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD . BRAND NEW BATTERY JUST GOES DEAD LIKE IT DID MANY TIMES ON THE OLDER BATTERY IT'S NOT THE ALTERNATOR EITHER...SOMETHING IS NOT MAKING A CONNECTION. I'M GONNA END UP SQUASHED, DEAD CAUSE ON A FREEWAY AT NIGHT WHEN THE CAR DIES EVERYTHING DIES: LIGHTS,TAIL LIGHTS AND EMERGENCY LIGHTS IF IM IN THE DARK NO ONE WOULD SEE ME IN TIME TO STOP IF IM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.
NHTSA ODI #10795276
175,000 miles · Jun 11, 2015
StructureUnknown Or Other
I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY CAR WASHED AND RUST PROOFED DURING THE WINTER EVER 2 WEEKS. LAST DECEMBER THE PAINT UNDER THE BOTTOM OF BOTH THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER DOORS STARTED HAVING THE PAINT BUBBLE UP ON BOTH ROCKER PANELS. IT STARTED BUBBLING UP THEN CURLING AND THE PAIN STARTED COMING OFF. IVE SEEN MANY OTHER COUGARS WITH THIS SAM…
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I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY CAR WASHED AND RUST PROOFED DURING THE WINTER EVER 2 WEEKS. LAST DECEMBER THE PAINT UNDER THE BOTTOM OF BOTH THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER DOORS STARTED HAVING THE PAINT BUBBLE UP ON BOTH ROCKER PANELS. IT STARTED BUBBLING UP THEN CURLING AND THE PAIN STARTED COMING OFF. IVE SEEN MANY OTHER COUGARS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND FEEL IT IS DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE PAINT THAT WAS USED OR SOMETHING MISSING FROM THE PAINT JOB THAT WAS DONE
NHTSA ODI #10724832
175,000 miles · Jun 11, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: (MANAGEMENT) I WAS DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND WAS HONKED AT BY ANOTHER DRIVER WHO TOLD ME THAT MY BRAKES LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I HAD A FRIEND OF MINE THAT IS A CERTIFIED REPAIR PERSON LOOK AT IT AND HE SAID IT WASN'T THE LIGHT OR THE FUSE OR THE BRAKE SWITCH UNDER THE PEDAL AND THAT HE WAS 9…
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TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: (MANAGEMENT) I WAS DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND WAS HONKED AT BY ANOTHER DRIVER WHO TOLD ME THAT MY BRAKES LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I HAD A FRIEND OF MINE THAT IS A CERTIFIED REPAIR PERSON LOOK AT IT AND HE SAID IT WASN'T THE LIGHT OR THE FUSE OR THE BRAKE SWITCH UNDER THE PEDAL AND THAT HE WAS 95% SURE IT WAS THE STOP LAMP EXTENSION HARNESS THAT HAS BRONZE TERMINALS AT THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH CONNECTOR. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 2004 AND UNDER A RECALL HAD THE BLOWER SWITCH RESISTOR REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE REASON THE RECALLS FOR THIS CAR ARE NOT SHOWING UP IS BECAUSE THE RECALLS ARE MORE THAN 15 YEARS OLD & THEY DON'T KEEP TRACK AFTER THAT. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR BEFORE BUT I HAVE HAD OVER $9,000 WORTH OF REPAIRS ON IT SINCE I'VE OWNED IT NOT INCLUDING THE NORMAL OIL CHANGES AND TUNE UP. I THINK FORD NEEDS TO APPROVE THIS FOR THE RECALL CONSIDERING THEY KNEW HOW MANY THINGS WERE WRONG WITH THE COUGARS AND THAT'S WHY THEY DON'T MAKE THEM ANYMORE... NOT A SATISFIED CUSTOMER WITH A FORD PRODUCT! FIRST & LAST FORD PRODUCT I WILL EVER OWN IF THIS ISN'T FIXED TO MY SATISFACTION. THANK-YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10724828
Official recalls
7Aug 30, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT NO CHARGE IF THE OWNER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS ANY OF THE IDENTIFIED SYMPTOMS. THE FREE REPLACEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO MILEAGE LIMIT. THE CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON APRIL 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Jul 9, 2001
ON CERTAIN MY 1996-1998 PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY, CUAUTITLAN ASSEMBLY PLANTS OR ON MY 1999 PASSENGER VEHCLES BUILT AT THE AUTOMOTIVE ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY PLANTS, THE ROUGH SURFACE OF THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR'S STAINLESS STEEL BLADES CAN DAMAGE THE COPPER SURFACE OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR. THE DAMAGE COULD, OVER TIME, CAUSE INCREASED RESISTANCE IN THE CONNECTOR AND, DUE TO SUBSEQUENT TERMINAL RELAXATION, RESULT IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND A NEW WIRE JUMPER HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 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 1-800-392-3673.
Feb 6, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L V6 ENGINES. THE BATTERY CABLE WAS MISROUTED AND ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE ALTERNATOR CABLE WAS UNDER-TORQUED. IF MISROUTED, THE CABLE COULD CONTACT THE POWER STEERING LINE AND THE INSULATION COULD WEAR, RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE SHORT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE, STALLING, OR A NO-START CONDITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY CABLE TO THE ALTERNATOR FOR DAMAGE AND, IF IT IS DAMAGED, WILL REPLACE THE CABLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE ROUTING OF THE CABLE WILL BE CORRECTED, AS NECESSARY, AND A ROUTING CLIP WILL BE ADDED. ALSO THE TORQUE ON THE ALTERNATOR ATTACHMENT OF THE CABLE WILL BE CHECKED AND, AS REQUIRED, WILL BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 22, 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 1-800-392-3673.
Feb 6, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH TERMINALS COULD OVERHEAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE EITHER A LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION OR CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED BRAKE LAMPS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW STOP LAMP EXTENSION HARNESS WITH BRONZE TERMINALS AT THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH CONNECTOR, AND ALSO INSPECT THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH FOR SIGNS OF OVERHEATING AND REPLACE, AS REQUIRED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 22, 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 1-800-392-3673.
Mar 9, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF BOTH PCRV'S MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING BRAKING AS A RESULT OF THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL IMPROVED PCRV'S IN THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED IN SEPTEMBER 2000 TO INCLUDE 1999 AND 2000 FORD CONTOUR, MERCURY MYSTIQUE AND COUGAR VEHICLES.
Aug 18, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DOOR LATCH MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A LATCH PAWL THAT HAS A COATING WHICH WILL SWELL IN HIGH HUMIDITY CONDITIONS. THE LATCH PAWL MAY THEN STICK IN THE OPEN OR UNLATCHED POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED. IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN THIS CONDITION, IT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN THE DOOR OPENING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SIDE DOOR LATCH.
Jul 20, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A BURR ON OR NEAR THE END OF THE CABLE SLEEVE INTERIOR. THIS BURR COULD FRAY THE CORE WIRE RESULTING IN THE ACCELERATOR NOT RETURNING TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗