Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):

• FORD / CONTOUR 2000

• FORD / ESCORT 2000

• FORD / EXPLORER 2000

• FORD / F-150 2000

• FORD / RANGER 2000

• FORD / WINDSTAR 2000

• LINCOLN / TOWN CAR 2000

• MERCURY / MOUNTAINEER 2000

• MERCURY / MYSTIQUE 2000

• MERCURY / VILLAGER 2000

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY 

Report Receipt Date: AUG 18, 2000

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 00V228001 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SEAT BELTS

Potential Number of Units Affected: 144,435

Summary:

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.

Notes:

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).