NHTSA Recall 96V146000
Filed by Ford Motor Company. Component: Structure. Reported 1996-08-01. An estimated 200 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
THE CROSSMEMBER FRAME GUSSETS WERE INSTALLED WITH UNDERSIZED THREADED FASTENERS FOLLOWING A BREAKDOWN OF THE PRODUCTION RIVET GUN THAT IS GENERALLY USED. THIS GUSSET IS THE ATTACHMENT POINT FOR THE REAR STRAP OF THE MID-SHIP FUEL TANK.
Risk
THE SUBJECT FASTENERS CAN SEPARATE CAUSING IN THE REAR STRAP OF THE AFFECTED FUEL TANK TO BECOME DISCONNECTED. A LOOSE OR DISCONNECTED REAR STRAP ALLOWS THE FUEL TANK TO POSSIBLY CONTACT THE ROAD SURFACE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE FIRE.
What the manufacturer will do
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CROSSMEMBER GUSSET FASTENERS WITH THE SPECIFIED ALTERNATIVE FASTENERS (BOLTS).
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN AUGUST 26, 1996. NOTE: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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.