NHTSA Recall 98V303000
Filed by Ford Motor Company. Component: Air Bags. Reported 1998-12-01. An estimated 20 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. THE CAST TOW HOOKS CHANGES THE CRASH PULSE OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACTS AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS NOT CALIBRATED TO THIS NEW CRASH PULSE WHICH MAY CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY IN LOWER SPEED IMPACTS THAN DESIGN INTENT.
Risk
UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
What the manufacturer will do
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAST TOW HOOKS WITH FORGED HOOKS.
Manufacturer campaign number: 98S34
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JANUARY 3, 1999.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 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).