Recall 95V-103: 1988–1991 Ford Festiva, 1987–1989 Mercury Tracer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall for seat belts, reported to NHTSA on Jun 27, 1995, covering about 265,000 vehicles.
The problem
The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
The risk
The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure that latch is securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer is developing a remedy designed to prevent failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.
Notes
System: interior; seat belts; belt buckles.vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with safety belts made by takata corporation.note: the 1987 through 1989 4-door mercury tracers involved in this recallcampaign were only sold in canada. No tracers sold in the united states are involved.note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed 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.
Recall details
| Manufacturer | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
|---|---|
| Component | Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly |
| Recall started by | NHTSA (Office of Defects Investigation) |
| NHTSA campaign number | 95V103011 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Vehicle | Model years | |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Festiva | 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 | All years |
| Mercury Tracer | 1987, 1988, 1989 | All years |
Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 95V-103?
The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
How is recall 95V-103 fixed?
Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure that latch is securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer is developing a remedy designed to prevent failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.