Recall 98V-198: 1998–1999 Ford Taurus, 1998–1999 Mercury Sable

FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall for seat belts, reported to NHTSA on Aug 25, 1998, covering about 7,000 vehicles.

NHTSA number
98V-198
Report date
Aug 25, 1998
Vehicles affected
7,000
Owners notified
Sep 4, 1998

The problem

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual seat tracks. The front seat belt buckle attaching stud may have been improperly heat treated. This heat treatment may have resulted in cracks developing in the stud.

The risk

If the stud is cracked, in the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.

The fix

Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle mounting bracket and stud assembly.

Notes

Owner notification began september 4, 1998.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).

Recall details

ManufacturerFORD MOTOR COMPANY
ComponentSeat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Recall started bythe manufacturer
NHTSA campaign number98V198000

Vehicles in this recall

VehicleModel years
Ford Taurus1998, 1999All years
Mercury Sable1998, 1999All 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 98V-198?

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual seat tracks. The front seat belt buckle attaching stud may have been improperly heat treated. This heat treatment may have resulted in cracks developing in the stud.

How is recall 98V-198 fixed?

Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle mounting bracket and stud assembly.

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.