Recall 98V-323: 1986–1995 Ford Taurus, 1988–1994 Lincoln Continental and 1 more

FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall for structure, reported to NHTSA on Dec 16, 1998, covering about 2,697,000 vehicles.

NHTSA number
98V-323
Report date
Dec 16, 1998
Vehicles affected
2,697,000
Owners notified
Jan 18, 1999

The problem

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virgnia, and wisconsin. The rear lower subframe mount plate nut can experience stress corrosion cracking if subjected to long term exposure to road salts. This can result in fracture and loss of the structural integrity of the subframe mount attachment. Detachment of the body mounts at the rear corners of the subframe, which supports the engine and transmission, allows the rear corners of the subframe to drop.

The risk

If both rear corners drop, steering would become suddenly very difficult, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plates, and plate nuts.

Notes

Note:this recall campaign supercedes recall campaign 93v-106.owner notification is expected to begin january 18, 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).

Recall details

ManufacturerFORD MOTOR COMPANY
ComponentStructure › Frame and Members
Recall started byNHTSA (Office of Defects Investigation)
NHTSA campaign number98V323000

Vehicles in this recall

VehicleModel years
Ford Taurus1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995All years
Lincoln Continental1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994All years
Mercury Sable1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995All 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-323?

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virgnia, and wisconsin. The rear lower subframe mount plate nut can experience stress corrosion cracking if subjected to long term exposure to road salts. This can result in fracture and loss of the structural integrity of the subframe mount attachment. Detachment of the body mounts at the rear corners of the subframe, which supports the engine and transmission, allows the rear corners of the subframe to drop.

How is recall 98V-323 fixed?

Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plates, and plate nuts.

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.