Component
SEAT BELTS
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The seat belt buckle in your vehicle is the part that holds the seat belt tight in a crash. Unfortunately, some of these buckles weren't made to withstand extreme forces, which could make them fail in a collision.
Risk if Unfixed
If the buckle fails in a crash, you or your passengers might not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your dealer will inspect your seat belt buckle and replace it with a new, safer one for free. Check your owner's manual for the agreed upon service date and schedule the repair as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 2000. 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.
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Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →