The problem
Certain trw driver's side seat belts manufactured on december 6 and 9, 2002, for use as replacement equipment for 1997 ford escort 4-door and station wagon platform vehicles, ford's p/n f7cz54611b09aac. The seat belt assemblies exhibit a no-lock condition which does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, Seat belt assemblies.
The risk
In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate protection to the seat occupant, which may increase the risk of personal injury.
The fix
Trw will notify the customers who purchased the replacement seat belt assemblies free of charge. The recall began on august 27, 2004.
Contacts
This recall only pertains to service replacement equipment for use in 1997-2003 model year ford escort and mercury tracer 4-door and station wagon vehicles and has no relation to any original equipment installed in ford vehicles by ford motor company. For more information customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Ford, Mercury dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 04E048000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.