The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the upper and lower control arms may have casting imperfections at the end of each arm that may result in the arm fracturing.
The risk
Under certain circumstances the fracture may affect vehicle handling characteristics, which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the front and rear upper and lower control arms and fasteners. Beginning december 15, 2004, ford contacted customers by telephone to advise them of this condition and request that they not operate their vehicles until this service action has been performed. The recall owner notification mailing began on january 14, 2005. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Contacts
Ford recall no. 04S26. Customers can also 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 dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 04V604000.
- 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.