The problem
The shoulder belt pin connector plastic sleeves which were injection molded can have surface imperfections or discontinuities at the point at which thermal plastic is injected into mold and where flow diverges to fill both sides of the ring. If the condition exists and the sleeve breaks away from the pin, the shoulder belt will not remain engaged to the seat belt buckle.
The risk
If the shoulder belt is separated from the seat beltbuckle, the shoulder belt will not properly protect seat occupants in the eventof a suddent stop or accident.
The fix
Replace the shoulder belt pin connector plastic sleeve with neoprene retainers.
Contacts
System: interior; safety belts.Vehicle description: passenger cars and light trucks.
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, Lincoln, Mercury dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 72V160000.
- 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.