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Safety recall · 81V045000

Vehicle speed control Ford, Mercury recall

FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this recall to NHTSA on April 6, 1981. It covers about 21,000 vehicles across 2 model years listed below. The repair is free.

Campaign
81V045000
Reported
Apr 6, 1981
Vehicles
21,000
Area
Acceleration & cruise control

The problem

Fuel may possibly travel through the speed control vacuum lines and into the speed control actuation device (serv0). The fuel can damage seals in the actuator servo and allow vacuum leaks. Such a leak could activate the speed control without any action on the part of the driver. This would cause the vehicle to gradually accelerate.

The fix

The vacuum check valve and hose assembly will be replaced and the speed control servo will be replaced if it has been damaged.

Contacts

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with speed control option.System: equipment; speed control.Consequences of defect: increase in vehicle speed can be controlled by applyingthe brakes, however releasing the brakes will allow the problem to recur. Ifthe driver is inattentive to vehicle speed, the condition could result in anaccident.

What to do

  1. 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.
  2. Call a dealer. Any authorized Ford, Mercury dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 81V045000.
  3. Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
  4. Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.

Vehicles covered

VehicleComplaintsRecallsGrade
1981 Ford Escort010F
1981 Mercury Lynx010D

Questions

Is the 81V045000 recall repair free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to fix safety recalls free of charge. FORD MOTOR COMPANY's dealers do the work; the remedy is described above.

How do I know if my vehicle is part of recall 81V045000?

Not every vehicle of a listed model year is included. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call a dealer with your VIN.

When was recall 81V045000 announced?

FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported it to NHTSA on April 6, 1981. Owners are usually notified by mail within about two months.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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