The problem
The portion of the roof above frame (rail) to which the shoulder belt is anchored may have a slot that can compromise the strength of the shoulder belt anchor under certain severe loads. (The suspect area is not visible.) Consequently, some vehicles included in this recall may not meet the 3000 pound anchorage strength requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages".
The fix
The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, reinforce the roof rail inner panel surrounding the drainage hole at no cost to owner.
Contacts
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles; station wagon models only.System: interior systems; front upper torso restraint (shoulder belt)anchorage.Consequences of defect: in very severe front end collisions, the protectionafforded front seat occupants may be reduced.Note: this recall should in no way discourage the use of the belts prior tohaving the defect corrected.
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 83V013000.
- 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.