The problem
Vehicle description: passenger mini vans equipped with automotive batteries supplied by gnb technologies. These batteries have a defective negative post that can cause acid leakage and related corrosion damage.
The risk
This condition can cause a catastrophic failure of the battery which could lead to an engine fire or battery explosion.
The fix
Dealers will replace these batteries. Until a new battery is obtained, owners should not attempt to "jump start" these batteries.
Contacts
Owner notification is expected to begin december 1, owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
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 Mercury dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 97V184001.
- 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.