The problem
This is not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of new york, michigan, ohio, illinois, wisconsin, pennsylvania, massachusetts, indiana, new jersey, maine, connecticut, new hampshire, rhode island, vermont, minnesota, iowa, missouri, kentucky, maryland, delaware, and west virginia. Ford is providing an extended warranty through the year 2001 for replacement of fron tsprings due to fracture. The front coil springs can fracture as a result of corrosion in combination with small cracks in the springs.
The risk
The front tire could deflate due to a broken front coil spring contacting the tire, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
Customers with vehicles that have broken springs are to return their vehicle for spring replacement. Both springs will be replaced even if only one spring is fractured.
Contacts
Ford has decided to provide an extended warranty through the year 2001 for replacement of front springs due to fracture. Owners can contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
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 98I002000.
- 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.