NOTICED MY TRUCK WAS SITTING CROOKED. TOOK IT TO REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE REPAIRED. ABOUT 2 HOURS AFTER I DROPPED IT OFF THE REPAIR SHOP CALLED MY PHONE AND ASKED ME TO COME TO THEIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE RUSTED SPRING SHACKLES AND RUSTED SPRING HANGERS AND THE RUSTED FRAME. THIS SHOP WOULD NOT PUT MY TRAILER HITCH BACK ON…
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NOTICED MY TRUCK WAS SITTING CROOKED. TOOK IT TO REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE REPAIRED. ABOUT 2 HOURS AFTER I DROPPED IT OFF THE REPAIR SHOP CALLED MY PHONE AND ASKED ME TO COME TO THEIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE RUSTED SPRING SHACKLES AND RUSTED SPRING HANGERS AND THE RUSTED FRAME. THIS SHOP WOULD NOT PUT MY TRAILER HITCH BACK ON BECAUSE HE SAID MY RUSTY FRAME WOULD NOT HOLD IT UP. I TOOK MY TRUCK BACK TO A FORD DEALER FOR THEM TO LOOK AT. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TRUCK WAS PAID FOR, WARRANTY WAS OUT AND AS FAR AS THEY WERE CONCERNED THE PROBLEM WAS MINE. I TRIED TO TELL THE DEALER THAT THIS DIDN,T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. HE DIDN,T CARE. I HAVE HAD PARTS OF THE FRAME PLATED SO IT WOULDN,T BREAK INTO. GAS TANK BRACKETS HAVE RUSTED OFF. MAIN FRONT CROSSMEMBER HAS RUST HOLES IN IT. THIS TRUCK WAS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD AND ITS JUNK. TRIED TO TRADE IT OFF AT A DEALER FIRST THING THEY LOOK AT IS THE FRAME. THE DEALERS KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRAMES RUSTING. AND MINE IS NOT THE ONLY ONE IN THE AREA WITH RUSTED FRAME PROBLEMS. MY SON HAS A 2004 FORD THATS ALMOST AS BAD AS MINE. I HAVE A 1955 FORD TRUCK THAT HAS A BETTER FRAME UNDER IT THAN MY 2001. SAD BUT TRUE. I TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF MY TRUCK FOR THOSE FIRST 7 YEARS BUT WHO CRAWLS UNDER THEIR CAR OR TRUCK TO CHECK FOR RUST. YOU EXPECT SOME BUT NOT TO THIS EXTENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10435101
95,000 miles · Nov 8, 2011
StructureSuspension
REAR LEAF SPRING HANGERS FAILED & SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME DUE TO CORROSION CAUSING THE LEAF SPRING TO DAMAGE THE BED OF THE TRUCK AS THE LEAF SPRING DROVE THROUGH THE SKIN OF THE TRUCK BED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10434860
84,000 miles · Aug 18, 2011
Structure
2001 FORD RANGER WITH 86866K. IN AROUND SEPT 2010 I HEARD A THUMP AND BANGING FROM THE BACK. UPON HOME I LOOKED UNDER I SAW THAT THE SHACKLE MOUNT ROTTED AND BROKE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT BREAK BUT NOT ANY BETTER THEN THE ONE THAT BROKE. I BOUGHT THE SHACKLE AND THE SHACKLE MOUNTS. AFTER I REMOVED THE SH…
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2001 FORD RANGER WITH 86866K. IN AROUND SEPT 2010 I HEARD A THUMP AND BANGING FROM THE BACK. UPON HOME I LOOKED UNDER I SAW THAT THE SHACKLE MOUNT ROTTED AND BROKE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT BREAK BUT NOT ANY BETTER THEN THE ONE THAT BROKE. I BOUGHT THE SHACKLE AND THE SHACKLE MOUNTS. AFTER I REMOVED THE SHACKLE MOUNT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE I SAW ROT THROUGH THE FRAME AS WELL HEAVY FLAKING RUST THRO-OUT THE ENTIRE FRAME. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID IN A NUT SHELL TOO BAD. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10420053
71,050 miles · Aug 17, 2011
Structure
REAR PORTION OF FRAME AND LEAF SPRING BRACKETS ROTTED FRAME HAS ROTTED THROUGH. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10419774
280,000 miles · Aug 10, 2011
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PLACING TAGS ON THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERLEY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER, NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PLACING TAGS ON THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERLEY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER, NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 280,000. UPDATED 09/15/11*LJ UPDATED 01/20/11
NHTSA ODI #10418370
Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2011
Structure
I HAVE A 2001 RANGER EDGE AND THE BUMPER MOUNTS . REAR SHACKLES AND SUPPORT PLATES THAT HOLD SHACKLE HAVE COMPLETELY RUSTED AND NOW THE SPRINGS ARE SITTING UP AGAINST THE BED OF THE TRUCK ALSO WHERE THE SUPPORT PLATE MOUNTS TO THE CHASSIS THERE ARE HUGE RUST HOLES SO IT CAN NOT BE REPAIRED . THIS TRUCK IS ONLY 10 YEARS OLD!!!!…
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I HAVE A 2001 RANGER EDGE AND THE BUMPER MOUNTS . REAR SHACKLES AND SUPPORT PLATES THAT HOLD SHACKLE HAVE COMPLETELY RUSTED AND NOW THE SPRINGS ARE SITTING UP AGAINST THE BED OF THE TRUCK ALSO WHERE THE SUPPORT PLATE MOUNTS TO THE CHASSIS THERE ARE HUGE RUST HOLES SO IT CAN NOT BE REPAIRED . THIS TRUCK IS ONLY 10 YEARS OLD!!!! WHAT CAN BE DONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10396635
57,000 miles · Feb 22, 2011
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE INFORMED WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS AND OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. A PRIVATE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FRAME COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE INFORMED WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS AND OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. A PRIVATE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FRAME COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 57,000.
NHTSA ODI #10384006
95,000 miles · Feb 15, 2011
Structure
THE FRAME ON MY 2001 FORD RANGER HAS ROTTED AWAY. IT HAS BEEN DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE BY MY STATE INSPECTION CENTER. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS TRUCK WITH MY CHILDREN IN IT AND IT HAS BEEN UNSAFE FOR QUITE A WHILE WITHOUT ME KNOWING IT.. IT ONLY HAS 95,000 MILES AND IS NOW UNUSABLE. IT IS THE TRUCK I USE FOR MY CARPENTRY WORK AND I…
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THE FRAME ON MY 2001 FORD RANGER HAS ROTTED AWAY. IT HAS BEEN DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE BY MY STATE INSPECTION CENTER. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS TRUCK WITH MY CHILDREN IN IT AND IT HAS BEEN UNSAFE FOR QUITE A WHILE WITHOUT ME KNOWING IT.. IT ONLY HAS 95,000 MILES AND IS NOW UNUSABLE. IT IS THE TRUCK I USE FOR MY CARPENTRY WORK AND I AM NOW OUT OF WORK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10382857
Mileage unknown · Dec 24, 2010
Structure
2001 FORD RANGER 4X4 EXTENDED CAB - FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT IN THE REAR AND HAS HOLES RUSTED THROUGH IN THE FRONT WHERE SUSPENSION PARTS ARE MOUNTED. FRAME RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY AT REAR SPRING MOUNTS THEY BROKE LOOSE WENT UP AND HIT BED ONE SIDE POKED HOLE IN BED. I CALLED FORD AND ASKED IF THEY WOULD DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT…
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2001 FORD RANGER 4X4 EXTENDED CAB - FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT IN THE REAR AND HAS HOLES RUSTED THROUGH IN THE FRONT WHERE SUSPENSION PARTS ARE MOUNTED. FRAME RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY AT REAR SPRING MOUNTS THEY BROKE LOOSE WENT UP AND HIT BED ONE SIDE POKED HOLE IN BED. I CALLED FORD AND ASKED IF THEY WOULD DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AS TOYOTA HAS RECENTLY RECALLED TRUCKS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT. IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING 70 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE WHEN THE REAR BRACKETS BROKE LOOSE SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS TOYOTA HAS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10372312
42,000 miles · Dec 7, 2010
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FRAME WAS CRACKED AND COMPLETELY RUSTED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED. ALSO, THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO A POTENTIAL SAFE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FRAME WAS CRACKED AND COMPLETELY RUSTED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED. ALSO, THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. UPDATED 01/31/11 *BF UPDATED 03/16/11
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND MINIVANS. EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS SUPPLIED BY TRW. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVER'S AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER'S OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT FULLY LATCH. FORD CROWN VICTORIA BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. LINCOLN TOWN CARS BUILT AT WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. LINCOLN NAVIGATORS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. FORD WINDSTARS BUILT AT OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. FORD RANGERS BUILT AT TWIN CITIES PLANT FROM 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, AND ALSO AT THE EDISON PLANT FROM 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. FORD F-150 TRUCK BUILT AT NORFOLK PLANT FROM 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; AT ONTARIO PLANT FROM 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; AT KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. FORD SUPER DUTY F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. FORD EXCURSIONS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. FORD EXPEDITIONS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE OCCUPANT PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLES AND IF THE BUCKLE FAILS THE INSPECTION PROCESS, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 25, 2001. 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 1-866-436-7332.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH STEEL HOODS AND CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SHEET MOLDING COMPOUND HOODS. A WIRE FORMED HOOD STRIKER COULD BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTURES. IF THE HOOD STRIKER FRACTURES, THE HOOD COULD FLY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A HOOD FLY-UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED COULD RESULT IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD STRIKER.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2001, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS USING A TEST TOOL THAT WOULD DETECT A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THE INSPECTION TEST FOR ONE OR BOTH FRONT BUCKLES.SUBSEQUENT TO THE RECALL SERVICE ACTION, ODI RECEIVED 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A PASSED INSPECTION BUCKLE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO LATCH OR INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED DURING USE.IN ADDITION, FORD HAS IDENTIFIED 543 OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING BUCKLE FAILURE SUBSEQUENT TO PASSING THE INSPECTION TEST.FORD TESTED AND EXAMINED OVER 100 WARRANTY-RETURNED BUCKLES AND FOUND THAT 44% OF THE BUCKLES HAD NO PROBLEM OR A CONDITION NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL INSPECTION (NON-LATCH RELATED BUCKLE DAMAGE OR FOREIGN CONTAMINATION).WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE HIGHEST DURING THE 18-MONTH PERIOD AFTER THE START OF THE RECALL (JULY 2001) AND HAVE BEEN DECLINING DURING THE PAST 24 MONTHS.OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, FORD HAS RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 12 WARRANTY CLAIMS PER MONTH OUT OF A VEHICLE POPULATION OF ABOUT ONE MILLION.COMPLAINTS COUNTS ARE ALSO DECREASING.DURING THE PAST SEVEN MONTHS, ODI HAS RECEIVED ONLY TWO COMPLAINTS. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seat Belts
DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2001, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS USING A TEST TOOL THAT WOULD DETECT A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THE INSPECTION TEST FOR ONE OR BOTH FRONT BUCKLES.SUBSEQUENT TO THE RECALL SERVICE ACTION, ODI RECEIVED 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A PASSED INSPECTION BUCKLE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO LATCH OR INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED DURING USE.IN ADDITION, FORD HAS IDENTIFIED 543 OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING BUCKLE FAILURE SUBSEQUENT TO PASSING THE INSPECTION TEST.FORD TESTED AND EXAMINED OVER 100 WARRANTY-RETURNED BUCKLES AND FOUND THAT 44% OF THE BUCKLES HAD NO PROBLEM OR A CONDITION NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL INSPECTION (NON-LATCH RELATED BUCKLE DAMAGE OR FOREIGN CONTAMINATION).WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE HIGHEST DURING THE 18-MONTH PERIOD AFTER THE START OF THE RECALL (JULY 2001) AND HAVE BEEN DECLINING DURING THE PAST 24 MONTHS.OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, FORD HAS RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 12 WARRANTY CLAIMS PER MONTH OUT OF A VEHICLE POPULATION OF ABOUT ONE MILLION.COMPLAINTS COUNTS ARE ALSO DECREASING.DURING THE PAST SEVEN MONTHS, ODI HAS RECEIVED ONLY TWO COMPLAINTS. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2001, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS USING A TEST TOOL THAT WOULD DETECT A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THE INSPECTION TEST FOR ONE OR BOTH FRONT BUCKLES.SUBSEQUENT TO THE RECALL SERVICE ACTION, ODI RECEIVED 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A PASSED INSPECTION BUCKLE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO LATCH OR INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED DURING USE.IN ADDITION, FORD HAS IDENTIFIED 543 OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING BUCKLE FAILURE SUBSEQUENT TO PASSING THE INSPECTION TEST.FORD TESTED AND EXAMINED OVER 100 WARRANTY-RETURNED BUCKLES AND FOUND THAT 44% OF THE BUCKLES HAD NO PROBLEM OR A CONDITION NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL INSPECTION (NON-LATCH RELATED BUCKLE DAMAGE OR FOREIGN CONTAMINATION).WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE HIGHEST DURING THE 18-MONTH PERIOD AFTER THE START OF THE RECALL (JULY 2001) AND HAVE BEEN DECLINING DURING THE PAST 24 MONTHS.OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, FORD HAS RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY 12 WARRANTY CLAIMS PER MONTH OUT OF A VEHICLE POPULATION OF ABOUT ONE MILLION.COMPLAINTS COUNTS ARE ALSO DECREASING.DURING THE PAST SEVEN MONTHS, ODI HAS RECEIVED ONLY TWO COMPLAINTS. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
RQ04011 · Front Seat Belt Buckle Assembly
Opened Oct 22, 2004 · Closed Feb 17, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN (01V227), FORD RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 1.3 MILLION VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE.APPROXIMATELY 1.1 MILLION OWNERS RESPONDED BY TAKING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE BUCKLE USING A SPECIALIZED BUCKLE TEST TOOL.FORD REPORTED THAT 829,927 VEHICLES HAD BOTH BUCKLES PASS THE TOOL TEST AND ANOTHER 167,336 VEHICLES HAD ONE BUCKLE PASS.ODI AND FORD RECEIVED COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE SHORTLY AFTER PASSING THE ORIGINAL RECALL INSPECTION SERVICE.COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED THAT THE BUCKLE FAILED BY EITHER NOT LATCHING OR FALSE-LATCHING (PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT OF THE LATCH TO THE LATCH PLATE).A FALSE-LATCHED BUCKLE MAY RELEASE WITH MINOR MOVEMENT OR IMPACT AGAINST THE BUCKLE HOUSING INCLUDING INADVERTENT RELEASE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.ODI IS UPGRADING THIS RECALL QUERY TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-004) TO FURTHER ANALYZE THE FIELD PERFORMANCE OF THOSE VEHICLES THAT FORD DEALERS PASSED (ONE OR BOTH BUCKLES) USING FORD'S INSPECTION TEST (997,263 VEHICLES).
2001 Ford Ranger Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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