2001 Ford ECONOLINE recalls

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN CREW VANS FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES, WHICH ARE DESIGNATED AS TRUCKS, ARE 5 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH THREE DESIGNATED SEATING POSITIONS IN THE SECOND ROW SEATS. THEY WERE BUILT WITHOUT CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORAGE BRACKETS IN THE CENTER POSITION OF THE SECOND ROW SEAT. ALSO THE OWNER GUIDES DO NOT ADDRESS THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORAGES IN THE CENTER SECOND ROW SEAT POSITION.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORAGES AT THE CENTER SECOND ROW SEATING POSITION, AND ALSO REPLACE THE VEHICLE OWNER GUIDES WITH NEW VERSIONS PROVIDING THE REQUIRED WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS. ELEVEN VEHICLES ARE AT DEALERSHIPS AND ASSEMBLY PLANT PERSONNEL WILL REPAIR THESE UNITS AT THE AFFECTED DEALERSHIPS. ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE RETURN OF THE ONE UNIT THAT HAD BEEN SOLD. NO OTHER OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED.

ON CERTAIN CUTAWAY CHASSIS CAB WITH THE SCHOOL BUS OPTION, TWO BRACKETS AND TWO OUTRIGGER MEMBERS ARE MISSING IN THE AREA OF THE FUEL TANK.

Consequence

THE BRACKETS AND OUTRIGGER MEMBERS ARE INTENDED TO ENHANCE CRASH PERFORMANCE.

Remedy

FORD WILL SEND TECHNICIANS TO THE OWNER'S LOCATION TO INSPECT AND ADD THE BRACKETS AND OUTRIGGERS AS REQUIRED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

FORD RECALL NO. 03S06.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.

Consequence

AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

FORD RECALL NO. 08S01.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.