Front: buckle assemblyRecall 00V-338 · 2001 Mercury Villager
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall 00V-338 covers 2,500 2001 Mercury Villager for a front: buckle assembly problem, reported to NHTSA on October 26, 2000.
Source: NHTSA recall 00V338001 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE THE PLASTIC TRIM COVER AROUND THE BASE OF THE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE TRAPPED BETWEEN THE SHOULDER OF THE RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE BOLT AND THE SEAT PEDESTAL. THIS COULD EVENTUALLY ALLOW THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BOLT TO LOOSEN.
The risk
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE OCCUPANT SEATED IN THAT LOCATION MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY ATTACHMENT. SOME BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES MAY REQUIRE REPLACEMENT.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 15, 2000.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 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from September 25, 2000 to October 11, 2000. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.