WheelsRecall 92V-065 · Ford and Mercury vehicles

The problem

CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.

The risk

THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.

The fix

REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.

SYSTEM: STRUCTURE: STORAGE COMPARTMENTS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS (STATION WAGONS).NOTE: FORD WILL HAVE SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES OF THE NEW LATCH ASSEMBLIES AVAILABLETO BEGIN THE REPLACEMENT RECALL IN JULY, 1992. UNTIL THE LATCH ASSEMBLY ISREPLACED, FORD RECOMMENDS OWNERS LOCK THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT WHEN NOT IN USE.ALSO, FORD ADVISES THAT THE LATCH STRIKER CAN BE REMOVED TO DISABLE THE CURRENTLATCH UNTIL REVISED LATCH ASSEMBLIES ARE AVAILABLE.

Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.