Exterior lighting: tail lightsRecall 96V-253 · 1994–1995 Mercury Villager
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall 96V-253 covers 72,940 1994–1995 Mercury Villager for a exterior lighting: tail lights problem, reported to NHTSA on August 17, 1998.
Source: NHTSA recall 96V253003 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
THE REAR LAMP SOCKET MAY NOT ILLUMINATE BECAUSE THE METAL CAN IN THE LAMP SOCKET MOVES OR SEPARATES FROM THE PLASTIC SOCKET HOUSING.
The risk
THIS CAN RESULT IN MALFUNCTION OF THE STOP OR REAR RUNNING LAMPS. CENTER HIGH MOUNT STOP LAMP FUNCTION IS UNAFFECTED. REAR LAMP MALFUNCTION CAN RESULT IN FOLLOWING DRIVERS NOT BEING ALERTED TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLE'S PRESENCE OR INTENDED ACTIONS, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE IN WHICH BOTH LAMPS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED.
The fix
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED REAR LAMP SOCKET AND WIRING ASSEMBLIES.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 4, 1998. 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 (-1888-327-4236).
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 April 15, 1994 to September 15, 1996. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.