Child seatRecall 97V-051 · 1998 Ford Windstar
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall 97V-051 covers 202 1998 Ford Windstar for a child seat problem, reported to NHTSA on April 1, 1997.
Source: NHTSA recall 97V051000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVAN EQUIPPED WITH SECOND ROW BENCH SEATS WITH OPTIONAL INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT (ICS). THE HEADREST LOCKOUT MECHANISM ON THE SEATS MAY NOT ENGAGE AND LOCK THE HEADRESTS IN THE "DOWN" POSITION, AS INTENDED, WHEN THE ICS IS DEPLOYED. A VEHICLE OCCUPANT COULD MOVE THE HEADREST TO THE "UP" POSITION.
The risk
AS A RESULT OF THE HEADREST BEING IN THE "UP" POSITION, A CHILD SEATED IN THE ICS WOULD RECEIVE LESS THAN THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE CHILD HEAD AREA IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The fix
THE SECOND ROW BENCH SEATS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH SEATS BUILT WITH REVISED HEADREST LOCKOUT MECHANISMS.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:ALL OWNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND THE SEATS HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
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 January 20, 1997 to January 29, 1997. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.