Ford Ranger Recalled

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in February 2001 and urged consumers to have the problems fixed promptly. The list identifies the make and model of the vehicle or equipment involved, with a brief description of the safety problem. NHTSA said it is publicizing the recalls to alert consumers about safety problems and encourages them to take action. Under federal law, safety problems must be remedied without cost to consumers. Currently, 72 percent of the owners of vehicles with safety problems have the recall work performed. NHTSA said manufacturers are required to mail a recall notice to all purchasers, owners and dealers when a safety defect or noncompliance with federal safety standards is found. The agency urges owners to wait until they receive notification from the manufacturer before contacting their dealers to schedule the repair work. Not all vehicles of a particular make and model may be subject to the recall. Consumers can get up-to-the-minute information on safety recall campaigns, or information on the recall history of a particular make and model of car, truck, motorcycle, or child safety seat, by calling the agency toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236), or by accessing NHTSA on the Internet at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov.. The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.

Ford Motor Company

Models: Ford Ranger Years: 1998-2000

Number Involved: 1,260

Dates of Manufacture: October 1997 - July 2000

Defect: The recalled vehicles are electric-powered pickup trucks. If the transaxle attaching bolts begin to loosen, the driver could notice a jerking motion and/or a clunking sound. If not serviced promptly, all nine bolts could ultimately fall out or fracture, and the transaxle could drop. If the transaxle drops, the vehicle may no longer be in the gear indicated. If this occurs, the shift lever could be put into APark@ and the vehicle would still be free to roll as if in ANeutral.@ Remedy: Dealers will replace the mounting bolts with longer bolts that include a thread lock material. When installed, the new bolts will be tightened to a higher torque. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin on March 20, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V062/Ford Recall No. 01S07]