Ford Escape on NHTSA December 2003 Recall List
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Escape
Year: 2001
Number Potentially Involved: 132,243
Dates of Manufacture: October 1999 – May 2001
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, a post
within
the safety belt buckle covers could fracture, which could
affect latch function,
resulting in either a "no latch" or "partial latch" condition.
In the "partial
latch" condition, the buckle tongue can be inserted into the
buckle and appear
to be engaged, but will release from the buckle without the
push button being
depressed when a relatively low load is applied, such as when
an occupant
moves slightly in the seat. In the event of a crash, the seat
occupant may
not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will have the driver and front
passenger safety
belt buckle cover removed and replaced with a newly designed
service buckle
cover. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification
began on February 2,
2004. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.