NHTSA INVESTIGATION: FORD FREESTAR, MERCURY MONTEREY

Vehicle Make / Model/ Year(s):
FORD / FREESTAR 2004
MERCURY / MONTEREY 2004

Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY

NHTSA Action Number : PE11039
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Component(s) :
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
STRUCTURE:BODY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Date Investigation Opened : December 21, 2011
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
The stowable third-row seat is secured to the vehicle by two latches or anchors on each side of the seat cushion and also by two hinges/supports on the rear face of the seat cushion. The side anchors are mounted to the rear wheel wells. ODI has received seven complaints on model year 2004 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles which were in use in salt-belt states. The complaints allege that the rear wheel wells were severely corroded with some complaints indicating that an anchor mount completely detached from the vehicle. An investigation has been opened to assess the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.