Ford Taurus: Seats and Restraints

Affects Ford Taurus · 1998–1999 — about 308 vehicles.

The hazard

THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHING STUD THAT MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS HEAT TREATING MAY HAVE RESULTED IN CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE STUD. IF THE STUD IS CRACKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF OCCUPANT RESTRAINT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: SEAT BELT BUCKLE MOUNTING BRACKET AND STUD ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

What to do

Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.

Critical — crash/injury risk now High — injury risk; see remedy Moderate — fix at next service Low — minor / informational