VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: UTILITY VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE "60/40" HINGED SIDE CARGO DOORS

Mar 15, 1999 — Recall Campaign #99V046000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: UTILITY VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE "60/40" HINGED SIDE CARGO DOORS. THE STRIKERS FOR THE 60/40 DOOR SINGLE LATCH SYSTEM WERE FOUND TO CONTAIN STRESS CRACKS AT THE STRIKER WIRE LOWER STAKE JOINT. STRIKERS WITH STRESS CRACKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."

The recall was influenced by the manufacturer with about 2,893 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

99V046000

Manufacturer:	Ford Motor Company
Recall date:	March 15, 1999
NHTSA Campaign #:	99V046000
Units affected:	2,893

Description:: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: UTILITY VANS EQUIPPED WITH THE "60/40" HINGED SIDE CARGO DOORS. THE STRIKERS FOR THE 60/40 DOOR SINGLE LATCH SYSTEM WERE FOUND TO CONTAIN STRESS CRACKS AT THE STRIKER WIRE LOWER STAKE JOINT. STRIKERS WITH STRESS CRACKS MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."
Consequeces:: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DOOR STRIKERS MAY NOT HOLD THE DOOR, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Corrective action:: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR STRIKER.
Notes:: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 7, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Affects the following:

1999 FORD E-150 Complaints
While turning into a parking space the bolts to the steering box sheared off with complete loss of steering. Further inspection showed severe cracking and loss of metal in the steering box area. After doing some searches I found that this is common issue in the E series vans. I did do a recall search and a CSA search to see about having this problem resolved safely by a certified shop. Unfortunately I haven't found any recall information on what is obviously a serious safety issue. Apparently the bolts shear off at low speeds while turning. The real concern is should one bolt only crack and not let the steering box become useless the vehical may be at highway speed when the failure does occour causing complete loss of control of the vehicle. I've read hundreds of emails on this subject and none had a resolution provided by the Ford Motor Company. I would think that something this critical would have been addressed by now. Concidering the recalls for comparatively much lesser safety issues. Thank you for reviewing this matter.;
1999 FORD E-250 Complaints
SPARK PLUG EJECTION WITH PLUG PARTS GOING INTO MOTOR AND PUTTING HOLE IN PISTON-THIS IS A WORK VAN-NO WAY TO ECONOMICALLY FIX IT. HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING 25MPH ON CITY STREET;
1999 FORD E-350 Complaints
The contact owns a 1999 Ford E-350 Jamboree equipped with Sailun Tires, Tire Line: Terramax H/T, Tire Size: 225/75/R16, DOT Number: (535PLE50). The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, there were pieces of the driver's side inside dual tire striking the underside of the vehicle and hitting the highway. The contact managed to drive the vehicle back to his residence. The contact stated that the tread had separated leaving only the steel belt and the side wall. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 80,000 and the tire failure mileage was 5,000.;
1999 FORD ECONOLINE Complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ECONO RV S-DUTY EQUIPPED WITH A SAMSUNG MICROWAVE, MODEL MR5493G. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO OVEN CIRCUIT RECALL NUMBER: 03E044400. A NEIGHBOR ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RV WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE MICROWAVE CAUSED THE FIRE AND SHE EXTINGUISHED IT WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN EXTENSIVE BURN ON HER LEG, BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. SAMSUNG ADVISED HER THAT THEY HAD NO PARTS TO REPAIR THE MICROWAVE ALTHOUGH IT WAS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO AUTHORIZED RV DEALERS IN HER AREA TO REPLACE THE MICROWAVE. THE MICROWAVE WAS THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT IN THE RV AND IT WAS MOUNTED ON THE CEILING OF THE RV. THE FIRE BURNED A HOLE IN THE CEILING AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CABINETS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT DRIVEN THE RV SINCE THE FIRE OCCURRED DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK AND THE HOLE IN THE CEILING. THE SERIAL AND PART NUMBERS WERE UNKNOWN. *TT;