Item Affected: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Date Announced: 10/26/2000
Description of Recall: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE THE PLASTIC TRIM COVER AROUND THE BASE OF THE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE TRAPPED BETWEEN THE SHOULDER OF THE RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE BOLT AND THE SEAT PEDESTAL. THIS COULD EVENTUALLY ALLOW THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BOLT TO LOOSEN.
Conequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE OCCUPANT SEATED IN THAT LOCATION MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Action Need To Fix It: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY ATTACHMENT. SOME BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES MAY REQUIRE REPLACEMENT.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 15, 2000. 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).