The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5l v6 engines. The battery cable was misrouted and its attachment to the alternator cable was under-torqued. If misrouted, the cable could contact the power steering line and the insulation could wear, resulting in an electrical short.
The risk
The short could potentially result in a fire, stalling, or a no-start condition.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the battery cable to the alternator for damage and, if it is damaged, will replace the cable. Additionally, the routing of the cable will be corrected, as necessary, and a routing clip will be added. Also the torque on the alternator attachment of the cable will be checked and, as required, will be tightened to specification. Owner notification began March 22, 2001. 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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 01V-031 (01V031000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 01S02 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables |
| Report date | February 6, 2001 |
| Owners notified | March 22, 2001 |
| Vehicles affected | 120,000 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the electrical system
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 01V-031 repair free?
Yes. Mercury dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the battery cable to the alternator for damage and, if it is damaged, will replace the cable. Additionally, the routing of the cable will be corrected, as necessary, and a routing clip will be added.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 120,000 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.