The problem
In some minivans, water and other contaminants (dirt, salt, etc.) can enter into the right rear passenger compartment due to a missing body sealer.
The risk
This could cause a short circuit in the electrical connector at the rear wire harness. A short circuit can lead to malfunctions of the rear lighting system, reverse park-aid system, or trailer tow electrical system. A sustained short circuit can result in melted connectors and potentially lead to a fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the electrical connector and surrounding area for absence of body sealing and corrosion. If corrosion is present, dealers will service the body gaps, repair corroded connectors, and apply a protective patch to the connector assembly and body hole. If corrosion is not present but the body sealer is missing, dealers will service the body gaps and apply a protective patch to the connector assembly and body hole. Owner notification began April 5, 2002. 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 1-866-436-7332.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 02V-072 (02V072000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 02S33 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Trailer hitches |
| Report date | March 11, 2002 |
| Owners notified | April 5, 2002 |
| Vehicles affected | 417,037 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the equipment & accessories
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 02V-072 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the electrical connector and surrounding area for absence of body sealing and corrosion. If corrosion is present, dealers will service the body gaps, repair corroded connectors, and apply a protective patch to the connector assembly and…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 417,037 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.