The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the driver's side seat belt contacted the seat recliner during a 35 MPH ncap full-frontal barrier impact test.
The risk
The edge of the recliner mechanism caused a partial cut in the lap portion of the webbing. If the webbing is cut, it increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install an insert behind the driver side seat lower trim panel. Owner notification began June 21, 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-169 (02V169000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 02S38 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Seat belts › Front › Webbing |
| Report date | June 14, 2002 |
| Owners notified | June 21, 2002 |
| Vehicles affected | 15,355 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 02V-169 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install an insert behind the driver side seat lower trim panel. Owner notification began June 21, 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…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 15,355 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.