The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the driver and/or passenger side air bag could deploy as a result of underbody impacts near the sensors, such as those occurring from pieces of gravel or debris thrown from the wheels while the vehicle is being operated at moderate to high speed or being accelerated.
The fix
Dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensors. Owner notification began March 31, 2003. Owners May contact Lincoln at 1-800-521-4140.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 03V-144 (03V144000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 03G01 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal |
| Report date | April 9, 2003 |
| Owners notified | March 31, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 43,459 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 03V-144 repair free?
Yes. Lincoln dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensors. Owner notification began March 31, 2003. Owners May contact Lincoln at 1-800-521-4140.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 43,459 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.