The problem
On certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, the front coil springs could fracture due to corrosion associated with salt used on the roadways during the winter. A fractured spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire.
The risk
If this occurs, the tire May rupture resulting in a rapid air loss, which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install protective spring shields. In addition, Ford is extending the warranty coverage of the front coil springs in all other states, for fracture only, up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. If the vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until July 31, 2005. If either front coil spring fractures, dealers will replace both front springs at no charge to the owner. An interim notice was sent to owners on August 2, 2004. Parts are now available for the 2000-2001 my vehicles and owners were sent a letter on January 10, 2005, advising them to bring in their vehicles for repair parts are expected to be available for the 1999 my vehicles by the end of February 2005 and owners of these vehicles will be notified then. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 04V-332 (04V332000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 04S17 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs |
| Report date | July 15, 2004 |
| Owners notified | January 10, 2005 |
| Vehicles affected | 899,060 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the suspension
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 04V-332 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install protective spring shields. In addition, Ford is extending the warranty coverage of the front coil springs in all other states, for fracture only, up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 899,060 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.