Ford Recall 96V-007: Equipment – air conditioner

Affected: 1996 Ford Thunderbird, 1996 Mercury Cougar. Filed with NHTSA on January 16, 1996, covering about 10,600 vehicles.

The problem

Under certain conditions, the climate control blower does not operate as intended. The blower could (1) stick on "high;" (2) operate erratically with blower output varying between no blower and maximum blower; or (3) not operate at all due to malfunction of the temperature control module.

The risk

Blower malfunctions limiting or stopping output can adversely affect windshield defrosting and defogging performance increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.

The fix

Dealers will replace the semi-automatic temperature control modules with modules containing revised software.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign96V-007 (96V007000)
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
ComponentEquipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Report dateJanuary 16, 1996
Owners notifiedFebruary 21, 1996
Vehicles affected10,600
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the a/c & heater

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 96V-007 repair free?

Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the semi-automatic temperature control modules with modules containing revised software.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 10,600 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.