The problem
The rivets holding the rear outboard belt d-rings were not heat treated properly causing the heads of the rivets to fracture under load and fail to hold the d-rings to the straps. This does not conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
The risk
Consequence of non-compliance: this condition can reduce the restraining capabilities of the safety belt in the event of an accident.
The fix
Dealers will install a reinforcement plate on the rear outboard seat belt assembly anchorages involved in this campaign.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 96V-045 (96V045000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Seat belts › Front › Anchorage |
| Report date | March 5, 1996 |
| Owners notified | April 24, 1996 |
| Vehicles affected | 49,000 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 96V-045 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a reinforcement plate on the rear outboard seat belt assembly anchorages involved in this campaign.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 49,000 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.