The problem
The four rubber fuel line connector hoses that are supplied to Ford with the fuel tank assembly were improperly manufactured. These hoses can develop cracks or splits resulting in fuel leakage.
The risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly for the suspect date codes and replace the four rubber fuel connector hoses if necessary.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 96V-203 (96V203000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting |
| Report date | October 17, 1996 |
| Owners notified | October 25, 1996 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,300 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the fuel & propulsion system
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 96V-203 repair free?
Yes. Mercury dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly for the suspect date codes and replace the four rubber fuel connector hoses if necessary.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,300 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.