The problem
Vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, montana, north dakota, minnesota, wisconsin, michigan (upper peninsula), new york, maine, vermont, and new hampshire. Operation at highway speeds during extreme cold, northern climate winter conditions, can result in ice forming in the throttle body of the engine.
The risk
This ice can cause the throttle plate to remain in the highway cruising position after the accelerator is released or the speed control is deactivated. Under such conditions, the vehicle stopping distances would be increased possibly resulting in an accident.
The fix
Dealers will install a foam insulating sleeve on the line from the pcv to the hose fitting on the throttle plate.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 96V-251 (96V251000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 96S59 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Vehicle speed control |
| Report date | December 18, 1996 |
| Owners notified | January 15, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 22,000 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the speed control & acceleration
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 96V-251 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a foam insulating sleeve on the line from the pcv to the hose fitting on the throttle plate.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 22,000 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.