The problem
The seat elt anchorage attachments are missing or misinstalled on these vehicles.
The risk
A loose fastener can eventually detach and would not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a vehicle accident.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the seat belt anchorage attachments.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 96V-256 (96V256000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Seat belts › Front › Anchorage |
| Report date | December 27, 1996 |
| Owners notified | January 15, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 133,000 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 96V-256 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the seat belt anchorage attachments.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 133,000 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.