The problem
Vehicle description: minivan equipped with second row bench seats with optional integrated child seat (ics). The headrest lockout mechanism on the seats May not engage and lock the headrests in the "down" position, as intended, when the ics is deployed. A vehicle occupant could move the headrest to the "up" position.
The risk
As a result of the headrest being in the "up" position, a child seated in the ics would receive less than the intended protection in the child head area in the event of a crash.
The fix
The second row bench seats have been replaced with seats built with revised headrest lockout mechanisms.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-051 (97V051000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Child seat |
| Report date | April 1, 1997 |
| Owners notified | February 5, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 202 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the other / not specified
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-051 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: The second row bench seats have been replaced with seats built with revised headrest lockout mechanisms.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 202 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.