The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the traction control option. The throttle cables were damaged during vehicle assembly leading to fraying or separation of the throttle cable.
The risk
This condition could prevent the engine from returning to idle.
The fix
Dealers will replace the throttle cable with a revised design that is less susceptible to bending or kinking during installation.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-225 (97V225000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Vehicle speed control › Cables |
| Report date | December 8, 1997 |
| Owners notified | January 13, 1998 |
| Vehicles affected | 38,000 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the speed control & acceleration
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-225 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the throttle cable with a revised design that is less susceptible to bending or kinking during installation.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 38,000 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.