The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The door latch May have been manufactured with a latch pawl that has a coating which will swell in high humidity conditions. The latch pawl May then stick in the open or unlatched position.
The risk
The door would not latch when closed. If the vehicle is driven in this condition, it could potentially result in the door opening while the vehicle is in motion.
The fix
Dealers will install a revised side door latch.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 99V-226 (99V226000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 99S22 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch |
| Report date | August 18, 1999 |
| Owners notified | September 29, 1999 |
| Vehicles affected | 10,011 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the locks & latches
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 99V-226 repair free?
Yes. Mercury dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a revised side door latch.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 10,011 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.