NHTSA recall 12V-194 (12V194000)
suspension recall reported May 3, 2012 - about 23,000 vehicles affected.
- NHTSA campaign number
- 12V194000
- Also written as
- 12V-194
- Manufacturer number
- 11S16
- Reported
- May 3, 2012
- Vehicles affected
- ~23,000
- Component
- suspension
What is being recalled
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA. CORROSION-RELATED FRACTURES OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKETS AND BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS MAY OCCUR.
Why it is dangerous
A SEPARATION OF A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKET MAY RESULT IN A LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATION. A SEPARATION OF BOTH FRONT SUBFRAME REAR BODY MOUNTS MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. EITHER CONDITION COULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix (free at any franchised dealer)
DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR ATTACHING BRACKETS AND BOTH BODY MOUNT ATTACHMENTS AT THE REAR OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 12V-194 when calling a dealer.
Affected 1 model
Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.
Source: NHTSA recall campaign data (public domain), refreshed weekly. See also the latest recall campaigns.