NHTSA recall 96V-016 (96V016000)

service brakes, hydraulic recall reported January 25, 1996 - about 76,500 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 96V016000
Also written as: 96V-016
Reported: January 25, 1996
Vehicles affected: ~76,500
Component: service brakes, hydraulic

What is being recalled

THE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR LAMP SWITCH CAN MALFUNCTION. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Why it is dangerous

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE SWITCH MALFUNTIONS, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP WILL EITHER REMAIN ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY OR FAIL TO LIGHT AS INTENDED WHEN THE FLUID LEVEL FALLS TO A CERTAIN LEVEL. IN EITHER CASE, THE VEHICLE OPERATOR WOULD NOT BE WARNED OF A LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL CONDITION.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR LAMP SWITCHES.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 96V-016 when calling a dealer.

Affected 2 models

Ford Taurus - 1996

Mercury Sable - 1996

Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.

Is YOUR car included? A campaign rarely covers every single vehicle of a model year. Check your exact car by its 17-character VIN with the free VIN decoder and recall check.

Source: NHTSA recall campaign data (public domain), refreshed weekly. See also the latest recall campaigns.