NHTSA recall 96V-166 (96V166000)

power train recall reported September 5, 1996 - about 40,000 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 96V166000
Also written as: 96V-166
Reported: September 5, 1996
Vehicles affected: ~40,000
Component: power train

What is being recalled

THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK.

Why it is dangerous

UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 96V-166 when calling a dealer.

Affected 4 models

Ford Taurus - 1996, 1997

Ford Windstar - 1996

Lincoln Continental - 1997

Mercury Sable - 1996, 1997

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.