NHTSA recall 96V-176 (96V176000)

power train recall reported September 18, 1996 - about 340,000 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 96V176000
Also written as: 96V-176
Reported: September 18, 1996
Vehicles affected: ~340,000
Component: power train

What is being recalled

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARK PAWL SHAFT MAY NOT BE FREE TO ROTATE AS INTENDED. IF THE PARK PAWL SHAFT DOES NOT ROTATE, IT WOULD PREVENT THE PARK PAWL FROM ENGAGING THE PARK GEAR WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS IN THE PARK POSITION.

Why it is dangerous

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS IF IN NEUTRAL WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE PARK POSITION.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PARK PAWL SHAFT ROTATION AND THOSE SHAFTS WITH RESTRICTED ROTATION WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SHORTER SHAFT THAT WILL NOT RESTRICT ROTATION.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 96V-176 when calling a dealer.

Affected 3 models

Ford Taurus - 1996

Lincoln Continental - 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.