NHTSA recall 96V-186 (96V186000)

What is being recalled

WATER INTRUSION INTO THE KICK PANEL AREAS IN FRONT OF BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS CAN CAUSE A CORROSION PATH BETWEEN THE BATTERY FEED AND THE ELECTRICAL GROUND.

Why it is dangerous

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT LEADING TO IGNITION AND COMBUSION OF THE PLASTICS IN THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE 25 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKERS WITH 25 AMP FUSES IN THE FUSE BLOCK; REMOVE A TEMPORARY PAPER FUSE-BLOCK COVER; INSTALL A PLASTIC SHIELD OVER THE FUSE BLOCK; REPLACE AND REORIENT THE POWER DOOR LOCK RELAY (IF EQUIPPED); INSPECT THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY MODULE (IF EQUIPPED) FOR SIGNS OF CORROSION, REPLACE IF CORRODED, AND REORIENT IT; AND APPLY ADDITIONAL BODY SEALER IN KEY AREAS.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 96V-186 when calling a dealer.

Affected 5 models

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