NHTSA recall 96V-253 (96V253003)

exterior lighting recall reported August 17, 1998 - about 72,940 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 96V253003
Also written as: 96V-253
Reported: August 17, 1998
Vehicles affected: ~72,940
Component: exterior lighting

What is being recalled

THE REAR LAMP SOCKET MAY NOT ILLUMINATE BECAUSE THE METAL CAN IN THE LAMP SOCKET MOVES OR SEPARATES FROM THE PLASTIC SOCKET HOUSING.

Why it is dangerous

THIS CAN RESULT IN MALFUNCTION OF THE STOP OR REAR RUNNING LAMPS. CENTER HIGH MOUNT STOP LAMP FUNCTION IS UNAFFECTED. REAR LAMP MALFUNCTION CAN RESULT IN FOLLOWING DRIVERS NOT BEING ALERTED TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLE'S PRESENCE OR INTENDED ACTIONS, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE IN WHICH BOTH LAMPS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED REAR LAMP SOCKET AND WIRING ASSEMBLIES.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 96V-253 when calling a dealer.

Affected 1 model

Mercury Villager - 1994, 1995

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.