NHTSA recall 98V-009 (98V009000)

exterior lighting recall reported January 21, 1998 - about 506,000 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 98V009000
Also written as: 98V-009
Reported: January 21, 1998
Vehicles affected: ~506,000
Component: exterior lighting

What is being recalled

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHTS CAN FLASH INTERMITTENTLY AS A RESULT OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING. THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS CAN GO OUT FOR BRIEF INTERVALS.

Why it is dangerous

LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION CAN AFFECT A DRIVER'S ABILITY TO NAVIGATE THE ROADWAY AND REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH THAT INCORPORATES A CRICUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR AND WIRING, IF NEEDED.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 98V-009 when calling a dealer.

Affected 4 models

Ford Taurus - 1993, 1994

Lincoln Continental - 1993, 1994

Lincoln Mark Viii - 1993, 1994

Mercury Sable - 1993, 1994

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.