NHTSA recall 98V-198 (98V198000)

seat belts recall reported August 25, 1998 - about 7,000 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 98V198000
Also written as: 98V-198
Reported: August 25, 1998
Vehicles affected: ~7,000
Component: seat belts

What is being recalled

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEAT TRACKS. THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHING STUD MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS HEAT TREATMENT MAY HAVE RESULTED IN CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE STUD.

Why it is dangerous

IF THE STUD IS CRACKED, IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MOUNTING BRACKET AND STUD ASSEMBLY.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 98V-198 when calling a dealer.

Affected 2 models

Ford Taurus - 1998, 1999

Mercury Sable - 1998, 1999

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.