Sable V6-232 3.8L (1988)
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Ford Motor Company is initiating a safety recall of certain 1986-92 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable station wagons. Ford has received a number of
reports that young children have locked themselves in the footwell area of the rear-facing third seat (or the underfloor storage compartment in Ford
Taurus and Mercury Sable station wagons not equipped with the optional third seat), apparently while playing-unattended in the vehicle. Once the
compartment is closed, it cannot be opened from the inside, and there is a danger of air deprivation, excessive heat and panic response to a child who
may have closed himself or herself in the compartment. Accordingly, Ford Motor Company has determined that a defect related to motor vehicle safety
exists.
Safety Hazard
Children may inadvertently lock themselves in the footwell area of the rear facing third seat or underfloor storage compartment if it is open or unlocked
while they are playing unattended in the vehicle.
WARNING
Until your vehicle can be modified, always keep the compartment cover closed, and lock it with the key, unless you are actively using the third seat or
storage compartment. Also, you should not leave young children unattended in your vehicle.
Corrective Action
Ford has designed a new type of latch for this compartment that will not close itself automatically. This latch also allows the cover to be pushed open
from inside the compartment unless it has been locked with the key after being closed. At no cost to you, your dealer will install a new latch in your
vehicle.
How long will it take?
Installation of the new design latch will require about one hour. However, due to service scheduling times, your dealer may need your car for one full
working day.
Call your dealer
To have the new type of latch installed, call your dealer. Ask for a service date and if parts are in stock.
If your dealer does not have the parts in stock, they can be ordered before scheduling your service date. Parts would be expected to arrive within a week.
When you bring your car in, give the dealer this letter.
If you misplace this letter, your dealer will still do the work, free of charge.
Changed address or sold the Car?
If you have, please fill out enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us.
If the dealer doesn't make the repair promptly and without charge, you may contact the Ford Customer Assistance Center, 300 Renaissance Center, P. 0.
Box 43360, Detroit, Michigan 48243. You also may send a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400
Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline 1-800-424-9393 (Washington D.C. area residents may call
366-0123).
We regret the inconvenience this service may cause you, but we want you to have the work done for your safety and satisfaction with your Ford-built car.
