MERCURY COUGAR 1999: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

General Information

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 99V226000

Make Model Year
MERCURY COUGAR 1999
Date Owners Notified Date Received by ODI Date Added to Database
1999-09-29 1999-08-18 1999-08-30

Production Dates: 1998-09-09 - 1998-11-18

Manufacturers Involved: Ford Motor Company

Manufacturer Campaign Number: 99S22

Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Potential Number Of Units Affected: 10011

Report Initiator: MFR MFR Report

Summary

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DOOR LATCH MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A LATCH PAWL THAT HAS A COATING WHICH WILL SWELL IN HIGH HUMIDITY CONDITIONS. THE LATCH PAWL MAY THEN STICK IN THE OPEN OR UNLATCHED POSITION.

Consequence

THE DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED. IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN THIS CONDITION, IT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN THE DOOR OPENING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SIDE DOOR LATCH.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT '1-888-327-4236'.