Ford Motor Company Aftermarket Trailer Hitch Recalls

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 00E013000
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Manufactured Begin Date: July 22nd, 1996
Manufactured End Date: December 31st, 1999

Defect Summary:
AFTERMARKET TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLIES. THE MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUT PLATES MAY BECOME LOOSE AND LOSE CLAMP LOAD, RESULTING IN A DISENGAGEMENT OF THE ATTACHING BOLTS FROM THE VEHICLE.

Consequence Summary:
IF THE OPERATOR DOES NOT NOTICE THE CONDITION DUE TO RATTLE OR OTHER LOOSENESS OF THE TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE TRAILER HITCH TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Corrective Summary:
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLIES TO RETURN THEIR HITCHES TO THE DEALERS TO REPLACE THE MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUT PLATES WITH A HIGHER STRENGTH MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUT PLATES INSTALLED AT A HIGHER TORQUE AND INCLUDING AN ADHESIVE PATCH.

Recall Notes:
PURCHASERS OF THIS AFTERMARKET TRAILER HITCH SHOULD CONTACT THEIR DEALER OR CALL FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, TO REGISTER WITH THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE RECALL.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).