14S02 – Front Subframe Crossbrace Installation – 2001-2004 Ford Escape

NHTSA

14V165

SUMMARY:

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Escape vehicles manufactured October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.

 

CONSEQUENCE:

A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

REMEDY:

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge.

The recall began on May 30, 2014.

Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Ford’s number for this recall is 14S02.

 

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Check if your Vehicle has a Recall

 

August 28, 2015

TO: All U.S.Ford and Lincoln Dealers

SUBJECT: Safety Recall 14S02 – Supplement #3
Certain 2001-2004 Model Year Escape Vehicles Operated in Corrosion States
Front Subframe Crossbrace Installation

REF: Safety Recall 14S02 – Supplement #2
Dated May 27, 2014

 

REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT

The purpose of this supplement is to update Special Service Support Center (SSSC) contact information, and to advise dealers to use the SSSC Web Contact Site instead of Digital Imaging.

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Certain 2001 through 2004 model year Escape vehicles built at the Kansas City Assembly plant from Job #1 2001 through Job Last 2004, and certain 2004 model year Escape vehicles built at the Ohio Assembly Plant from Job #1 2004 through Job Last 2004, and originally sold in, or currently registered in the following states:

Connecticut	Iowa	Minnesota	Ohio	Wisconsin
Delaware	Maine	Missouri	Pennsylvania
District of Columbia	Maryland	New Hampshire	Rhode Island
Illinois	Massachusetts	New Jersey	Vermont
Indiana	Michigan	New York	West Virginia

 

Affected vehicles are identified in OASIS.  In addition, for a list of vehicles assigned to your dealership, visit https://web.fsavinlists.dealerconnection.com.  This information will be available on April 3, 2014.

 

REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL

In some of the affected vehicles, a corrosion-related separation of the forward attachment of the lower control arm from the subframe may occur when vehicles are operated for an extended period in high-corrosion environments.  Separation of the lower control arm from the subframe may result in diminished vehicle directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

SERVICE ACTION

NOTE:  Vehicle inspections are no longer necessary.  Install a reinforcement crossbrace on all affected vehicles unless the forward attachment of the Lower Control Arm (LCA) has already separated.  Vehicles that have a subframe replaced under this recall due to separation do not require crossbrace installation.  

Dealers are to install a reinforcement crossbrace on the subframe so that steering control can be maintained in the event of a separation of the forward attachment of the LCA.

If the forward attachment of the LCA has already separated, provide the required information as indicated in Attachment III: Technical Information, to request approval to replace the subframe.  We have a limited supply of subframes available currently, and are working with our suppliers to obtain additional quantities.

These services must be performed on all affected vehicles at no charge to the vehicle owner.

 

OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING SCHEDULE

Owner Letters will be mailed the week of May 26, 2014.  Dealers should repair any affected vehicles that arrive at their dealerships, whether or not the customer has received a letter.

 

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment I: Administrative Information
Attachment II: Labor Allowances and Parts Ordering Information
Attachment III: Technical Information
Attachment IV: Dealer Q & A   Recall Reimbursement Plan

 

QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE

For questions and assistance, contact the Special Service Support Center (SSSC) via the SSSC Web Contact Site.  The site can be accessed through the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website using the SSSC link listed at the bottom of the OASIS VIN report screen or listed under the SSSC tab.

 

ATTACHMENT I

Safety Recall 14S02 – Supplement #3
Certain 2001-2004 Model Year Escape Vehicles Operated in Corrosion States
Front Subframe Crossbrace Installation

 

OASIS ACTIVATED?

Yes, OASIS will be activated on April 3, 2014.

 

FSA VIN LIST ACTIVATED?

Yes, FSA VIN list will be available through https://web.fsavinlists.dealerconnection.com on April 3, 2014.  Owner names and addresses will be available by June 13, 2014.

NOTE:  Your FSA VIN list may contain owner names and addresses obtained from motor vehicle registration records.  The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other than in connection with this recall is a violation of law in several states, provinces, and countries.

Accordingly, you must limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this recall.

 

STOCK VEHICLES

Use OASIS to identify any affected vehicles in your used vehicle inventory.

 

SOLD VEHICLES

• Owners of affected vehicles will be directed to dealers for repairs.
• Correct other affected vehicles identified in OASIS which are brought to your dealership.  

 

TITLE BRANDED / SALVAGED VEHICLES

Affected title branded and salvaged vehicles are eligible for this recall.

 

ADDITIONAL LABOR TIME AND/OR PARTS

Submit a request to the SSSC Web Contact Site prior to the repair if you have any of the following:

• Damage that you believe was caused by the covered condition.
• A condition that requires additional labor and/or parts to complete the repair.
• Aftermarket equipment or non-Ford modifications to the vehicle which might prevent the repair of the covered condition.

Requests for approval after completion of the repair may not be granted.  Ford Motor Company reserves the right to deny coverage for related damage in cases where the vehicle owner has not had this recall performed on a timely basis.  Additional related damage parts are subject to random selection for return to the Ford Warranty Parts Analysis Center (WPAC).

Subframe Replacements: Dealers are authorized to:

• Claim up to an additional 2.0 hours in related damage labor without contacting the Special Service Support Center for authorization.
• Claim up to an additional $225 in related damage parts without contacting the Special Service Support Center for authorization.

If a related damage condition exists that you believe to be caused by the covered condition exceeds these amounts, submit a request to the SSSC Web Contact Site prior to the repair of any related damage.

 

OWNER REFUNDS

• This safety recall must still be performed, even if the owner has paid for a previous repair. Claiming a refund will not close the recall on the vehicle. 
• Ford Motor Company is offering a refund for owner-paid repairs covered by this recall if the repair was performed prior to the date indicated in the reimbursement plan, which is posted with this bulletin. Owners are directed to seek reimbursement through authorized dealers or, at their option, directly through Ford Motor Company at P.O. Box 6251, Dearborn, MI 481216251.
• Dealers are also authorized to refund owner-paid emergency repairs that were performed away from an authorized servicing dealer after the end date specified in the reimbursement plan. Non-covered repairs, or those judged by Ford to be excessive, will not be reimbursed.
• Refunds will only be provided for the cost associated with the repair or replacement of a perforated front subframe.

 

RENTAL VEHICLES

Based on the unique circumstances of Safety Recall 14S02, the rental guidelines have been enhanced.

• Long term rentals will no longer be available for 14S02 repairs dated after April 18, 2014.  
• To accommodate part delivery time, Ford will pay for up to two days of vehicle rental, except for fuel, which will be at the owner’s expense.
  • Rentals will only be reimbursed for the days the vehicle is at the dealership for subframe or crossbrace installation.  Prior approval for more than two rental days is required from the Special Service Support Center.

• ALL RENTAL EXPENSES, TAXES, LOCAL SURCHARGES, AND INSURANCE (IF REQUIRED), MUST BE CLAIMED ON A SEPARATE REPAIR LINE FROM 14S02 UNDER PROGRAM CODE 14Y01. A maximum base daily rental rate of $30 per day with a total cost of up to $50 per day (including tax, surcharges, and insurance) can be claimed without prior approval.  For questions and unique transportation issues, please contact the Special Service Support Center.
• The rental vehicle claim (under 14Y01) submission time limit has been reduced to the normal 30 days.
• 14S02 claims are still subject to normal submission time limits and should be submitted as soon as possible.

 

CLAIMS PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION

• Enter claims using Direct Warranty Entry (DWE).
• Refer to ACESII manual for claims preparation and submission information.
• Related damage must be claimed on a repair line that is separate from the repair line on which the FSA is claimed, with the related damage flag checked.  
• Related damage for crossbrace installation requires prior approval from the SSSC via the SSSC Web Contact Site.
• Related damage for subframe replacement must be claimed as “MT14S02” on a repair line that is separate from the repair line on which the FSA is claimed, with the related damage flag checked. Prior approval is not required unless related damage exceeds 2.0 hours labor or $225 in parts.  Related damage in excess of these limits requires prior approval from the SSSC via the SSSC Web Contact Site.
• “MT” labor should be submitted on a separate repair line with the related damage flag checked.
• Submit refunds on a separate repair line.
  • Program Code: 14S02     –  Expense:  ADMIN
  • Expense: REFUND         –  Misc. Expense:  0.2 Hrs.
• Multiple refunds should be submitted on one repair line and the invoice details for each repair should be detailed in the comments section of the claim.
• Rental Expenses for Vehicles Awaiting Subframe Crossbrace:Must be claimed on a separate repair line from 14S02 under program code 14Y01. The submission time limit for 14Y01 claims has been reduced to the normal 30 days.
  • Program Code:  14Y01
  • Misc. Expense Code:  RENTAL
  • Misc. Expense Amount:  Total amount

 

ATTACHMENT II

Safety Recall 14S02 – Supplement #3
Certain 2001-2004 Model Year Escape Vehicles Operated in Corrosion States
Front Subframe Crossbrace Installation

 

LABOR ALLOWANCES

Description	Labor Operation	Labor Time
Inspect front subframe and install crossbrace. (did not pass inspection) Note:  Includes time to put the vehicle on the hoist twice to accommodate the need to order parts. Note:  Only claims with a repair date of May 30, 2014 or prior are eligible for this labor operation.	14S02B	0.5 Hours
Install crossbrace.	14S02C	0.2 Hours
Remove and replace front subframe – 4X2 vehicles.	14S02D	2.6 Hours
Remove and replace front subframe – 4X4 vehicles.	14S02E	3.0 Hours
Align and set toe (May only be claimed with 14S02E or 14S02D).	14S02G	0.5 Hours
Inspect front subframe and return vehicle to owner.  (passed inspection) Note:  Only claims with a repair date of May 30, 2014 or prior are eligible for this labor operation.	14S02J	0.3 Hours

 

PARTS REQUIREMENTS / ORDERING INFORMATION

Part Number	Description	Quantity
9L8Z-5F057-A	Crossbrace Kit	1

 

The DOR/COR number for this recall is 50534.

Dealers will be notified via a DOES II communication if circumstances warrant a change in part supply strategy and when open ordering resumes.

 

DEALER PRICE  

For latest prices, refer to DOES II.

 

PARTS RETENTION AND RETURN

Follow the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual, Section 1 “WARRANTY PARTS RETENTION AND RETURN POLICIES.”

 

EXCESS STOCK RETURN

Excess stock returned for credit must have been purchased from Ford Customer Service Division in accordance with Policy Procedure Bulletin 4000.

 

ATTACHMENT III

CERTAIN 2001-2004 MODEL YEAR ESCAPE VEHICLES OPERATED IN CORROSION STATES — FRONT SUBFRAME CROSSBRACE INSTALLATION

 

OVERVIEW

In some of the affected vehicles, a corrosion-related separation of the forward attachment of the Lower Control Arm (LCA) from the subframe may occur when vehicles are operated for an extended period in high-corrosion environments. See Figure 1.

Dealers are to install a reinforcement crossbrace on all vehicles where the forward attachment of the LCA has not separated. Dealers are to install a new subframe only if the forward attachment of the LCA has already separated completely.

FIGURE 1

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 100-02.
2. Evaluate the front subframe in the areas indicated. See Figure 2.
   • If the forward attachment of the LCA has not separated, install the reinforcement crossbrace. See “Crossbrace Installation” on Page 3.
   • If the forward attachment of the LCA has already separated completely, see “Lower Control Arm Is Completely Separated from Front Subframe” on Page 5.

FIGURE 2

 

CROSSBRACE INSTALLATION

1. Install the two crossbrace attachment nut plates into the RH and LH forward LCA attachment locations of the subframe.
   • Install the crossbrace attachment nut plates through the forward LCA attachment location holes shown in Figure 3a.
   • Ensure that the crossbrace attachment nut plates are centered within the forward attachment locations. Also ensure that the nut plates do not extend outside of the forward attachment locations. See Figure 3a.
   • The position of the nut plates is incorrect if they are not centered or if any part of the plate is visible outside of the attachment location. See Figure 3b.

FIGURE 3a                                                      FIGURE 3b

 

2. Check the crossbrace bolts for a thread lock patch. If the patch is not present, apply Threadlock and Sealer – Motorcraft Part Number TA-25-B before proceeding to Step 3. See Figure 4.

FIGURE 4

 

3. Install the crossbrace and two bolts onto the forward LCA attachment locations of the subframe. See Figure 5.
   1. Align the crossbrace to the forward attachment locations and loosely install the two bolts.
   2. While holding the crossbrace toward the rear of the vehicle, tighten the bolts to 103 Nm (75 lb-ft).

FIGURE 5

 

4. Check to ensure that no part of the nut plate is visible outside of the attachment location. If the nut plate is visible outside the attachment location, loosen the bolt and reposition the nut plate. After adjustment is complete, tighten the bolt to 103 Nm (75 lb-ft). See Figure 6.

FIGURE 6

 

LOWER CONTROL ARM IS COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM FRONT SUBFRAME

1. Submit Pictures to SSSC:
   1. Using the VIN for the affected vehicle, run an OASIS report.
   2. At the bottom of the main OASIS page, select the “SSSC” link (located in the purple menu bar).
   3. Select FSA 14S02.
   4. Select “Related Damage” in the “Contact Type” dropdown list.
   5. Fill out the form, attach the required images, and submit for review. f. Provide images showing the separation on the top, bottom, and both sides of the subframe in the area of the front LCA attachment to illustrate complete separation.
2. Retrieve Subframe Review Status:
   1. Log onto the PTS website.
   2. Hover over the “SSSC” tab near the top of the page.
   3. Click on “Request Status”.
   4. Search by Repair Order Number or VIN to locate your response.

 

SUBFRAME INSTALLATION

NOTE: Crossbrace installation is not necessary if the front subframe is replaced with a new subframe.

1. Replace the front subframe. For additional information, refer to WSM Section 502-00.

 

ATTACHMENT IV

Safety Recall 14S02 – Supplement #3
Certain 2001-2004 Model Year Escape Vehicles Operated in Corrosion States
Front Subframe Crossbrace Installation

 

New! DEALER Q & A

Q1.     What is the problem? 

1. Ford is voluntarily recalling certain 2001-2004 model year Escape vehicles to address concerns relating to front subframe corrosion.  In some of the affected vehicles, a corrosion-related separation of the forward attachment of the lower control arm from the subframe may occur when vehicles are operated for an extended period in high-corrosion environments.  Separation of the lower control arm from the subframe may result in diminished vehicle directional control.

Q2.     Why are you only recalling vehicles in corrosion states? 

1. The overwhelming majority of reports of front subframe corrosion are from high-corrosion states. We will continue to monitor the performance of vehicles in all states as we always do.

Q3.  What should I do if an owner believes their vehicle has been operated in a high corrosion environment and requests their vehicle be inspected?

1. If the vehicle is not in the program, but is a 2001 through 2004 model year Escape, contact the SSSC through the SSSC Web Contact Site by running the VIN in OASIS and clicking on the SSSC link at the bottom of the main OASIS page.  In the FSA area of the SSSC Assistance Request Initial screen, select “enter FSA” from the drop down list and then type in 14S02.  In the Contact Type area of the Initial screen, select “Non-Involved Vehicle” from the drop down list and click submit.  Complete the remaining information in the SSSC Main screen and request that the vehicle be covered by Safety Recall 14S02.  

Q4.     How will customers with unique transportation issues (handicap or other extenuating circumstances) be handled?  

1. Dealers should contact the SSSC for assistance.

Q5.   The bulletin indicates that Ford will begin shipping crossbraces to dealers on April 17, 2014.  When the crossbrace arrives, how can I reference what vehicle it was ordered for?

1. When looking up the parts information with the DOR/COR# 50534; the Order Detail screen will list the first 3 and last 8 characters of the VIN.

Q6.   What if the subframe is severely corroded, but is not separated?

2. Dealers are to install a reinforcement crossbrace to maintain steering control in the event of a separation of the forward attachment of the lower control arm. If the reinforcement crossbrace can be installed as described in the technical instructions, this repair will close Field Service Action 14S02. Subframe replacement is not covered under this recall.

Q7.   What if a condition exists that will prevent crossbrace installation?

1. If a condition exists that will prevent crossbrace installation, dealers should photograph the condition and contact the SSSC for assistance.

 

Q8.   What if a forward lower control arm attachment separates from the subframe after repair, and is retained only by the crossbrace?

1. The installation of the reinforcement crossbrace is to ensure that steering control can be maintained in the event of a separation of the forward attachment of the lower control arm. Any subsequent subframe repairs required after completion of the reinforcement crossbrace installation are not covered by this recall.

Q9.   What should I tell a customer who has a forward lower control arm attachment separate from the subframe after repair, and is retained only by the crossbrace?

1. The reinforcement crossbrace was installed to maintain steering control in the event of a separation of the forward attachment of the lower control arm and will allow the driver to get the vehicle to a safe location. Customers should be advised that the replacement of the subframe is at their expense.   

 

Ford Motor Company
Recall Reimbursement Plan for 14S02

Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers are in the best position to quickly and efficiently process reimbursement requests.  However, federal legislation requires all motor vehicle manufacturers to establish processes through which customers may seek recall reimbursement directly from the manufacturer or from the dealers.

Regarding the specific reimbursement plan for Recall # 14S02, owners who have paid for service to remedy the defect or noncompliance must have had that service performed prior to June 6, 2014.  After this date, if repairs related to this recall are performed by a non-Ford repair facility in an emergency situation, customers must submit any refund requests through their dealership.  As required by this federal regulation, Ford Motor Company submitted the details of its latest General Recall Reimbursement Plan in a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in February 2009.  The following is the text of that letter and the Plan:

 

General Recall Reimbursement Plan
(As submitted to the NHTSA)

Pursuant to the requirements set forth in 49 CFR Part 573 and Part 577 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Ford Motor Company (Ford) is submitting required information pertaining to our general reimbursement plan for the cost of remedies paid for by vehicle owners before they are notified of a related safety recall.

Set forth below is Ford’s general plan to reimburse owners and purchasers for costs incurred for remedies in advance of notification of potential safely-related defects or noncompliances pursuant to Part 573.6 (c)(8)(i).  This plan has not changed since our February 28, 2007 submission.

 

Reimbursement Notification

Ford’s notice to a vehicle owner in accordance with 49 CFR Part 577 will indicate that Ford is offering a refund if the owner paid to have service to remedy the defect or noncompliance prior to a specified ending date.  In accordance with Part 573.13 (c)(2), this ending date will be defined as a minimum of ten calendar days after the date on which Ford mailed the last of its Part 577 notifications to owners, and will be indicated in the specific reimbursement plan available to owners for an individual recall.  This notice will direct owners to seek eligible reimbursement through authorized dealers or, at their option, directly through Ford at the following address:

 

Ford Motor Company
P.O. Box 6251
Dearborn, MI  48121-6251

 

Ford notes that this rule allows for the identification of a beginning date for reimbursement eligibility.  Under the rule, an owner who paid to remedy the defect or noncompliance prior to the identified beginning date would not be eligible for reimbursement.  Ford generally has not established such a beginning date for reimbursement eligibility and does not presently anticipate changing this general policy.  However, in any case where Ford determines a beginning date is appropriate, Ford will indicate that date in the owner notice.  As permitted by 577.11(e), Ford may not include a

reimbursement notification when all vehicles are well within the warranty period, subject to approval by the agency.

 

Costs to be Reimbursed

For vehicles, reimbursement will not be less than the lesser of:

• The amount paid by the owner for the remedy that specifically addressed and was reasonably necessary to correct the defect or noncompliance that is the subject of the recall, or
• The cost of parts for the remedy (to be no more than the manufacturer’s list retail price for authorized part(s), plus associated labor at local labor rates, miscellaneous fees (such as disposal of waste) and taxes.

For replacement equipment, reimbursement will be the amount paid by the owner for the replacement item (limited by the amount of the retail list price of the defective or noncompliant item that was replaced, plus taxes, where the brand or model purchased by the owner was different than the brand or model that was the subject of the recall).  If the item of motor vehicle equipment was repaired, the reimbursement provisions identified above for vehicles will apply.

Ford notes that costs incurred by the owner within the period during which Ford’s original or extended warranty would have provided for a free repair of the problem will not be eligible for reimbursement, as provided by Part 573.13 (d)(1).

 

Entities Authorized to Provide Reimbursement

Ford will continue to use authorized dealers to reimburse owners under the specific reimbursement plans for a particular recall, and will encourage owners to pursue requests for reimbursement directly through dealers to expedite reimbursement.  Ford will also provide a mailing address to which customers can, at their option, send requests for reimbursement directly to Ford, as previously noted.  Requests for reimbursement sent directly to Ford may take up to 60 days to process.  Whether the owner chooses to pursue reimbursement requests through a dealer or directly through Ford, the owner will be directed to submit the required documentation, upon which reimbursement eligibility will be determined.

 

Required Documentation

The reimbursement determination will depend upon the information provided by the customer.  Consistent with Part 573.13 (d)(4) the following information must be submitted:

• Claimant name and address
• Vehicle make, model, and model year
• Vehicle identification number (VIN) and, for replacement equipment, a description of such equipment or, for tires, the model, size and TIN (DOT code)
• Identification of the recall number (either the Ford recall number or the NHTSA recall number)
• Identification of the owner of the recalled vehicle at the time that the pre-notification remedy was obtained
• An original receipt for the pre-notification remedy that includes a breakdown of the amount for parts, labor, other costs and taxes, including costs for the replacement item. Where the receipt covers work other than to address the recall or noncompliance, Ford may require the claimant to separately identify costs that are eligible for reimbursement.
• If the remedy was obtained during the warranty period, documentation indicating that the warranty was not honored or the warranty repair did not correct the problem related to the recall.

Failure to submit all of the above information may result in denial of the reimbursement request.

 

Additional Information

The Part 577 required owner notice will provide a toll-free telephone number through which specific information about the reimbursement plan can be requested from Ford.  This general reimbursement plan will be incorporated into notifications pursuant to Part 573.6 by reference.  Information specific to an individual recall also may be incorporated into the Part 573.6 notification.

 

May 2014

 

* * * IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL * * *
(PROGRAMA DE SEGURIDAD IMPORTANTE)

 

Safety Recall Notice 14S02 / NHTSA Recall 14V-165
Aviso de Revisión de Seguridad 14S02

 

Mr. John Sample
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345

 

This notice applies to your vehicle, 12345678901234567.

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Ford Motor Company has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in your vehicle, with the Vehicle Identification Number shown above.

We apologize for this situation and want to assure you that, with your assistance, we will correct this condition.  Our commitment, together with your dealer, is to provide you with the highest level of service and support.

What is the issue?	On your vehicle, a corrosion-related separation of the forward attachment of the lower control arm from the subframe may occur when vehicles are operated for an extended period in high corrosion environments.  Separation of the lower control arm from the subframe may result in diminished vehicle directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.
What will Ford and your dealer do?	Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to install a reinforcement crossbrace on the subframe so that steering control can be maintained in the event of a separation of the lower control arm forward attachment.  This service will be performed free of charge (parts and labor).
How long will it take?	The time needed for this repair is less than one-half day.  However, due to service scheduling requirements, your dealer may need your vehicle for a longer period of time.
What should you do?	Please call your dealer without delay and request a service date for Recall 14S02.  Provide the dealer with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your vehicle.  The VIN is printed near your name at the beginning of this letter. If you do not already have a servicing dealer, you can access www.Fordowner.com for dealer addresses, maps, and driving instructions. Ford Motor Company wants you to have this safety recall completed on your vehicle.  The vehicle owner is responsible for making arrangements to have the work completed.  Ford Motor Company can deny coverage for any vehicle damage that may result from the failure to have this recall performed on a timely basis.  Therefore, please have this recall performed as soon as possible. Please note:  Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.
Have you previously paid for this repair?	If you have previously paid for a repair that addresses the issue described in this letter, you still need to have this recall performed to ensure the correct parts and procedures were used. You may be eligible for a refund of previously paid repairs.  Refunds will only be provided for service related to the replacement or repair of the subframe.  To verify eligibility and expedite reimbursement, give your paid original receipt to your dealer. Refund requests may also be sent directly to Ford Motor Company.  To request your refund from Ford, send the refund request with all required documentation, including your original repair receipt (no photocopies), to Ford Motor Company at P.O. Box 6251, Dearborn, Michigan 48121-6251. Refund requests mailed to this address may take up to 60 days to process.  Your original receipt will be returned to you. Detailed information regarding eligibility for Ford’s reimbursement program and documentation requirements may be obtained by contacting the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
What if you no longer own this vehicle?	If you no longer own this vehicle, and have an address for the current owner, please forward this letter to the new owner. You received this notice because government regulations require that notification be sent to the last known owner of record.  Our records are based primarily on state registration and title data, which indicate that you are the current owner.
Can we assist you further?	If you have difficulties getting your vehicle repaired promptly and without charge, please contact your dealership’s Service Manager for assistance. RETAIL OWNERS:  If you still have concerns, please contact the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you.  For the hearing impaired call 1-800-232-5952 (TDD).  Representatives are available Monday through Friday:  8:00AM – 8:00PM (Eastern Time). If you wish to contact us through the Internet, our address is: www.Fordowner.com. Para asistencia en Español:  Si necesita ayuda o tiene alguna pregunta, por favor llame al Centro de Relación con Clientes al 1-866-436-7332 y presione 2 para Español. FLEET OWNERS:  If you still have concerns, please contact the Fleet Customer Information Center at 1-800-34-FLEET, Option #3 and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you.  Representatives are available Monday through Friday:  8:00AM – 8:00PM (Eastern Time). Or you may contact us through the Internet at www.fleet.ford.com. If you are still having difficulty getting your vehicle repaired in a reasonable time or without charge, you may write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov.  Reference NHTSA Safety Recall 14V-165.

 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Ford Customer Service Division