2000 Ford Contour, 2000 Ford Escort, 2000 Ford Explorer and 7 other models Recall: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY…
NHTSA campaign 00V228001 · Seat Belts · filed Aug 18, 2000 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
The risk
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 2000. 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).
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Ford Contour recalls
- 1998 Ford Contour and 1 other model — VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS…
- 1996–1998 Ford Contour and 2 other models — ON CERTAIN MY 1996-1998 PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE…
- 2000 Ford Contour — VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH AN…
- 1995–1996 Ford Contour and 1 other model — VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH…
- 1998–2000 Ford Contour — VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES
Other campaigns involving Ford vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 00V228001 (manufacturer number 00S21). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.