Skip to content

NHTSA Recall 01V144000: Buckle assembly (seat belts)

FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 4,567 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Ford Taurus.

4,567
vehicles potentially affected
2
models affected
2001
owners notified (May 4)
NHTSA campaign01V144000
Manufacturer campaign01S16
ComponentSEAT BELTS › FRONT › BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Report receivedApril 27, 2001
Owner notificationMay 4, 2001
Initiated byManufacturer

Defect

Vehicle description: passenger cars. The seat belt buckle tongue may not fully eject from the buckle assembly when the release button is pushed slowly. This condition could also result in a partial latch of the tongue in the buckle.

Safety risk

In the event of a vehicle crash, the vehicle occupant may not be properly restrained, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the driver and right front passenger seat belt buckles. Owner notification began may 4, 2001. 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.

Notes

Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration=s auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Vehicles covered by recall 01V144000

Make and modelModel years
Ford Taurus2001
Mercury Sable2001

Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.