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NHTSA Recall 82V045000: Air conditioner (equipment)

FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 113,000 vehicles. It affects 4 models including the Ford Escort.

113,000
vehicles potentially affected
4
models affected
1982
owners notified (May 26)
NHTSA campaign82V045000
ComponentEQUIPMENT › APPLIANCE › AIR CONDITIONER
Report receivedMay 11, 1982
Owner notificationMay 26, 1982
Initiated byManufacturer

Defect

On the involved vehicles, a thermal limiter in the blower motor resistor circuit of the air conditioner/heater assembly may not function as intended. If the blower motor becomes jammed when the system is operating in the medium-low blower speed, the resistor coils can overheat causing melting and possible ignition.

Safety risk

Not provided.

Remedy

Dealer will replace the resistor assembly with an improved version without charge to owner.

Notes

Vehicle description: passengers vehicles equipped with optional airconditioning.system: air conditioner; motor, fan.consequences of defect: a vehicle fire could result, possibly causing loss ofvehicle control, accident, and passenger injury.note: until the vehicle is serviced, the blower should be operated only in thehigh or low speeds. The a/c mode lever should be turned to the "off" positionif the blower becomes noisy or if a burning odor or smoke is noticed.

Vehicles covered by recall 82V045000

Make and modelModel years
Ford Escort1982
Ford Exp1982
Mercury LN71982
Mercury Lynx1982

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.