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NHTSA Recall 83V013000: Seat belts

FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 245,000 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Ford Escort.

245,000
vehicles potentially affected
2
models affected
1983
owners notified (April 8)
NHTSA campaign83V013000
ComponentSEAT BELTS
Report receivedFebruary 17, 1983
Owner notificationApril 8, 1983
Initiated byManufacturer

Defect

The portion of the roof above frame (rail) to which the shoulder belt is anchored may have a slot that can compromise the strength of the shoulder belt anchor under certain severe loads. (the suspect area is not visible.) consequently, some vehicles included in this recall may not meet the 3000 pound anchorage strength requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages".

Safety risk

Not provided.

Remedy

The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, reinforce the roof rail inner panel surrounding the drainage hole at no cost to owner.

Notes

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles; station wagon models only.system: interior systems; front upper torso restraint (shoulder belt)anchorage.consequences of defect: in very severe front end collisions, the protectionafforded front seat occupants may be reduced.note: this recall should in no way discourage the use of the belts prior tohaving the defect corrected.

Vehicles covered by recall 83V013000

Make and modelModel years
Ford Escort1981, 1982
Mercury Lynx1981, 1982

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.