Questions and Answers

Recalls And TSB's Q. Hi Vince, I have a question about the NHTSA's Recall Database, and the dealers obligation to service these defects. I have a 1998 Ford Windstar, 3.8 liter, automatic transmission, 61,000 miles, fuel injected, no ABS, P/S, A/C, Cruise, and I'm assuming rack and pinion steering. I bought the car new from a local dealer, and still have all the paperwork.

I'm planning to bring my car in for it's 60,000 mile maintenance package. I bought a $1000.00 extended warranty from 1SourceAutoWarranty. I need to do this maintenance to keep this warranty valid. I'm thinking of bringing it to a different Ford dealer, as the one I bought the car from don't do that great of a job, and are a bit shady.

My question concerns the NHTSA's recall database. I visited NHTSA's site, and found a list of nine bulletins for the 1998 Ford Windstar. Two of the Recall Bulletins concerned spring coils, that I had replaced by the dealer in August of 2001 for no charge.

There are three other NHTSA recall bulletins that I'm asking your opinion on. I haven't done anything with these recall notices, as I didn't know about them until now.

The first one is about Power Steering. The bulletin was issued on 09/30/1997. NHTSA bulletin # 97V165000. The second one concerns the Auto Transmission Power Train. The bulletin was issued in 6/17/1997. NHTSA bulletin # 97V097000. The third one concerns the hydraulic disk brake caliper. NHTSA Bulletin 98I003000 was issued on 7/31/1998.

I'm wondering what my rights are concerning having the dealer perform the replacement work for these items. Is there a period of time when the free replacement work is done, and after that the dealer and/or Ford is no longer responsible for paying for the parts and labor? I wasn't notified about these recalls, so does that fact play a part in my ability to have the work performed?

What is the relationship between the NHTSA bulletins, and the Ford Technical Service Bulletins? I know Ford issues these, but I'm uncertain how they relate to the NHTSA. Also, I haven't been able to find a web site that lists the Ford Windstar Technical Service Bulletins for 1998. If you know where these are listed, I'd appreciate you letting me know.

Thanks for your help.
Bob

A. As far as the time limitation goes, this is from NHTSA:

Are There Any Limitations on My Right to Have My Vehicle Remedied at No Charge?
Yes. A limitation pertains to the age of the vehicle. In order to be eligible for remedy at no cost, the vehicle cannot be more than 8 years old on the date the defect or non-compliance is determined. Under the law, the age of the vehicle is calculated from the date of sale to the first purchaser. For example, if a defect is found in 1999 and a recall ordered, manufacturers are required to make the correction available at no charge only to cars purchased new in 1991 through 1999.

However, consumers should realize that even though manufacturers are not obligated to remedy safety defects in older cars, a safety problem may still exist. If you receive notification of a defect on a vehicle older than eight years, take the responsibility to have your car repaired at your own expense. Eliminate any unnecessary risks.

Also, if the manufacturer challenges the agency's final determination of a safety defect, there is no obligation to remedy the defect while the case is in court. If you decide to take your vehicle in for correction after the agency's decision is made but before the case is finally decided and the court decides that the defect is not safety-related, Federal law does not require that the manufacturer reimburse you for the repair work.

However, if the court upholds NHTSA's final determination, you may be entitled to reimbursement. Be sure to save all receipts and paperwork so that you can prove the repairs were made after the agency made its final determination.

The fact that you did not receive a recall notice does not lift the obligation of Ford to perform the recall work. So that answers your primary question. As for the others, there is no direct relationship between the NHTSA TSB's (I'm assuming you are referring to the NHTSA TSB's and not the recall bulletins.) and the Ford TSB's.

Ford issues TSB's to their service departments about specific problems or modifications that can be made in order to help dealer service departments facilitate repairs. These are not recalls or meant to be construed as a warranty repair. It is basically advice about what a particular problem may be caused by.

Alldata provides a free listing of TSB's issued by auto makers for free. But there is a charge to see the full text of the TSB.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA