DEARBORN, Mich., July 13, 2001 - Ford Motor Company is announcing a voluntary safety recall of 1.4 million model year 2001 cars and trucks to inspect the front driver-side and front passenger-side seat belt buckles. The front center and all rear seating position seat belt buckles are not affected.

Due to outside supplier manufacturing issues, a small percentage of these seat belt buckles may not latch properly if insufficient force is applied when inserting the tongue into the buckle. If the seat belt release button does not return to its full up position upon latching, the buckle may not be fully latched.

"We estimate a defect rate among the recall population of less than five percent," said Ann O'Neill, director, vehicle service and programs, Ford Customer Service Division. "But even if a vehicle was to have a defective buckle, the potential for any safety issue is extremely small. Our testing indicates that even among defective buckles, customers can help assure a proper latching of their seat belt if they push the tongue quickly and forcefully into the buckle, and then pull on it to help ensure the seat belt is securely latched.

The recall affects the 2001 Ford Crown Victoria, Windstar, Ranger, F-Series, Excursion and Expedition; the Mercury Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Car and Navigator; and the Mazda B-Series truck, all built from the beginning of the 2001 model year through May 26, 2001. Other model years and vehicle lines are not affected, because these vehicles utilize a different buckle.

Owners affected by the recall will be notified via first-class mail to return the vehicle to a Ford, Lincoln Mercury or Mazda dealer to have the seat belt buckle operation tested. Buckles identified as potentially defective will be replaced. Testing, and any resulting seat belt buckle replacement, will be completed at no charge.