2001 Ford Taurus, 2001 Mercury Sable Recall: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS
NHTSA campaign 01V144000 · Seat Belts · filed Apr 27, 2001 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The 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.
The risk
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
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.
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION=S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Ford Taurus recalls
- 2015–2016 Ford C-Max and 9 other models — Rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or…
- 2016–2019 Ford Taurus — Driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach…
- 2014 Ford Edge and 2 other models — Support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail
- 2013–2018 Ford Flex and 2 other models — Rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the…
- 2017–2018 Ford Taurus — Keys for these vehicles may be able to be removed from the…
Other campaigns involving Ford vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 01V144000 (manufacturer number 01S16). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.