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Vehicle recall 96V071000 · April 25, 1996

Mercury Cougar, Ford Mustang and 13 more models

The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Consequence
This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Notes
System: electrical; ignition switch. Vehicle description: passenger and multi-purpose vehicles and light duty trucks. Note: 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 1-800-424-9393.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign
96V071000
Reported to NHTSA
April 25, 1996
Filed by
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Owner notification
June 7, 1996
Vehicles potentially affected
7,900,000
Initiated by
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components
Electrical system › Ignition
Recall 96V071000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

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