Ford/steering pinch bolts
Defect Summary
Certain passenger vehicles have loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arm to the steering knuckle have been reported.
Safety Consequence
Loose pinch bolts could exhibit noise, vibration and, in extreme cases if left uncorrected, separation of the joint or fracture of the ball joint stud, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Dealers will inspect the steering knuckle pinch bolt for tightness and correct as necessary. owner notification began february 10, 2003. owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Steering.
FAQ: Recall 02V289000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 02V289000?
NHTSA recall 02V289000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on November 6, 2002. It addresses: Ford/steering pinch bolts. The recall affects approximately 446,569 vehicles, with the defect involving the Steering component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 02V289000 or the manufacturer campaign number 02S42. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.