Safety Recall NHTSA · 05V518000 Reported November 9, 2005

Positive battery cable

Ford Motor Company · Electrical System · 98,836 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
05V518000
Manufacturer Campaign
05S38
Manufacturer
Component
Electrical System
Vehicles Affected
98,836
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
November 9, 2005

Defect Summary

On certain passenger vehicles, the battery cable includes a fusible link that may contact and subsequently chafe on a #2 cross member attaching bolt.

Safety Consequence

This condition may result in heat damage and could lead to a fire.

Corrective Action

Dealers will inspect the fusible link and position it away from the cross member bolt. if the fusible link has already chafed and copper wires have been exposed, the fusible link will be replaced. the recall began on november 18, 2005. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673, or lincoln/mercury at 1-800-521-4140.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference recall ID 05V518000 or campaign 05S38.
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
Related

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Electrical System.

FAQ: Recall 05V518000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 05V518000?

NHTSA recall 05V518000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on November 9, 2005. It addresses: Positive battery cable. The recall affects approximately 98,836 vehicles, with the defect involving the Electrical System component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 05V518000 or the manufacturer campaign number 05S38. 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.