Ford/auto transmission
Defect Summary
The park pawl abutment bracket has a sharp edge which can cause the parking pawl to hang up and not engage the park gear. this would allow the vehicle to move even though the gear shift indicator shows that the vehicle is in park.
Safety Consequence
Unintended and unexpected vehicle movement can result in personal injury and property damage.
Corrective Action
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Power Train.
FAQ: Recall 96V166000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 96V166000?
NHTSA recall 96V166000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on September 5, 1996. It addresses: Ford/auto transmission. The recall affects approximately 40,000 vehicles, with the defect involving the Power Train component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 96V166000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). 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.