Ford/seat belt buckles
Defect Summary
This is not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. ford is initiating an owner notification program that will provide an extended warranty, 12 years and unlimited mileage, for all seat belt buckles with functional concerns.
Safety Consequence
In the event of a collision, the occupant of the seat may not be properly restrained and personal injury could occur.
Corrective Action
Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly, for 12 years and unlimited mileage.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Seat Belts.
FAQ: Recall 97I003000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 97I003000?
NHTSA recall 97I003000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on October 7, 1997. It addresses: Ford/seat belt buckles. The recall affects approximately 299,600 vehicles, with the defect involving the Seat Belts component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 97I003000 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.