Ford/seat belt buckle attachment
Defect Summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual seat tracks. the front seat belt buckle attaching stud may have been improperly heat treated. this heat treatment may have resulted in cracks developing in the stud.
Safety Consequence
If the stud is cracked, in the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Corrective Action
Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle mounting bracket and stud assembly.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Seat Belts.
FAQ: Recall 98V198000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 98V198000?
NHTSA recall 98V198000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on August 25, 1998. It addresses: Ford/seat belt buckle attachment. The recall affects approximately 7,000 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 98V198000 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.