Ford/shift lever damage
Defect Summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the floor shift automatic transmission control can be damaged if subjected to certain interior cleaning products. the gear position indicator can deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position.
Safety Consequence
This condition can result in incorrect gear selection.
Corrective Action
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Power Train.
FAQ: Recall 98V233000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 98V233000?
NHTSA recall 98V233000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on September 18, 1998. It addresses: Ford/shift lever damage. The recall affects approximately 175,000 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 98V233000 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.