Ford/tow hooks/air bag deployment
Defect Summary
Vehicle description: light duty trucks. the cast tow hooks changes the crash pulse of the vehicle in frontal barrier impacts and the air bag sensor was not calibrated to this new crash pulse which may cause the air bags to deploy in lower speed impacts than design intent.
Safety Consequence
Unexpected air bag deployment can result in personal injury.
Corrective Action
Dealers will replace the cast tow hooks with forged hooks.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Air Bags.
FAQ: Recall 98V303000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 98V303000?
NHTSA recall 98V303000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on December 1, 1998. It addresses: Ford/tow hooks/air bag deployment. The recall affects approximately 20 vehicles, with the defect involving the Air Bags component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 98V303000 or the manufacturer campaign number 98S34. 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.