Owner Letter
March, 1996Serial Number: 12345678901234567 96S35 Kit AA
Mr. John Sample
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Ford Motor Company has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1991-1994 model year Explorer and Ranger vehicles operated principally in the immediate vicinity of Los Angeles, California. To reach the owners of these vehicles, Ford is mailing copies of this notice to owners of affected 1991-1994 model year Explorers or Rangers that were originally sold or are currently registered in the following ten Southern California counties: Riverside, San Bernadino, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, Imperial, Kern and Los Angeles.
Safety Defect
In some of these vehicles, the studs that fasten the brake master cylinder to the power brake booster may fracture without warning due to corrosion associated with the Los Angeles environment. If this were to occur in your vehicle, a sudden loss of braking capability would result. A collision could also result.
In some cases, loss of braking capability may be preceded by a "popping" sound that evidences the fracture of a mounting stud. Ford has received reports of broken studs or loss of braking capability due to stud fractures from approximately 0.1 of one percent of the owners of the subject vehicles being operated in the Los Angeles vicinity.
The parking brake system of your vehicle would not be affected by fracture of the master cylinder mounting studs. If traffic permitted, a moderate, steady application of the parking brake could bring a moving vehicle to a controlled stop. A sudden, heavy application of the parking brake, however, could result in a skid.
Call Your Dealer
Call your dealer without delay regarding service to your vehicle. Your dealer will replace the power brake booster assembly without charge. Dealers have been provided with service instructions. Dealers in the affected Southern California counties have also been provided with an inventory of service parts.
When you bring your vehicle for service, show the dealer this letter. If you misplace the letter, your dealer will still do the work, free of charge.
How Long Will It Take?
The time needed for this service is less than one hour. However, due to service scheduling times, your dealer may need your vehicle for one full working day.
Refunds
If you paid to have this service done before the date of this letter, Ford is offering a full refund. For the refund, please give your paid original receipt TO YOUR SERVICING DEALERSHIP. To avoid delays, please do not send receipts to Ford Motor Company.
Changed Address or Sold The Vehicle?
Please fill out the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us if you have changed your address or sold the vehicle.
If the dealer doesn't make the repair promptly and without charge, you may contact the Ford Customer Assistance Center, 300 Renaissance Center, P.O. Box 43360, Detroit, Michigan 48243, or call toll free to 1-800-392-3673. You also may send a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline 1-800-424-9393 (Washington, D.C. area residents may call 366-0123).
We regret the inconvenience this condition may cause you, but we want you to have the work done for your safety and satisfaction with your Ford-built vehicle.