SEATBACK FAILURE

Seats

Summary

Summary of information from manufacturer:Ford believes that the al-leged defect only occurs in a small number of the subject vehicles andrecalled about 195,732 1984 tempo/topaz vehicles in June 1986.analysis: Vehicles potentially involved include tempo/topaz, escort/Lynx/exp, mustang/capri, ltd/marquis, and thunderbird/Cougar.Ford sold about 110,000 replacement mio bolts, mainly for 1983 and 1984models. Low clamping force appears to be a large part of the problem.Ford increased the torque requirements and required the use of a manualtorque tool in March and September 1985 production changes. 1987 modelswill be produced with a longer M10 bolt and a nut to increase and main-tain clamping force. Bolts were formerly self tapping. Reports listedabove specifically state that the bolt broke. None refer simply toseat back collapse alone.status:Ford reply to ODI ir dated 2/2/87.Ford recalled 195,7321984 tempo/topaz vehicles in June 1986 (86V-082). Analyzing reponse, monitoring Canadian progress. Response to 4/6/87 letter to fordreceived 7/15/87. Will probably close after Canada completes theiractions.===

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