Ford Motor Co. recalled 257,119 Windstar minivans because the latches that connect
the rear seats to the floor could release in an accident, the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration reported. There have been no reported injuries due
to latches releasing. NHTSA discovered the problem during tests of the 2003 Windstar.
Windstars from model years 2001-2003 are affected in the recall. In a letter
to NHTSA announcing the recall, Ford questioned the agency's test procedures.
NHTSA conducted several tests in a row before the latches released. Ford tests
have never shown problems with the latches. But Ford said it will conduct the
recall because the latches didn't perform as the company expected them to. The
company will notify customers and replace the latches for free.