Safety Recall

My van has been recalled!!  O joy!!  I received a safety recall notice from Ford stating that “the front subframe lower control arm rear attaching flanges or both rear body mounts could separate from the vehicle subframe after operating in high corrosion areas (where salt is used on the roadways during winter months) for an extended period of time. This may result in a loss of vehicle directional control, increasing the risk of a crash”.  You think???

These are the options they are giving me.  Bring it in to the dealership to be inspected for cracks or perforations free of charge. If it passes inspection, they will do a reinforcement repair and the parts for that will be available in March. If the parts are available when I bring it in, they will do the repair right away. If the parts aren’t available, they will return my vehicle to me and let me know when they are available.   If my vehicle does not pass inspection, a rental vehicle will be provided until the parts are available. In the rare case it is determined my vehicle cannot be repaired, Ford will extend a vehicle refund offer to me.  My brother and I looked that up last night and we are guessing they may offer me about $2,000 for it…if I’m lucky.

I would just ignore this problem and replace it, since that is what the plan is anyway. But I think I will take it in to get fixed.  Who knows…maybe I will get some cash for the old thing and that will help in the down payment on my new vehicle.

There are two drawbacks to this grand plan. First, I have to take a half-day off from work to have it looked at.  I’m sure my boss will understand but I just took time off and really don’t want to do that again so soon.

Secondly, I have to clean out the van in case they won’t let me drive it home. It isn’t as messy as it has been in the past but I do tend to store things in it since it is such a big vehicle. I guess it’s time to bring all the empty plastic containers back in the house not to mention some books, a blanket, a bag of clothes (for Goodwill) and various other objects.  Oh well.  It will be nice to get it all cleaned out.

So that is the update on my van situation.  Seems like things are happening quickly now.  Hopefully will have some happy news to report soon and a picture to post!!