Investigations
HEADLAMP SWITCH KNOB BREAKS OFF
NHTSA Recall Query RQ05002 — closed, opened 2005-08-23 and involving the FORD EXCURSION.
NHTSA investigation RQ05002 is a Recall Query opened on 2005-08-23 and currently closed. The subject of record is FORD EXCURSION, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for FORD. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2006-02-17 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Recall Query like RQ05002 evaluates whether a previously issued recall is actually fixing the problem. NHTSA opens an RQ when owners continue to report the original defect after the recall remedy is installed, or when completion rates fall short of the agency's expectations for that risk tier.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "BY LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 8, 2006 FORD NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT FORD WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH KNOB TO 7 YEARS FOR CERTAIN MY 2000 FORD EXCURSION VEHICLES. FORD IDENTIFIES ITS ACTION AS CUS..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related FORD files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
BY LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 8, 2006 FORD NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT FORD WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH KNOB TO 7 YEARS FOR CERTAIN MY 2000 FORD EXCURSION VEHICLES. FORD IDENTIFIES ITS ACTION AS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 06N05. THE PROGRAM COVERS SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT FROM OCTOBER 31, 1999 THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2000. FORD SENT LETTERS TO OWNERS FEBRUARY 15, 2006. THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS. THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
About This Investigation Type
A Recall Query (RQ) evaluates the effectiveness of a previously issued recall. NHTSA opens an RQ when consumer complaints suggest that a recall remedy may not be adequately addressing the safety issue, or when the recall completion rate appears insufficient.
Other FORD Investigations
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields detachment
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.