NHTSA (USA)High Risk
1997 LINCOLN TOWN CARNHTSA Campaign #96V231000
The official notice
Defect
TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE DRIVER AIR BAG TO THE STEERING WHEEL WERE NOT INSTALLED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.
Safety Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL COLLISION, THE AIR BAG MODULE WOULD STAY IN POSITION DURING DEPLOYMENT. HOWEVER, THE MODULE COULD LEAVE THE STEERING WHEEL CAVITY FOLLOWING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND INSTALL ANY BOLTS THAT ARE MISSING.
Updated June 10, 2026