Timken Recalls Aftermarket Front Wheel Bearings for Ford, Mazda, Mercury
Timken is recalling aftermarket front wheel bearings with incorrect dimensions for 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles due to crash risk.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (incorrect wheel bearing dimensions) that adversely affects braking and steering, increasing the risk of a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural defects.
Plain-English summary
The Timken Company is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015. These parts were intended for use as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner, and 2011 Mazda Tribute Hybrid vehicles.
The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions, measuring 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of the correct 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension, and 45mm width. The use of incorrectly sized wheel bearings can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- MAZDA, MERCURY, FORD TRIBUTE, MARINER, ESCAPE, TRIBUTE HYBRID
- Brand
- MAZDA
- Manufacturer
- Timken Company
- Category
- Vehicle — Aftermarket Parts
- Affected units
- 576
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (4)
- TRIBUTE
- MARINER
- ESCAPE
- TRIBUTE HYBRID
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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