Ford (F 0.47%) announced today that it is recalling 230,000 minivans for rust issues that may cause the vehicles' third-row seats to come loose.
The potential malfunction affects 195,500 minivans in the U.S., and 33,500 internationally (mostly Canada). Nationally, the recall is isolated to 20 cold-weather states and D.C., where road-clearing salt may aggravate the malfunction. Affected vehicles include the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey, model years 2004 through 2007.
For all recalled vehicles, the automaker will install new seat mounting brackets, as well as preventative panels above the rear wheels to stop water from entering.
According to Ford, owners should be notified by letter by the end of March.
To find out if your vehicle is affected, visit Owner.Ford.com.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
