NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
67 reportsClear category filter72,000 miles · Apr 26, 2010
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD TAURUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUBFRAME BOLTS ON THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WERE COVERED WITH RUST WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD TAURUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUBFRAME BOLTS ON THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WERE COVERED WITH RUST WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 98V323000 (COMPONENT: STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS) BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL; HE WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL REPAIR COSTS. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO CONFIRMED WHAT THE DEALER STATED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 72,000.
NHTSA ODI #10327566
185,600 miles · Mar 8, 2007
Structure
K-FRAME(SUB FRAME)FELL. BOTH TIMES WHILE DRIVING, BUT BOTH TIMES AT LOW SPEEDS. FRAME FELL AND I COULD NOT STEER CAR. BOTH TIMES MY TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED. 1ST TIME MAY, 2006, WAS DUE TO FAULTY BUSHINGS AND WASHERS. 2ND TIME, FRAME BROKE, RUSTED, GONE. ALL AT THE PRESCRIBED LOCATION AND PROBLEM THAT LED TO RECALL. AM I DRIVIN…
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K-FRAME(SUB FRAME)FELL. BOTH TIMES WHILE DRIVING, BUT BOTH TIMES AT LOW SPEEDS. FRAME FELL AND I COULD NOT STEER CAR. BOTH TIMES MY TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED. 1ST TIME MAY, 2006, WAS DUE TO FAULTY BUSHINGS AND WASHERS. 2ND TIME, FRAME BROKE, RUSTED, GONE. ALL AT THE PRESCRIBED LOCATION AND PROBLEM THAT LED TO RECALL. AM I DRIVING A DEATH TRAP, IS FORD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR, IS IT MY FAULT, THE TRANSMISSION GUYS FAULT OR FORDS ? PLEASE HELP ME. BY THE GRACE OF GOD I WAS SPARED BEING ON THE OPEN ROADWAY, BUT IF I HAD AND MY FAMILY WAS WITH ME WE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE WEIGHT OF THE ENGINE AND TRANS. FALLS DIRECTLY ON THE STEERING, I ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT STEER THE CAR. PLEASE SOMEONE RESPOND TO ME BEFORE SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS. THANK YOU ! *JB
NHTSA ODI #10184506
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2006
Structure
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO REPLACED THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR SUB FRAME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN ALERTED AND AGREE THE VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL, # 98V323000 CONCERNING THE FRAME AND MEMBERS. …
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO REPLACED THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR SUB FRAME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN ALERTED AND AGREE THE VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL, # 98V323000 CONCERNING THE FRAME AND MEMBERS. HOWEVER, BOTH REFUSE TO REIMBURSE FOR THE REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI #10154826
154,553 miles · Jul 28, 2005
Electrical SystemParking BrakeService Brakes, Hydraulic
DT: 1992 FORD TAURUS. THE U SHAPED HOUSING THAT HOLDS UP THE ENGINE RUSTED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT IT WAS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. THE RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD, ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED. ALSO, THE FRONT, EMERGENCY, SERVICE AND REAR BRAKES WERE NO GOOD, THE KEY BROKEN IN THE IGNITION. THERE WERE…
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DT: 1992 FORD TAURUS. THE U SHAPED HOUSING THAT HOLDS UP THE ENGINE RUSTED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT IT WAS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. THE RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD, ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED. ALSO, THE FRONT, EMERGENCY, SERVICE AND REAR BRAKES WERE NO GOOD, THE KEY BROKEN IN THE IGNITION. THERE WERE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER ACQUIRED VEHICLE FROM AN AUCTION HOUSE. HE HAD A MECHANIC INSPECT IT, AND FOUND IT WAS BAD. HE TOOK IT BACK THE AUCTION HOUSE AND HE KEPT THE TITLE. CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE TAMPERED WITH THE ODOMETER . THE INCIDENT DATE HE TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE REJECTED THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO CAPITAL AUCTION 603-622-9058.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10130517
146,444 miles · Aug 23, 2004
Structure
I WAS PROCEEDING AFTER WAITING FOR A TRAFFIC SIGNAL WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP. I HESITATED FOR A MOMENT, THEN PROCEEDED SLOWLY AND DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT; I CALLED AAA FOR SERVICE. AFTER THE CAR WAS HOISTED ONTO A FLATBED TRUCK I NOTICED THAT THE E…
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I WAS PROCEEDING AFTER WAITING FOR A TRAFFIC SIGNAL WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP. I HESITATED FOR A MOMENT, THEN PROCEEDED SLOWLY AND DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT; I CALLED AAA FOR SERVICE. AFTER THE CAR WAS HOISTED ONTO A FLATBED TRUCK I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE HAD DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME AT TWO POINTS JUST ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE WAY BACK FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND HAD DROPPED DOWN ABOUT 6 INCHES. THE TWO MOUNTING BOLTS WERE POINTING UPWARD FROM THE CONNECTING POINTS ON THE ENGINE CRADLE. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALER WHERE I HAD PURCHASED IT. THEY SAID THERE WAS $1200.00 IN DAMAGES AND THAT FORD DOES NOT HAVE A PROGRAM IN PLACE OFFERING NO-COST REPAIR OF THE FAILURE. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT. THE CAR HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY RECALLED FOR THAT PARTICULAR SAFETY DEFECT AND I HAD THE REPAIR DONE IN JULY OF 1999.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10088384
191,000 miles · May 11, 2004
Structure
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH TRAILING ARM BROKE WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE ENTIRE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED ONTO THE TIRES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10073438
100,000 miles · Dec 23, 2003
Structure
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD CLUNKY NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE BROKE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10051978
100,005 miles · Dec 23, 2003
Structure
MOTOR MOUNT FAILED. VIN: [XXX]. 1998 FORD TAURUS GL. CORROSION PROBLEM. SEE NHTSA RECALL NO. 98V323. ALTHOUGH THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED AND REGISTERED IN FL IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN IN NEW YORK FOR A CONSIDERABLE TIME IN THE EARLY YEARS. ALL OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE AND NOT JUST THE OWNERS IN THE NORTHERN STATES SHOULD HAVE BEEN NO…
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MOTOR MOUNT FAILED. VIN: [XXX]. 1998 FORD TAURUS GL. CORROSION PROBLEM. SEE NHTSA RECALL NO. 98V323. ALTHOUGH THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED AND REGISTERED IN FL IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN IN NEW YORK FOR A CONSIDERABLE TIME IN THE EARLY YEARS. ALL OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE AND NOT JUST THE OWNERS IN THE NORTHERN STATES SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE POTENTIAL FAILURE AND COVERED UNDER THE RECALL IT THE CARS WERE EXPOSED TO ROAD SALT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10050987
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2003
Structure
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH SUB FRAME CORROSION AS STATED IN RECALL 98V323000. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10042757
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2003
Structure
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH SUB FRAME CORROSION AS STATED IN RECALL 98V323000. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10042755
Official recalls
5Dec 16, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.
Feb 26, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WATER CAN ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT. IF ENOUGH WATER ACCUMULATES, IT COULD FREEZE WITHIN A LOW AREA OF THE CABLE ROUTING WHEN EXPOSED TO A LONG TERM COLD SOAK AT TEMPERATURES AT LEAST SEVERAL DEGREES BELOW FREEZING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRIVER CONTROL OF VEHICLE SPEED USING THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD BE DIMINISHED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.
Feb 25, 1997
THESE VEHICLES ARE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, IOWA, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA. THE VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE 1992-1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES; 1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3L ENGINES; 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8L ENGINES; 1994-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND 1992-1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES. DURING HIGH WINDS, HEAVY, BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND LOW TEMPERATURES, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAN BECOME BLOCKED OR FROZEN WITH SNOW. THE FAN MOTOR MAY NOT ROTATE AND COULD OVERHEAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SMOKE OR FLAMES FROM THE FAN AND/OR SHROUD, THE FAN ELECTRICAL WIRING, OR THE FAN MOTOR RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.
May 11, 1992
CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.
Sep 4, 1991
MANUFACTURING ERRORS BY THE SUPPLIER OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH MECHANISM MAY CAUSE THE SECONDARY PORTION OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH NOT TO FUNCTION. IF THE LATCH IS NOT IN THE PRIMARY LATCH POSITION, THE LIFTGATE COULD OPEN WITHOUT OPERATOR ACTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE WERE TO OPEN DURING VEHCILE OPERATION,PASSENGERS OR CARGO COULD FALL FROM THE OPEN LIFTGATE.
Remedy: REPLACE MALFUNCTIONING LIFTGATE LATCHES.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
14RQ98016 · Front Suspension Spring Breakage
Opened Sep 29, 1998 · Closed Jan 12, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
FRONT SUSPENSION SPRINGS AY BREAK DUE TO MANUFACTURING CRACHS IN COMBINATION WITH CORROSION.
DP96014 · Defective Air Bag Crash Sensor
Opened Nov 14, 1996 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
CFAS SENT A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON DECEMBER 12, 1996, TO CHANGE THE INTENT OF THE PETITION TO AIRBAG AGGRESSIVITY AND DEPLOYMENT VARIABILITY.NHTSA RECEIVED THE LETTER ON 12/12/96; ACCORDINGLY, THE PETITION DUE DAY WAS CHANGED TO APRIL 12, 1997.CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE 1991-92 CHEVROLET CORSICA/BERETTA, 1990-92 FORD TAURUS, AND 1994-96 CHRYSLER MINIVANS ARE DEFECTIVE.CFAS ALLEGE THAT INFORMATION ON LOW SPEED CRASHES HERE OCCUPANTS HAVE SUFFERED FATAL INJURIES SUGGESTS [THAT THE ABOVE VEHICLES] HAVE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS.
EA96024 · Engine Cooling Fan Fires
Opened Sep 30, 1996 · Closed Apr 15, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
EA96019 · Headlight Failure
Opened Jul 31, 1996 · Closed Jan 26, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
EXCESSIVE HEAT IN AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CIRCUIT BREAKER WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THAT CIRCUIT BREAKER TO OPEN FOR TIME PERIODS OF VARYING LENGTH TO COOL OFF.OPENING OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THIS MANNER INTERRUPTS ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW TO THE HEADLIGHTS, SHUTTING THEM OFF.HEADLIGHT OUTAGES HAVE RANGER FROM BRIEF FLICKERS (LESS THAN ONE SECOND) TO GREATER THAN 20 SECONDS.OVER TIME, THE OUTAGES GROW IN LENGTH AND DURATION BECAUSE OF HEAT-INDUCED DETERIORATION OF THE SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING.RECALL 98V-009 WILL APPLY TO APPROXIMATELY 506,000 TAURUS, SABLE, MARK VIII, AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM 1-DEC.-92 THROUGH 30-SEP-93 AT THE ATLANTA, CHICAGO,AND WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANTS.87% OF MY 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE AND 97% OF MY 1993-1995 MARK VIII WARRANTY REPAIRS (HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT) INVOLVED VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE DEC. 92 - OCT. 93 BUILD RANGE.
PE96033 · Engine Cooling Fan Fires
Opened May 2, 1996 · Closed Sep 30, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
IN DECEMBER 1995, FORD RECALLED 119,313 VEHICLES IN CANADA TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN CERTAIN 1992-95 TAURUS, SABLE, TEMPO, TOPAZ AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES.FORD IS AWARE OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT MAINTAINS THAT THE FREQUENCIES DO NOT WARRANT A FINDING OF AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.
DP95004 · Alleged Defective Tie Rods
Opened Aug 8, 1995 · Closed Aug 30, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS
PE95026 · Plastic Trim Panel Separation
Opened May 1, 1995 · Closed Aug 31, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
There is no summary currently available
EA94008 · Broken Tie Rods
Opened Feb 16, 1994 · Closed Feb 27, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE93100 · Polycast Road Wheel Cracks
Opened Dec 2, 1993 · Closed Jun 30, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
EA93022 · Idle Air Spd Ctrl Vlv Malf
Opened Jul 30, 1993 · Closed Aug 31, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
PE93065 · Underbody Fuel Line Fails
Opened Jul 15, 1993 · Closed Nov 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE93058 · Broken Tie Rods
Opened Jun 15, 1993 · Closed Feb 16, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE93010 · Idle Air Spd Ctrl Vlv Malf
Opened Mar 2, 1993 · Closed Jul 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
EA92040 · SUB-FRM/UNIBODY Absor.fail
Opened Nov 30, 1992 · Closed Jun 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure
There is no summary currently available
Structure
There is no summary currently available
Illustration