← New search

1999 Ford Taurus

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Taurus years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Ford Taurus are substantially higher than the model-year median of 318.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

337 reports with mileage · 537 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 180 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 109 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

61 crash reports16 fire reports46 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

109 reports
Clear category filter
84,000 miles · May 12, 2009
Vehicle Speed ControlFire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE SPREAD QUICKLY THROUGHOUT THE GARAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND STATED THAT THE FIRE COULD HAVE ORIGINATED WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE, WHICH IS COMMON IN SOME FORD SUV'S. THE CURRENT AND FAILUR…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE SPREAD QUICKLY THROUGHOUT THE GARAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND STATED THAT THE FIRE COULD HAVE ORIGINATED WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE, WHICH IS COMMON IN SOME FORD SUV'S. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #10268539

56,408 miles · Sep 24, 2008
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. AT 43,400 MILES, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AT THE COST OF $1,400. WITHIN A YEAR, IT HAD TO BE REBUILT A SECOND TIME AT NO CHARGE. ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2008, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT FOR THE THIRD TIME AT 53,600 MILES. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECT…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. AT 43,400 MILES, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AT THE COST OF $1,400. WITHIN A YEAR, IT HAD TO BE REBUILT A SECOND TIME AT NO CHARGE. ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2008, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT FOR THE THIRD TIME AT 53,600 MILES. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION SKIPS SECOND GEAR AND THE VEHICLE JERKS OFTEN. THE CONTACT DOES NOT DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY, ONLY IN TOWN. SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE IS AT 5,000 RPM WHEN DRIVING. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR, BUT THE VEHICLE ONLY ACCELERATES BETWEEN 5-10 MPH. THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RETRIEVED HER VEHICLE FROM THE REPAIR SHOP ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2008. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,408.

NHTSA ODI #10243348

117,400 miles · Jul 21, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineFire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE OXYGEN SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE LIGHT STILL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A MISFIRE ON THE #6 CYLINDER. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A LOT OF SMOKE WHEN THE V…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE OXYGEN SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE LIGHT STILL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A MISFIRE ON THE #6 CYLINDER. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A LOT OF SMOKE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS ANTIFREEZE ENTERING THE MOTOR. THE MECHANIC ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THERE WAS A POTENTIAL ISSUE WITH THE HEAD GASKET, WHICH WOULD COST BETWEEN $1,500-$2,500 TO REPAIR. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE IF THE CONTACT REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; THEREFORE, HE WOULD HAVE TO APPLY THE BRAKES INSTEAD. THE MECHANIC INFORMED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD COAST DUE TO THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM USING MORE GASOLINE THAN HE BELIEVED WAS NECESSARY. FOR ERRANDS AROUND TOWN, THE VEHICLE WOULD USE A HALF OF A TANK. THE HEADLIGHTS HAD A DINGY COLOR ON THE INSIDE. HE ATTEMPTED TO GET ANOTHER LENS CAP FOR IT, BUT COULD NOT CHANGE IT BECAUSE IT WAS PLASTIC. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER HEADLIGHT TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS CLOSE TO TEN YEARS OLD. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AND SLIP INTO ANOTHER GEAR. LASTLY, THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES DIMMING INTERMITTENTLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 118,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,400.

NHTSA ODI #10235153

111,000 miles · Aug 21, 2007
Vehicle Speed Control

SUBJECT VEHICLE IS A 1999 FORD TAURUS, MANUFACTURED IN SEPTEMBER, 1998. THE MILEAGE TRAVELED IS 111,000. I WAS PROCEEDING AT 20 TO 25 MPH BEHIND A LOGGING TRUCK. WE APPROACHED A STOP SIGN. I BRAKED. THE CAR CONTINUED TO PROCEED SLOWLY FORWARD, BUT THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ENGAGED AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO ROLL SLOWLY FORWARD. I HEARD …

Read full complaint

SUBJECT VEHICLE IS A 1999 FORD TAURUS, MANUFACTURED IN SEPTEMBER, 1998. THE MILEAGE TRAVELED IS 111,000. I WAS PROCEEDING AT 20 TO 25 MPH BEHIND A LOGGING TRUCK. WE APPROACHED A STOP SIGN. I BRAKED. THE CAR CONTINUED TO PROCEED SLOWLY FORWARD, BUT THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ENGAGED AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO ROLL SLOWLY FORWARD. I HEARD A ROAR, AND THOUGHT THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WERE MOVING THE CAR FORWARD, SO SLIPPED THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. THE RPM RACED TO 4000 TO 4500. I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, THEN RE-STARTED. THE REMAINDER OF THE 15 MILE COMMUTE WAS UNEVENTFUL. THIS IS THE ROUTE I HAVE TRAVELED TO WORK FOR 14 YEARS. IT IS RURAL. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. I CHECKED RECALL 98V204000. THE RETAINER CLIP IS IN PLACE. THE THROTTLE FEELS NORMAL. I AM A LICENSED MECHANICAL ENGINEER. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR CABLE AND LINKAGE ARE OKAY AT BOTH ENDS. UPDATED 09/12/07 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10200254

97,000 miles · Mar 7, 2007
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING HIGH. THIS CONFIRMED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKES. HOWEVER, THE HIGH IDLE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEA…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING HIGH. THIS CONFIRMED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKES. HOWEVER, THE HIGH IDLE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 MILES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10184454

130,000 miles · Dec 16, 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlFire

DT: THE CONTACT HEARD AN EXPLOSION OUTSIDE HIS HOME ON DECEMBER 14, 2005 AT APPROXIMATELY MIDNIGHT. HE CAME OUT OF THE HOUSE TO FIND HIS 1999 FORD TAURUS ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE APPEARED TO BE LOCALIZED IN THE FRONT ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE POLICE WERE NOT NOTIFIED, BUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. BASE…

Read full complaint

DT: THE CONTACT HEARD AN EXPLOSION OUTSIDE HIS HOME ON DECEMBER 14, 2005 AT APPROXIMATELY MIDNIGHT. HE CAME OUT OF THE HOUSE TO FIND HIS 1999 FORD TAURUS ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE APPEARED TO BE LOCALIZED IN THE FRONT ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE POLICE WERE NOT NOTIFIED, BUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. BASED ON THE EVENTS IT BELIEVED THAT THE FIRE WAS RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. *AK UPDATED 1/25/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ODI #10145461

4,000 miles · Dec 8, 2005
Vehicle Speed Control

DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE ACCELERATION WITH BRAKE PRESSURE THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND LURCHED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SEEN BY A DEALER, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10144781

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2005
Vehicle Speed Control

CRUSIE CONTROL SWITCH STOPPED WORKING. DEALER SPENT AN HOUR FINDING PROBLEM WHICH HE SAID WAS CASUED BY SWITCH ON BRAKE PEDAL LOSING ADJUSTMENT.PAID $90.00 TO "ADJUST". SEVERAL MONTHS LATER SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED.

NHTSA ODI #10124120

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2005
Vehicle Speed Control

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE SPEED CONTROL SENSOR AND SHIFTER CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10107370

47,000 miles · Dec 15, 2004
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

WHEN STOPPED AND ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO PARK, THE ENGINE ACCELERATED TO OVER 3000 RPM'S, RESULTING IN AN IMPACT TO A BRICK WALL. THERE WERE ATTEMPTS TO PLACE THE SHIFT IN PARK, TURN THE KEY OFF, AND THE ATTEMPTS TO PULL KEY OUT WERE ALL FAILURES. THE ENGINE ACCELERATION CONTINUED. *BF *SC

NHTSA ODI #10103578

Official recalls

5

04V332000 · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

Jul 15, 2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH SALT USED ON THE ROADWAYS DURING THE WINTER. A FRACTURED SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE TIRE MAY RUPTURE RESULTING IN A RAPID AIR LOSS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SPRING SHIELDS. IN ADDITION, FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS IN ALL OTHER STATES, FOR FRACTURE ONLY, UP TO 10 YEARS OF SERVICE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL JULY 31, 2005. IF EITHER FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER. AN INTERIM NOTICE WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON AUGUST 2, 2004. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE 2000-2001 MY VEHICLES AND OWNERS WERE SENT A LETTER ON JANUARY 10, 2005, ADVISING THEM TO BRING IN THEIR VEHICLES FOR REPAIR PARTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR THE 1999 MY VEHICLES BY THE END OF FEBRUARY 2005 AND OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL BE NOTIFIED THEN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

99V250000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Sep 20, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE A PIN SHAFT IN THE SWITCHABLE ELR/ALR MECHANISM THAT IS INCORRECTLY FORMED. IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SWITCHING MECHANISM COULD BECOME NONFUNCTIONAL, PREVENTING THE SEAT BELT WEBBING FROM BEING EXTRACTED FROM THE RETRACTOR. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT MALFUNCTION OF THE MECHANISM COULD PREVENT THE BELT FROM BEING SWITCHED INTO THE ALR MODE. THE ELR MECHANISM IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONS AND DOES NOT ALLOW THE WEBBING TO BE EXTRACTED, THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT COULD NOT BE WORN BY A VEHICLE OCCUPANT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE MECHANISM DOES NOT ALLOW THE ALR MODE TO BE ENGAGED, THE OPERATOR MAY BE UNABLE TO PROPERLY INSTALL A CHILD SEAT IN THAT SEATING POSITION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLIES. ASSEMBLIES WITH JULIAN DATE CODES OF 200 THROUGH 223 ARE SUSPECT AND WILL BE REPLACED.

98V288000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines

Nov 9, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUPPED WITH THE "CALIFORNIA" EMISSIONS PACKAGE. AN INCORRECT TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE WAS INSTALLED. THE LINE CONTACTS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM MODULE SUPPORT BRACKET AND OVER TIME, CAN WEAR AND DEVELOP A LEAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE APPROPRIATE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE.

98V204000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Sep 1, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DASH INSULATOR RETAINER CLIP WAS NOT FULLY ASSEMBLED TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE DASH FITTING. THE CLIP CAN DISENGAGE FROM THE ACCELERATOR CABLE AND FALL INTO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM PIVOT AREA.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE ENGINE MAY NOT FULLY RETURN TO IDLE. ALSO, THE INSULATOR MAY NOT STAY IN THE INTENDED LOCATION AND COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR CABLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES TO ENSURE PROPER INSTALLATION OF THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CLIP, AND RE-INSTALL IF NEEDED.

98V198000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Aug 25, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEAT TRACKS. THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHING STUD MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS HEAT TREATMENT MAY HAVE RESULTED IN CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE STUD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE STUD IS CRACKED, IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MOUNTING BRACKET AND STUD ASSEMBLY.

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

2

PE04044 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture

Opened May 24, 2004 · Closed Aug 16, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front; Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

ODI POSSESSES 130 VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQ) ALLEGING FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT (MODEL YEAR 1999-2000) VEHICLES.AN ADDITIONAL 11 VOQS CONCERNING MY 2001 VEHICLES HAVE BEEN FOUND, BRINGING THE TOTAL TO 141.MORE THAN 75% OF THESE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE BROKEN SPRING DAMAGED OR PUNCTURED THE ADJACENT TIRE.ALL OF THESE REPORTS ORIGINATED IN THE SALT BELT STATES LOCATED IN THE NORTHEAST QUADRANT OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.FORD WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-332) COVERING VEHICLES SOLDOR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO INSTALL SPRING SHIELDS IN MY 1999-2001 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES TO PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM DAMAGING THE NEARBY TIRE.FORD WILL ADDITIONALLY NOTIFY OWNERS OF ALL MY 1999-2001 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES THAT WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR SPRING FRACTURES HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OF AGE OR 150,000 MILES.ODI ANALYZED FORD?S WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA AND FOUND THAT 99% OF THE SPRING FRACTURES OCCURRED IN THE STATES COVERED BY THE RECALL.THE OTHER INCIDENTS OCCURRED IN THE STATES OF FLORIDA, NORTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, ALABAMA, AND GEORGIA.IN VIEW OF THE COVERAGE OF THE SPRING FAILURES BY THE RECALL CAMPAIGN, ODI IS CLOSING THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF THE COUNTRY.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension:front

ODI POSSESSES 130 VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQ) ALLEGING FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT (MODEL YEAR 1999-2000) VEHICLES.AN ADDITIONAL 11 VOQS CONCERNING MY 2001 VEHICLES HAVE BEEN FOUND, BRINGING THE TOTAL TO 141.MORE THAN 75% OF THESE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE BROKEN SPRING DAMAGED OR PUNCTURED THE ADJACENT TIRE.ALL OF THESE REPORTS ORIGINATED IN THE SALT BELT STATES LOCATED IN THE NORTHEAST QUADRANT OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.FORD WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-332) COVERING VEHICLES SOLDOR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO INSTALL SPRING SHIELDS IN MY 1999-2001 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES TO PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM DAMAGING THE NEARBY TIRE.FORD WILL ADDITIONALLY NOTIFY OWNERS OF ALL MY 1999-2001 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES THAT WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR SPRING FRACTURES HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OF AGE OR 150,000 MILES.ODI ANALYZED FORD?S WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA AND FOUND THAT 99% OF THE SPRING FRACTURES OCCURRED IN THE STATES COVERED BY THE RECALL.THE OTHER INCIDENTS OCCURRED IN THE STATES OF FLORIDA, NORTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, ALABAMA, AND GEORGIA.IN VIEW OF THE COVERAGE OF THE SPRING FAILURES BY THE RECALL CAMPAIGN, ODI IS CLOSING THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF THE COUNTRY.

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

ODI POSSESSES 130 VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQ) ALLEGING FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT (MODEL YEAR 1999-2000) VEHICLES.AN ADDITIONAL 11 VOQS CONCERNING MY 2001 VEHICLES HAVE BEEN FOUND, BRINGING THE TOTAL TO 141.MORE THAN 75% OF THESE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE BROKEN SPRING DAMAGED OR PUNCTURED THE ADJACENT TIRE.ALL OF THESE REPORTS ORIGINATED IN THE SALT BELT STATES LOCATED IN THE NORTHEAST QUADRANT OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.FORD WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-332) COVERING VEHICLES SOLDOR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO INSTALL SPRING SHIELDS IN MY 1999-2001 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES TO PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM DAMAGING THE NEARBY TIRE.FORD WILL ADDITIONALLY NOTIFY OWNERS OF ALL MY 1999-2001 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES THAT WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR SPRING FRACTURES HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OF AGE OR 150,000 MILES.ODI ANALYZED FORD?S WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA AND FOUND THAT 99% OF THE SPRING FRACTURES OCCURRED IN THE STATES COVERED BY THE RECALL.THE OTHER INCIDENTS OCCURRED IN THE STATES OF FLORIDA, NORTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, ALABAMA, AND GEORGIA.IN VIEW OF THE COVERAGE OF THE SPRING FAILURES BY THE RECALL CAMPAIGN, ODI IS CLOSING THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF THE COUNTRY.

PE02080 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture

Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Apr 29, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

A TOTAL OF 161 FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING FAILURES ARE KNOWN TO ODI AND FORD FROM ALL SOURCES, 59 OF THESE LEADING TO TIRE DAMAGE.THESE FAILURES ARE CONCENTRATED IN THE CORROSION STATES, WHERE 253,814 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD.WARRANTY AND CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA SHOW THAT THE SUBJECT FLEET EXPERIENCED A SPRING FRACTURE RATE OF 0.009% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.03% AT 60,000 MILES.THESE RATES ARE VERY LOW WHEN COMPARED TO PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF COIL SPRING FRACTURE:RECALLED '93 TAURUS (EA97-026): 0.1% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.34% AT 60,000 MILES; AND RECALLED '98 WINDSTAR (EA00-027): 0.11% AT 30,000 MILES AND 1.25% AT 60,000 MILES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ALSO EXPERIENCED FAILURE RATES SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER THAN THOSE OF COMPARABLE-AGED NON-RECALLED WINDSTARS SUBJECT TO EA00-027 (MY '95-'97).GIVEN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED IN THIS MATTER.THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension

A TOTAL OF 161 FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING FAILURES ARE KNOWN TO ODI AND FORD FROM ALL SOURCES, 59 OF THESE LEADING TO TIRE DAMAGE.THESE FAILURES ARE CONCENTRATED IN THE CORROSION STATES, WHERE 253,814 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD.WARRANTY AND CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA SHOW THAT THE SUBJECT FLEET EXPERIENCED A SPRING FRACTURE RATE OF 0.009% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.03% AT 60,000 MILES.THESE RATES ARE VERY LOW WHEN COMPARED TO PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF COIL SPRING FRACTURE:RECALLED '93 TAURUS (EA97-026): 0.1% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.34% AT 60,000 MILES; AND RECALLED '98 WINDSTAR (EA00-027): 0.11% AT 30,000 MILES AND 1.25% AT 60,000 MILES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ALSO EXPERIENCED FAILURE RATES SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER THAN THOSE OF COMPARABLE-AGED NON-RECALLED WINDSTARS SUBJECT TO EA00-027 (MY '95-'97).GIVEN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED IN THIS MATTER.THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

A TOTAL OF 161 FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING FAILURES ARE KNOWN TO ODI AND FORD FROM ALL SOURCES, 59 OF THESE LEADING TO TIRE DAMAGE.THESE FAILURES ARE CONCENTRATED IN THE CORROSION STATES, WHERE 253,814 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD.WARRANTY AND CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA SHOW THAT THE SUBJECT FLEET EXPERIENCED A SPRING FRACTURE RATE OF 0.009% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.03% AT 60,000 MILES.THESE RATES ARE VERY LOW WHEN COMPARED TO PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF COIL SPRING FRACTURE:RECALLED '93 TAURUS (EA97-026): 0.1% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.34% AT 60,000 MILES; AND RECALLED '98 WINDSTAR (EA00-027): 0.11% AT 30,000 MILES AND 1.25% AT 60,000 MILES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ALSO EXPERIENCED FAILURE RATES SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER THAN THOSE OF COMPARABLE-AGED NON-RECALLED WINDSTARS SUBJECT TO EA00-027 (MY '95-'97).GIVEN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED IN THIS MATTER.THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.