HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE; HEARD A LOUD SOUND AND SUSPECTED THE COIL SPRING SUSPENSION, SINCE I KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FROM PREVIOUS OWNER COMPLAINTS FROM THIS WEBSITE. LEFT COIL SPRING BROKE AND TORE A BIG GASH ON TIRE AND WENT FLAT. CALLED FORD DEALER IN DEARBORN, MI AND THEY TOLD IT WAS COVERED AS A REC…
Read full complaint
HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE; HEARD A LOUD SOUND AND SUSPECTED THE COIL SPRING SUSPENSION, SINCE I KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FROM PREVIOUS OWNER COMPLAINTS FROM THIS WEBSITE. LEFT COIL SPRING BROKE AND TORE A BIG GASH ON TIRE AND WENT FLAT. CALLED FORD DEALER IN DEARBORN, MI AND THEY TOLD IT WAS COVERED AS A RECALL; TOWED MY CAR OUT THERE AND THEY CHANGED THEIR STORY AND TOLD THIS VIN WAS NOT COVERED AND 2001 MODEL YEAR WAS. WHAT A JOKE. PROMPTLY, I TOWED IT OUT OF THERE (DID NOT WANT TO GIVE THEM ANYMORE BUSINESS) AND GOT IT REPLACED OUTSIDE. CANT BELIEVE FORD DOES NOT WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH IT IS A EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS AND CAN HAPPEN TO ANY OF THE COILS. VERY BAD QUALITY STEEL USED IN COIL SPRING AND PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE PREVALENT IN SALT-BELT STATES. EVEN THE TOW-TRUCK DRIVER WAS CASUAL ABOUT IT SAYING HE IS SEEING IT TOO OFTEN (ESPECIALLY WITH CARS WITH HIGH MILES). FORD HAS LOST A POSSIBLE FUTURE CUSTOMER AND SWITCHING OVER TO A QUALITY OEM FROM NOW ON. BYE BYE FORD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10461643
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2012
SteeringCrashInjury
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A SHARP LEFT TURN ONTO A SIDE STREET, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A DEEP EMBANKMENT RATHER THAN TURNING. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS TURNED LEFT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS STRAIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A HALT. THE CONCLUSION WAS A BROKEN TIE ROD. THE VEHICLE REMAINED UPRIGHT AS IT CAREENED DO…
Read full complaint
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A SHARP LEFT TURN ONTO A SIDE STREET, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A DEEP EMBANKMENT RATHER THAN TURNING. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS TURNED LEFT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS STRAIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A HALT. THE CONCLUSION WAS A BROKEN TIE ROD. THE VEHICLE REMAINED UPRIGHT AS IT CAREENED DOWN THE HILL. THE CRASH RESULTED IN MINOR INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10456021
60,000 miles · May 11, 2011
SteeringSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND THOUGHT SHE HIT SOMETHING. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FLAT TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHI…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND THOUGHT SHE HIT SOMETHING. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FLAT TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRINGS. IN ADDITION, AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE THROUGH INSPECTION THEY ADVISED HER THAT FRONT END LINKS WOULD ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE FRONT END LINKS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE INNER TIE RODS WERE ALSO REPLACED. UPDATED 01/30/12
NHTSA ODI #10400007
155,108 miles · Mar 10, 2010
SteeringWheels
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN THE BOLT SNAPPED OFF OF THE WHEEL CAUSING THE CONTACT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO MANEUVER AFTER THE BOLT CAME OFF. A METAL COMPANY TESTED THE BOLT AND INFORMED THE C…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN THE BOLT SNAPPED OFF OF THE WHEEL CAUSING THE CONTACT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO MANEUVER AFTER THE BOLT CAME OFF. A METAL COMPANY TESTED THE BOLT AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE BOLT WAS MADE OF DECOMPOSING METAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC FOR SERVICE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,108 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 157,108 THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING HE SUDDENLY LOST STEERING CAPABILITIES. UPDATED EVOQ 06/09/10.*JB UPDATED 08/23/11. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10318509
Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2010
SteeringSuspension
THIS HAPPEN TO MY CAR AND NOW I SEE FIVE OTHERS: 2002 FORD TAURUS FRONT SUSPENSION COMPLAINTS 1 COMPLAINT NUMBER: 10311880 INCIDENT DATE: FEBRUARY 4, 2010 DATE ADDED TO FILE: FEBRUARY 18, 2010 DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPLAINT: LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND RUPTURED LEFT FRONT TIRE, ALSO BROKE LEFT SIDE SWAYBAR END LINK DE…
Read full complaint
THIS HAPPEN TO MY CAR AND NOW I SEE FIVE OTHERS: 2002 FORD TAURUS FRONT SUSPENSION COMPLAINTS 1 COMPLAINT NUMBER: 10311880 INCIDENT DATE: FEBRUARY 4, 2010 DATE ADDED TO FILE: FEBRUARY 18, 2010 DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPLAINT: LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND RUPTURED LEFT FRONT TIRE, ALSO BROKE LEFT SIDE SWAYBAR END LINK DETAILSDISCUSS IT IN FORUM 2 COMPLAINT NUMBER: 10311202 INCIDENT DATE: FEBRUARY 14, 2002 DATE ADDED TO FILE: FEBRUARY 17, 2010 DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPLAINT: LEFT FRONT SPRING BROKEN WITH PUNCTURE OF TIRE DETAILSDISCUSS IT IN FORUM 3 COMPLAINT NUMBER: 10310960 INCIDENT DATE: DECEMBER 9, 2007 DATE ADDED TO FILE: FEBRUARY 16, 2010 DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPLAINT: MY 2002 TAURUS WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN MY HUSBAND HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE COIL SPRING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BROKE AND PUT A HOLE THE TIRE. THE COST TO GET THE SPRINGS REPLACED AND A NEW TIRE WAS OVER $600.00 DETAILSDISCUSS IT IN FORUM 4 COMPLAINT NUMBER: 10308675 INCIDENT DATE: FEBRUARY 10, 2009 DATE ADDED TO FILE: FEBRUARY 11, 2010 DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPLAINT: CAR WAS PARKED AND PUT INTO REVERSE TO BACK UP IN DRIVE WHEN TIRE EXPLODED. UPON EXAMINATION THE DRIVERS SIDE SUSPENSION SPRING HAD EXPLODED INTO 2 PIECES AND RIPPED INTO TIRE. DETAILSDISCUSS IT IN FORUM 5 COMPLAINT NUMBER: 10308774 INCIDENT DATE: FEBRUARY 10, 2010 DATE ADDED TO FILE: FEBRUARY 11, 2010 DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPLAINT: I WAS DRIVING MY FORD TAURUS 2002 AND THE FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING BROKE RESULTING IN THE BROKEN COIL SPRING PUNCTURING MY TIRE CAUSING IT TO GO IMMEDIATELY FLAT. THIS RENDERED MY CAR IMMOBILE, REQUIRED TOWING, AND REPLACEMENT OF BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND MOUNTS THAT HOLD THE COIL SPRINGS. (COST: $695) SO FAR, THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE, AND I REALLY HOPE IT NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN. I HAVE A PORTION OF THE COIL SPRING THAT BROKE OFF FROM THE REST OF THE COIL SPRING. THE REMAINING SPRING WAS KEPT BY THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THE PORTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10314721
87,000 miles · Feb 8, 2010
SteeringSuspension
2002 FORD TAURUS LAST MONTH I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH OF THE REAR SPRINGS LAST WEEK I HAD TO REPLACE THE RACK/PINION TODAY AS I JUST STARTED TO DRIVE FORWARD IN MY DRIVEWAY, THE FRONT RIGHT SPRING BROKE AND PIERCED THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. I WAS GOING SO SLOW IN THE DRIVEWAY THAT THE SHARP EDGE OF THE BROKEN SPRING STARTED SLICING I…
Read full complaint
2002 FORD TAURUS LAST MONTH I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH OF THE REAR SPRINGS LAST WEEK I HAD TO REPLACE THE RACK/PINION TODAY AS I JUST STARTED TO DRIVE FORWARD IN MY DRIVEWAY, THE FRONT RIGHT SPRING BROKE AND PIERCED THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. I WAS GOING SO SLOW IN THE DRIVEWAY THAT THE SHARP EDGE OF THE BROKEN SPRING STARTED SLICING INTO THE TIRE AS IF A PERSON WERE PEELING AN APPLE. IT SCRAPED INTO THE TIRE UNTIL IT PIERCED THROUGH THE SIDEWALL. THANK HEAVENS THIS DID NOT HAPPEN AT 70MPH I HAVE READ ABOUT THE PRIOR RECALL INVOLVING THESE SAME PARTS ON THE 2001 AND EARLIER FORD TAURUS MODELS AND ON 2003 AND EARLIER FORD FOCUS MODELS WHICH USE THE SAME PARTS. HOW IN GOOD FAITH COULD YOU BELIEVE THAT THESE PARTS WERE GOING TO JUST DISAPPEAR FROM THE FACE OF THE EARTH. FORD CONTINUED TO USE THESE PARTS UNTIL THEY WERE GONE AND JUST ROLLED THE DICE THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE CAUGHT BY YOUR AGENCY. YOU MUST HELP THE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE OUT THERE DRIVING VARIOUS MODELS OF FORDS WITH THESE SAME PARTS THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY, VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD SPRINGS. THE EVENTS THAT LEAD UP TO THE REAR SPRINGS BEING DEFECTIVE WERE A THUMP WHEN THE R/R SPRING BROKE AND THE CAR DROPPED A LITTLE BIT. WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS REPLACING IT, I HAD HIM CHECK THE L/R SPRING AT WHICH TIME HE FOUND THAT ONE ON THE VERGE OF CRACKING. THE RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION IT TOO WAS FOUND TO BE BAD. AND AS I EXPLAINED ABOVE, I WAS DRIVING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AT APPROX 2 MPH AS I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 20' AS I HAD TO STOP AND PICK UP MY WIFE WHO HAD WALKED TO THE MAILBOX. THE REAR SPRINGS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AS IT WAS LAST MONTH. THE RACK AND PINION IS GOING TO BE RETURNED FOR THE CORE DEPOSIT UNLESS YOU ASK ME TO KEEP IT. THE FRONT SPRINGS WILL BE AVAILABLE AS I WILL BE CHANGING OUT THE L/F SPRING ALSO. PLEASE HELP ALL OF US AND POSSIBLY PREVENT A TRAGIC ACCIDENT. *CN
NHTSA ODI #10307662
125,000 miles · Sep 16, 2009
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringSuspension
WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE FRONT END AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKE. REPLACED ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT. ONE MONTH LATER FRONT END AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REPLACED PARTS AGAIN, AT LEAST 7 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10284181
50,000 miles · Dec 26, 2008
Steering
20 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER LEAVING WALMART PARKING LOT GOT A FLAT TIRE. ON REMOVING TIRE DISCOVERED TIRE HAD A HUGE GASH ON THE INSIDE OF TIRE ON FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND OUT STRUT WAS BROKEN HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10252871
Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2008
Air BagsSteeringCrashInjury
BELTED FEMALE OCCUPANT FELT HER VEHICLE PULL TO THE RIGHT. AS A RESULT SHE STRUCK A LIGHT POLE HEAD ON. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SERIOUS INJURIES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10244666
86,000 miles · Jun 10, 2008
SteeringSuspension
OWNER OF FORD TAURUS 2002 SEL, DEFECTIVE RIGHT FRONT SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED TIRE IN 2 PLACES. LOCKING UP FRONT RIGHT TIRE AT LOW SPEED. COULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT AT HIGHER SPEED. FORD PRESENTLY HAS RECALLS ON 2000 AND 2001 SPRINGS BUT NONE ON 2002. WANT COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGES TO MY VEHICLE. WAYNE N. WALLACE…
Read full complaint
OWNER OF FORD TAURUS 2002 SEL, DEFECTIVE RIGHT FRONT SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED TIRE IN 2 PLACES. LOCKING UP FRONT RIGHT TIRE AT LOW SPEED. COULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT AT HIGHER SPEED. FORD PRESENTLY HAS RECALLS ON 2000 AND 2001 SPRINGS BUT NONE ON 2002. WANT COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGES TO MY VEHICLE. WAYNE N. WALLACE. *TR UPDATED (6/24/2008): MRS. WALLACE CLARIFIED THAT THERE WAS NO CRASH INVOLVED. MR. WALLACE JUST HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON TWO DAYS PRIOR TO THE SPRING FAILURE. HE DROVE HOME FROM THE TIRE PLACE, PARKED THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVEWAY. THE CAR SAT FOR TWO DAYS. WHEN MR. WALLACE WENT TO THE CAR, HE DISCOVERED A FLAT TIRE. THE CAR WAS PUT ON A HOIST AND THE MECHANIC FOUND THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS MALFUNCTIONING COULD RENDER THE STOP LAMPS INOPERABLE OR CAUSE THEM TO STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION TO A FOLLOWING DRIVER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN ADDITION, IF THE SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING FAIL IN THE OPEN POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ACTUATE AND THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF "PARK" IF THEY FAIL IN THE CLOSED POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL REMAIN ON, WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW THE SPEED CONTROL TO BE ACTIVATED. THIS COULD ALSO CAUSE THE BATTERY TO DISCHARGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED STOP LAMP SWITCH AND WIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELDS MAY POTENTIALLY EXHIBIT INCREASED WIND NOISE, WATER LEAKAGE, AND SQUEAKS AND RATTLES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: POTENTIAL LOSS OF WINDSHIELD RETENTION MAY ALSO REDUCE OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WINDSHIELDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD/MERCURY AT 1-800-392-3673.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PADELS ARE BEING RECALLED IN ORDER TO ADJUST THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO A MINIMUM OF 50 MM OF LATERAL SEPARATION. SIMULTANEOUS APPLICATION OF BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING AN "UNINTENDED VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE" OR A PERCEIVED "UNABLE TO STOP" CONDITION.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED AS TO THE PROPER WAY TO SET THE POSITION OF THE PEDALS AND TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE SPACING BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS MEASURED. IF THE SPACING IS FOUND TO BE LESS THAN 50 MM, THE DEALER WILL ADJUST THE PEDALS TO INCREASE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THEM TO GREATER THAN 50 MM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
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
4
PE12033 · Speed Control Cable Damage
Opened Oct 24, 2012 · Closed Jun 26, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control; Vehicle Speed Control:cables; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
On June 21, 2013, Ford initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 13B04 to address a concern with Speed Control Cable damage in certain model year (MY) 2000 through 2003 Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with 3.0L 4V Duratec engines and built at the Chicago assembly plant.In the dealer letter for the program, Ford indicates that the Speed Control Cables on affected vehicles may be susceptible to damage or becoming partially disconnected during under hood vehicle maintenance (e.g., replacing a battery or changing the air filter) and that a damaged Speed Control Cable could interfere with the throttle's full return to idle when the accelerator pedal is released.Ford's program instructs dealers to inspect the Speed Control Cables and replace any with any portion of either collar retention tab missing.Dealers will install a Collar Reinforcement Clip at the Speed Control Cable collar in all vehicles. Figure 1 shows the location of the Speed Control Cable in the engine compartment and the proximity of the battery and air filter.The failure mode of the cable assembly is associated with the plastic collar used to secure the cable to a bracket near the throttle body (Figure 2).Damage to one or both retention tabs used to secure the cable ferrule within the collar may allow the ferrule to become disconnected from the collar when the throttle is opened during accelerator pedal application.Additional examples of Speed Control Cables with damaged collar retention tabs and partial ferrule displacement are shown in Figures 3 through 5.If the displacement pulls the ferrule completely out of the collar, the ferrule end may contact the face of the collar when the accelerator pedal is released and the throttle is returning to idle (Figure 6).This results in a throttle stuck at approximately 26-29% open.Testing conducted at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center found that brake booster vacuum may become depleted, resulting in reduced brake effectiveness, if the brake is applied repeatedly when the throttle is stuck at this position.Drivers who experienced this condition have reported being surprised that the engine speed did not drop as expected and in some cases misjudged the degree of braking required to slow the vehicle.Some drivers reported difficulty in braking the vehicle and responded by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off.One minor crash occurred when the vehicle contacted a roadside fence post after the driver responded to the stuck throttle by shifting the car to neutral, turning the engine off and coasting to the side of a roadway with no shoulder, resulting in approximately $400 damage to the vehicle.There were four crashes reported which were attributed to increased stopping distance caused by the increased engine power and/or reduced brake effectiveness, including two of the complaints to ODI.In one crash reported to ODI (VOQ 10516101), the subject vehicle allegedly hit the back end of a truck at approximately 40 mph causing about $2000 damage.In the other crash complaint to ODI (VOQ 10501834), the subject vehicle side-swiped a vehicle as the driver was unable to stop in time and attempted to maneuver around a line of vehicles stopped at a traffic light.When the tow truck driver subsequently started the incident vehicle, the engine was still racing and it was verified that the Speed Control Cable ferrule was stuck on the collar.After further investigation, ODI does not consider the crashes reported in VOQs 10456249 and 10159399 to be related to the Speed Control Cable problem.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Vehicle Speed Control:cables
On June 21, 2013, Ford initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 13B04 to address a concern with Speed Control Cable damage in certain model year (MY) 2000 through 2003 Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with 3.0L 4V Duratec engines and built at the Chicago assembly plant.In the dealer letter for the program, Ford indicates that the Speed Control Cables on affected vehicles may be susceptible to damage or becoming partially disconnected during under hood vehicle maintenance (e.g., replacing a battery or changing the air filter) and that a damaged Speed Control Cable could interfere with the throttle's full return to idle when the accelerator pedal is released.Ford's program instructs dealers to inspect the Speed Control Cables and replace any with any portion of either collar retention tab missing.Dealers will install a Collar Reinforcement Clip at the Speed Control Cable collar in all vehicles. Figure 1 shows the location of the Speed Control Cable in the engine compartment and the proximity of the battery and air filter.The failure mode of the cable assembly is associated with the plastic collar used to secure the cable to a bracket near the throttle body (Figure 2).Damage to one or both retention tabs used to secure the cable ferrule within the collar may allow the ferrule to become disconnected from the collar when the throttle is opened during accelerator pedal application.Additional examples of Speed Control Cables with damaged collar retention tabs and partial ferrule displacement are shown in Figures 3 through 5.If the displacement pulls the ferrule completely out of the collar, the ferrule end may contact the face of the collar when the accelerator pedal is released and the throttle is returning to idle (Figure 6).This results in a throttle stuck at approximately 26-29% open.Testing conducted at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center found that brake booster vacuum may become depleted, resulting in reduced brake effectiveness, if the brake is applied repeatedly when the throttle is stuck at this position.Drivers who experienced this condition have reported being surprised that the engine speed did not drop as expected and in some cases misjudged the degree of braking required to slow the vehicle.Some drivers reported difficulty in braking the vehicle and responded by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off.One minor crash occurred when the vehicle contacted a roadside fence post after the driver responded to the stuck throttle by shifting the car to neutral, turning the engine off and coasting to the side of a roadway with no shoulder, resulting in approximately $400 damage to the vehicle.There were four crashes reported which were attributed to increased stopping distance caused by the increased engine power and/or reduced brake effectiveness, including two of the complaints to ODI.In one crash reported to ODI (VOQ 10516101), the subject vehicle allegedly hit the back end of a truck at approximately 40 mph causing about $2000 damage.In the other crash complaint to ODI (VOQ 10501834), the subject vehicle side-swiped a vehicle as the driver was unable to stop in time and attempted to maneuver around a line of vehicles stopped at a traffic light.When the tow truck driver subsequently started the incident vehicle, the engine was still racing and it was verified that the Speed Control Cable ferrule was stuck on the collar.After further investigation, ODI does not consider the crashes reported in VOQs 10456249 and 10159399 to be related to the Speed Control Cable problem.
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
On June 21, 2013, Ford initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 13B04 to address a concern with Speed Control Cable damage in certain model year (MY) 2000 through 2003 Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with 3.0L 4V Duratec engines and built at the Chicago assembly plant.In the dealer letter for the program, Ford indicates that the Speed Control Cables on affected vehicles may be susceptible to damage or becoming partially disconnected during under hood vehicle maintenance (e.g., replacing a battery or changing the air filter) and that a damaged Speed Control Cable could interfere with the throttle's full return to idle when the accelerator pedal is released.Ford's program instructs dealers to inspect the Speed Control Cables and replace any with any portion of either collar retention tab missing.Dealers will install a Collar Reinforcement Clip at the Speed Control Cable collar in all vehicles. Figure 1 shows the location of the Speed Control Cable in the engine compartment and the proximity of the battery and air filter.The failure mode of the cable assembly is associated with the plastic collar used to secure the cable to a bracket near the throttle body (Figure 2).Damage to one or both retention tabs used to secure the cable ferrule within the collar may allow the ferrule to become disconnected from the collar when the throttle is opened during accelerator pedal application.Additional examples of Speed Control Cables with damaged collar retention tabs and partial ferrule displacement are shown in Figures 3 through 5.If the displacement pulls the ferrule completely out of the collar, the ferrule end may contact the face of the collar when the accelerator pedal is released and the throttle is returning to idle (Figure 6).This results in a throttle stuck at approximately 26-29% open.Testing conducted at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center found that brake booster vacuum may become depleted, resulting in reduced brake effectiveness, if the brake is applied repeatedly when the throttle is stuck at this position.Drivers who experienced this condition have reported being surprised that the engine speed did not drop as expected and in some cases misjudged the degree of braking required to slow the vehicle.Some drivers reported difficulty in braking the vehicle and responded by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off.One minor crash occurred when the vehicle contacted a roadside fence post after the driver responded to the stuck throttle by shifting the car to neutral, turning the engine off and coasting to the side of a roadway with no shoulder, resulting in approximately $400 damage to the vehicle.There were four crashes reported which were attributed to increased stopping distance caused by the increased engine power and/or reduced brake effectiveness, including two of the complaints to ODI.In one crash reported to ODI (VOQ 10516101), the subject vehicle allegedly hit the back end of a truck at approximately 40 mph causing about $2000 damage.In the other crash complaint to ODI (VOQ 10501834), the subject vehicle side-swiped a vehicle as the driver was unable to stop in time and attempted to maneuver around a line of vehicles stopped at a traffic light.When the tow truck driver subsequently started the incident vehicle, the engine was still racing and it was verified that the Speed Control Cable ferrule was stuck on the collar.After further investigation, ODI does not consider the crashes reported in VOQs 10456249 and 10159399 to be related to the Speed Control Cable problem.
Vehicle Speed Control
On June 21, 2013, Ford initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 13B04 to address a concern with Speed Control Cable damage in certain model year (MY) 2000 through 2003 Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with 3.0L 4V Duratec engines and built at the Chicago assembly plant.In the dealer letter for the program, Ford indicates that the Speed Control Cables on affected vehicles may be susceptible to damage or becoming partially disconnected during under hood vehicle maintenance (e.g., replacing a battery or changing the air filter) and that a damaged Speed Control Cable could interfere with the throttle's full return to idle when the accelerator pedal is released.Ford's program instructs dealers to inspect the Speed Control Cables and replace any with any portion of either collar retention tab missing.Dealers will install a Collar Reinforcement Clip at the Speed Control Cable collar in all vehicles. Figure 1 shows the location of the Speed Control Cable in the engine compartment and the proximity of the battery and air filter.The failure mode of the cable assembly is associated with the plastic collar used to secure the cable to a bracket near the throttle body (Figure 2).Damage to one or both retention tabs used to secure the cable ferrule within the collar may allow the ferrule to become disconnected from the collar when the throttle is opened during accelerator pedal application.Additional examples of Speed Control Cables with damaged collar retention tabs and partial ferrule displacement are shown in Figures 3 through 5.If the displacement pulls the ferrule completely out of the collar, the ferrule end may contact the face of the collar when the accelerator pedal is released and the throttle is returning to idle (Figure 6).This results in a throttle stuck at approximately 26-29% open.Testing conducted at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center found that brake booster vacuum may become depleted, resulting in reduced brake effectiveness, if the brake is applied repeatedly when the throttle is stuck at this position.Drivers who experienced this condition have reported being surprised that the engine speed did not drop as expected and in some cases misjudged the degree of braking required to slow the vehicle.Some drivers reported difficulty in braking the vehicle and responded by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off.One minor crash occurred when the vehicle contacted a roadside fence post after the driver responded to the stuck throttle by shifting the car to neutral, turning the engine off and coasting to the side of a roadway with no shoulder, resulting in approximately $400 damage to the vehicle.There were four crashes reported which were attributed to increased stopping distance caused by the increased engine power and/or reduced brake effectiveness, including two of the complaints to ODI.In one crash reported to ODI (VOQ 10516101), the subject vehicle allegedly hit the back end of a truck at approximately 40 mph causing about $2000 damage.In the other crash complaint to ODI (VOQ 10501834), the subject vehicle side-swiped a vehicle as the driver was unable to stop in time and attempted to maneuver around a line of vehicles stopped at a traffic light.When the tow truck driver subsequently started the incident vehicle, the engine was still racing and it was verified that the Speed Control Cable ferrule was stuck on the collar.After further investigation, ODI does not consider the crashes reported in VOQs 10456249 and 10159399 to be related to the Speed Control Cable problem.
EA08018 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
Opened Aug 28, 2008 · Closed Jun 30, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
To date, ODI is aware of 2,401 non-duplicative complaints related to the alleged defect. In addition, ODI is aware of 1,411 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to the alleged defect. In total, ODI is aware of 3,645 unique subject vehicles that have experienced one or more front suspension coil spring fractures. ODI is also aware of four minor crashes related to the alleged defect resulting in one minor injury.With greater than eight years of exposure, a large subject vehicle population and approximately 2,052 reported front tire punctures caused by fractured coil springs (at all speeds), there have been no reported severe crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect. The real world consequences of these defective coil springs have been a small number of minor control problems that resulted in minor damage; suggesting that the effect of the defect on vehicle control is minor.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency will continue to monitor this issue and will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See the EA08-018 Engineering Analysis Closing Report for more details.
RP03001 · Brake/accelerator Pedal Application
Opened Oct 31, 2003 · Closed Mar 23, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
MS. RODMAN REPORTED THAT AFTER HER VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR THE RECALL, HER MOTHER EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND CRASHED THE SABLE INTO A LIGHT POLE.PREVIOUSLY NHTSA HAD CONDUCTED AN INVESTIGATION FOR THIS ISSUE (PE02-035) THAT RESULTED IN THE RECALL (02V-266) OF 369,000 MY 2000-2002 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO INSURE THAT THE SEPARATION BETWEEN THE PEDALS WAS AT LEAST 50MM..A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATABASE FOR COMPLAINTS REGARDING RECALL 02V-266 DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY RECALL REMEDY COMPLAINTS OTHER THAN THE PETITIONER'S.MS. RODMAN?S VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY ODI USING FORD?S SPECIAL TOOL AND HER VEHICLE WAS FOUND TO EXCEED 50MM.ALSO, THE LATERAL MOVEMENT OF THE PEDALS WAS FOUND NOT TO BE EXCESSIVE RELATIVE TO OTHER COMPARABLE TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES.THEREFORE, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER REQUIRING FORD TO PROVIDE A DIFFERENT REMEDY FOR THIS DEFECT.IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA?S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY?S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS ANALYSIS, PLEASE REFER TO THE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE DATED MARCH 23, 2004 (VOL 69, NO 56, PAGES 13619-13620).
FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-078, AND FAILURES IN MY 2000 VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME INCLUDES ALL CRASHES AND INJURIES, BUT THE COMPLAINT INFORMATION IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-02 VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF RECALL 01V-078.)ON MARCH 1, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2003 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND MY 2000 SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIXED PEDALS (RECALL 04V-106).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED THREE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURES:(1) CONTINUING GREASE CONTAMINATION ISSUES THAT PROMPTED 01V-078; (2) MISALIGNMENT OF THE BOOSTER ROD PIN AND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH; AND (3) WIRE ASSEMBLY FATIGUE.THE FIRST TWO CONDITIONS WERE LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND THE LATTER CONDITION AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING REPLACED WITH A RE-DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING ASSEMBLY.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-078, AND FAILURES IN MY 2000 VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME INCLUDES ALL CRASHES AND INJURIES, BUT THE COMPLAINT INFORMATION IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-02 VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF RECALL 01V-078.)ON MARCH 1, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2003 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND MY 2000 SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIXED PEDALS (RECALL 04V-106).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED THREE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURES:(1) CONTINUING GREASE CONTAMINATION ISSUES THAT PROMPTED 01V-078; (2) MISALIGNMENT OF THE BOOSTER ROD PIN AND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH; AND (3) WIRE ASSEMBLY FATIGUE.THE FIRST TWO CONDITIONS WERE LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND THE LATTER CONDITION AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING REPLACED WITH A RE-DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING ASSEMBLY.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-078, AND FAILURES IN MY 2000 VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME INCLUDES ALL CRASHES AND INJURIES, BUT THE COMPLAINT INFORMATION IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-02 VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF RECALL 01V-078.)ON MARCH 1, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2003 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND MY 2000 SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIXED PEDALS (RECALL 04V-106).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED THREE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURES:(1) CONTINUING GREASE CONTAMINATION ISSUES THAT PROMPTED 01V-078; (2) MISALIGNMENT OF THE BOOSTER ROD PIN AND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH; AND (3) WIRE ASSEMBLY FATIGUE.THE FIRST TWO CONDITIONS WERE LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND THE LATTER CONDITION AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING REPLACED WITH A RE-DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING ASSEMBLY.
Exterior Lighting
FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-078, AND FAILURES IN MY 2000 VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME INCLUDES ALL CRASHES AND INJURIES, BUT THE COMPLAINT INFORMATION IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-02 VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF RECALL 01V-078.)ON MARCH 1, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2003 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND MY 2000 SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIXED PEDALS (RECALL 04V-106).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED THREE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURES:(1) CONTINUING GREASE CONTAMINATION ISSUES THAT PROMPTED 01V-078; (2) MISALIGNMENT OF THE BOOSTER ROD PIN AND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH; AND (3) WIRE ASSEMBLY FATIGUE.THE FIRST TWO CONDITIONS WERE LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND THE LATTER CONDITION AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING REPLACED WITH A RE-DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING ASSEMBLY.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-078, AND FAILURES IN MY 2000 VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME INCLUDES ALL CRASHES AND INJURIES, BUT THE COMPLAINT INFORMATION IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-02 VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF RECALL 01V-078.)ON MARCH 1, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2003 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND MY 2000 SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIXED PEDALS (RECALL 04V-106).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED THREE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURES:(1) CONTINUING GREASE CONTAMINATION ISSUES THAT PROMPTED 01V-078; (2) MISALIGNMENT OF THE BOOSTER ROD PIN AND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH; AND (3) WIRE ASSEMBLY FATIGUE.THE FIRST TWO CONDITIONS WERE LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND THE LATTER CONDITION AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING REPLACED WITH A RE-DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING ASSEMBLY.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch
FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-078, AND FAILURES IN MY 2000 VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME INCLUDES ALL CRASHES AND INJURIES, BUT THE COMPLAINT INFORMATION IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-02 VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF RECALL 01V-078.)ON MARCH 1, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2003 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND MY 2000 SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIXED PEDALS (RECALL 04V-106).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED THREE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURES:(1) CONTINUING GREASE CONTAMINATION ISSUES THAT PROMPTED 01V-078; (2) MISALIGNMENT OF THE BOOSTER ROD PIN AND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH; AND (3) WIRE ASSEMBLY FATIGUE.THE FIRST TWO CONDITIONS WERE LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND THE LATTER CONDITION AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING REPLACED WITH A RE-DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING ASSEMBLY.
2002 Ford Taurus Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
Illustration