I WAS PULLING OUT OF PARKING SPOT. I HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND AIR RUSHING OUT. I STOPPED AND GOT OUT AND NOTICED I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I CALLED AAA AND SERVICE GUY CAME AND TOLD ME THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. I KNOW FORD HAS A RECALL ON SOME MODEL TAURUS BUT NOT MINE. I WAS FORCED TO PAY OUT …
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I WAS PULLING OUT OF PARKING SPOT. I HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND AIR RUSHING OUT. I STOPPED AND GOT OUT AND NOTICED I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I CALLED AAA AND SERVICE GUY CAME AND TOLD ME THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. I KNOW FORD HAS A RECALL ON SOME MODEL TAURUS BUT NOT MINE. I WAS FORCED TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A TIRE NEW AND TWO NEW SPRINGS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10226569
60,000 miles · May 1, 2008
Suspension
I WAS PULLING MY 2002 FORD TAURUS OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD CLUNK FOLLOWED BY THE SOUND OF A SPRING UNCOILING. AS I CONTINUED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY I HEARD THE SOUND OF SOMETHING RUBBING AND SMELLED BURNING RUBBER. I MADE A U-TURN AND PULLED BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY. IT WAS THEN THAT I NOTICED THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR …
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I WAS PULLING MY 2002 FORD TAURUS OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD CLUNK FOLLOWED BY THE SOUND OF A SPRING UNCOILING. AS I CONTINUED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY I HEARD THE SOUND OF SOMETHING RUBBING AND SMELLED BURNING RUBBER. I MADE A U-TURN AND PULLED BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY. IT WAS THEN THAT I NOTICED THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR WAS SITTING LOWER THAN THE RIGHT AND THE LEFT FENDER WAS RESTING ON THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A BROKEN SPRING. FORD HAS RECALLED THE 2001 TAURUS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRS WILL BE AROUND $500. THE CAR AS 60,000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10226388
84,000 miles · Apr 30, 2008
Suspension
2002 FORD TAURUS , FOUND BROKEN REAR SPRING ON PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR, NOW HAVE TO REPLACE BOTH REAR STRUTS AND SPRINGS ALONG WITH REAR SWAY BAR LINKS. $1000.00 REPAIR I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR . FROM I'VE READ THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. MAY REPLACE THE FRONT STRUTS AND SPRINGS ALSO BECAUSE I'VE FOU…
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2002 FORD TAURUS , FOUND BROKEN REAR SPRING ON PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR, NOW HAVE TO REPLACE BOTH REAR STRUTS AND SPRINGS ALONG WITH REAR SWAY BAR LINKS. $1000.00 REPAIR I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR . FROM I'VE READ THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. MAY REPLACE THE FRONT STRUTS AND SPRINGS ALSO BECAUSE I'VE FOUND THOSE HAVE BEEN BREAKING ALOT ALSO. SPOKE TO FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY SAID TOUGH LUCK PAY FOR IT YOURSELF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10226334
21,700 miles · Apr 27, 2008
Suspension
BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE HEARD A LOUD BANG, STOPPED CAR, DRIVERS SIDE OF CAR WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY LAYING ON THE GROUND, THE DRIVERS SIDE COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN AND PIERCED AND FLATTENED THE FRONT TIRE ALSO THE UPPER STRUT MOUNT HAD STRESSED SO MUCH THAT THE BALL BEARINGS HAD POPPED OUT. HAD A HECK OF A TIME TO GET A JACK UNDER…
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BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE HEARD A LOUD BANG, STOPPED CAR, DRIVERS SIDE OF CAR WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY LAYING ON THE GROUND, THE DRIVERS SIDE COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN AND PIERCED AND FLATTENED THE FRONT TIRE ALSO THE UPPER STRUT MOUNT HAD STRESSED SO MUCH THAT THE BALL BEARINGS HAD POPPED OUT. HAD A HECK OF A TIME TO GET A JACK UNDER THE CAR TO PUT ON THE SPARE SO WE COULD HAVE IT TOWED TO THE SHOP. REPLACED THE BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS, REPLACED BOTH UPPER FRONT STRUT MOUNTS, REPLACED BOTH FRONT TIRES, FRONT DRIVER SIDE SWAY BAR END LINK WAS DAMAGED WHEN COIL BROKE AND CAR LEANED. ALSO FOUND THE REAR STRUTS TO BE BAD AND HAD BOTH REAR STRUTS AND COIL SPRINGS REPLACED. THEN HAD TO HAVE A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE. THIS COIL SPRING FAILURE AT LESS THAN 22000 MILES COASTED OVER $1,000. WE ARE JUST GLAD THAT WE WERE NOT DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE COIL SPRING FAILED!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10225804
70,000 miles · Apr 25, 2008
Suspension
MY DAUGHTER WHO IS AT COLLEGE, DRIVES A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE OTHER DAY SHE WENT TO BACK OUT OF HER PARKING SPACE AT SCHOOL. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. WHEN THEY TRIED TO PUT THE SPARE ON THEY FOUND THAT THE COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN AND PIERCED THE TIRE. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO A GARAGE. APPARENTLY THIS IS A VERY…
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MY DAUGHTER WHO IS AT COLLEGE, DRIVES A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE OTHER DAY SHE WENT TO BACK OUT OF HER PARKING SPACE AT SCHOOL. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. WHEN THEY TRIED TO PUT THE SPARE ON THEY FOUND THAT THE COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN AND PIERCED THE TIRE. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO A GARAGE. APPARENTLY THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE ON THESE CARS. THANK GOD SHE WAS NOT DRIVING DOWN A BUSY HIGHWAY! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10225735
53,642 miles · Apr 21, 2008
Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS BACKING OUT OF HER DRIVEWAY, SHE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE AIR COMING FROM HER FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THE TIRE WAS RUPTURED DUE TO A CORRODED COIL SPRING. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 53…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS BACKING OUT OF HER DRIVEWAY, SHE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE AIR COMING FROM HER FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THE TIRE WAS RUPTURED DUE TO A CORRODED COIL SPRING. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 53,642.
NHTSA ODI #10225275
81,639 miles · Apr 21, 2008
Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. WHEN TAKEN TO A TIRE SHOP, THE MECHANIC INFORMED HER THAT THE FRONT SPRING COIL FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 81,639. UPDATE 05/13/08 *BF
NHTSA ODI #10225208
94,610 miles · Apr 19, 2008
Suspension
THIS LETTER IS TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH MY 2002 FORD TAURUS WHICH WAS THE FOCUS OF A RECALL OF MODEL YEARS 1999 THROUGH 2001. THIS IS IDENTIFIED UNDER SAFETY RECALL 04S17 AND RECALL NUMBER 04V332000. FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, THIS ISSUE STILL PERSISTS WITH THE 2002 MODEL. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON THIS TAU…
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THIS LETTER IS TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH MY 2002 FORD TAURUS WHICH WAS THE FOCUS OF A RECALL OF MODEL YEARS 1999 THROUGH 2001. THIS IS IDENTIFIED UNDER SAFETY RECALL 04S17 AND RECALL NUMBER 04V332000. FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, THIS ISSUE STILL PERSISTS WITH THE 2002 MODEL. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON THIS TAURUS IS: XXXXXXXXXXXX I WAS BACKING MY FORD OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 11TH AND AS I WAS TURNING THE WHEEL TO EXIT, A LOUD CRACK SOUNDED AND THE ENTIRE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR DROPPED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THE NEXT DAY THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT ONE OF THE COIL SPRINGS HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY AND SNAPPED. THEY ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE SECOND COIL SPRING WAS IN THE SAME CONDITION, SO THEY REPLACED BOTH AT THE SAME TIME. THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $1,580.83. AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL, THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY LIABILITY, AND I AM VERY THANKFUL THIS OCCURRED IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT ON THE FREEWAY TO OR FROM WORK. FOR A CAR BEING ONLY FIVE YEARS OLD IT IS HARD TO COMPREHEND THAT THIS WOULD BE CONSIDERED A MAINTENANCE ITEM BY FORD. I CAN ONLY ASSUME FORD DOES NOT WANT UNSATISFIED CUSTOMERS SADDLED WITH THIS KIND OF COST FOR WHAT MUST BE CONSIDERED AN ISSUE WITH PRODUCT QUALITY. AFTER SENDING THE ABOVE INFORMATION TO FORD - I RECEIVED THIS RESPONSE: YOUR RECENT LETTER HAS BEEN RECEIVED AND REVIEWED. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WE MAKE EVERY ATTEMPT TO ENSURE THAT OUR OWNERS ARE SATISFIED. WE ARE ALWAYS WILLING TO CONSIDER INDIVIDUAL REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE BEYOND THE NORMAL WARRANTY PROVISIONS. HOWEVER, WE MUST PLACE LIMITS ON OUR POST WARRANTY ASSISTANCE. WE REGRET TO ADVISE YOU THAT YOUR VEHICLE IS BEYOND THOSE LIMITS AND WE ARE THEREFORE, UNABLE TO ASSIST YOU WITH THE COST OF ANY REPAIRS. WE APPRECIATE YOUR WRITING US AND WISH THAT OUR RESPONSE COULD HAVE BEEN MORE FAVORABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10225024
56,587 miles · Apr 19, 2008
Suspension
ON 3/12/2008 CAR WAS SITTING IN DRIVEWAY AND I HEARD A LOUD BANG .TIRE WENT FLAT. LOOKED UNDER CAR AND SPRING WAS BROKEN . IT IS A 2002 FORD TAURUS SES. FRONT COIL SPRING FAILURE, RESULTING IN A PUNCTURED FRONT TIRE. LUCKY I WAS NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST 660.00 AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR NEW SPRINGS AND…
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ON 3/12/2008 CAR WAS SITTING IN DRIVEWAY AND I HEARD A LOUD BANG .TIRE WENT FLAT. LOOKED UNDER CAR AND SPRING WAS BROKEN . IT IS A 2002 FORD TAURUS SES. FRONT COIL SPRING FAILURE, RESULTING IN A PUNCTURED FRONT TIRE. LUCKY I WAS NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST 660.00 AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR NEW SPRINGS AND A TIRE. INSTEAD I WENT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE REPLACED 2 FRONT COIL SPRINGS, 2 FRONT STRUTS, ONE WHICH WAS DAMAGED WHEN THE SPRING BROKE, NEW WHEEL ALIGNMENT, AND ONE FRONT TIRE. TOTAL 850.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10225022
96,000 miles · Apr 18, 2008
Suspension
WHILE PULLING OUT OF MY ALLEY I HEARD A LOUD CLUNK AND THE LEFT FRONT END OF THE CAR DROPPED DOWN A FEW INCHES AND BEGAN TO MAKE GRINDING/RUBBING NOISES. I CAREFULLY PULLED BACK INTO MY DRIVE AND AFTER JACKING UP THE CAR FOUND THE COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN. IT DID NOT PUNCTURE THE TIRE BUT BROKE SOME SORT OF LINK. *TR
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.
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