NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
962 reportsClear category filter73,900 miles · Jan 8, 2008
Suspension
AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, I HEARD A LOUD POP. I PULLED BACK INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND SAW THAT MY FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE HAD JUST BLOWN OUT. THIS TIRE WAS ONLY TWO MONTHS OLD. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE TIRE STORE AND FOUND OUT THAT THE SPRING HAD BROKE AND HAD CUT DOWN THE TIRE. MY 2002 FORD TAURUS ONLY HAS 74,000 MILES O…
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AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, I HEARD A LOUD POP. I PULLED BACK INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND SAW THAT MY FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE HAD JUST BLOWN OUT. THIS TIRE WAS ONLY TWO MONTHS OLD. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE TIRE STORE AND FOUND OUT THAT THE SPRING HAD BROKE AND HAD CUT DOWN THE TIRE. MY 2002 FORD TAURUS ONLY HAS 74,000 MILES ON IT AND IS IN GOOD CONDITION SO THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. I ENDED UP HAVE TO BRING MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HAVE NEW SPRING/SHOCK ASSEMBLIES PUT IN BOTH SIDES IN THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. I FOUND THAT FORD RECALLED THE 2000 AND 2001 MODELS BECAUSE OF THIS HAPPENING AND DECIDED IT WAS A SAFETY CONCERN IF THE TIRE BLEW OUT AT 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, YET THEY SO FAR WILL DO NOTHING FOR ALL OF THE OWNERS OF 2002 FORD TAURUS. IF THIS IS CONSIDERED A SAFETY HAZARD IN 2 MODEL YEARS, IT SHOULD BE IN ALL MODEL YEARS THAT USE THIS SPRING DESIGN THAT CORRODES WITH ROAD SALT AND THEN SLICES THE TIRE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10214152
64,650 miles · Jan 7, 2008
Suspension
SEVERAL WEEKS AGO THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING ON MY 2002 FORD TAURUS SES BROKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. HEARING ABOUT THE RECALL / WARRANTY ON THE 1998 - 2001 TAURUS', I CONTACTED MY FORD DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM, ONLY TO BE INFORMED THAT THE RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO MY 2002 TAURUS. AFTER SPENDING THE WEEKEND REPLACING THE F…
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SEVERAL WEEKS AGO THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING ON MY 2002 FORD TAURUS SES BROKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. HEARING ABOUT THE RECALL / WARRANTY ON THE 1998 - 2001 TAURUS', I CONTACTED MY FORD DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM, ONLY TO BE INFORMED THAT THE RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO MY 2002 TAURUS. AFTER SPENDING THE WEEKEND REPLACING THE FRONT COILS, I HAD THE FRONT END ALIGNED. WHEN LEAVING A RESTAURANT LATER THE NIGHT, I HIT A POT HOLE IN THE PARKING LOT. HEARING WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A PIECE OF ICE, I CHECKED THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR, REMOVED SOME ICE AND CONTINUED ON. THE NEXT DAY AFTER HEARING THE NOISE SOME MORE, I DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT REAR COIL SPRING HAD ALSO BROKEN. ONCE AGAIN, I SPENT ANOTHER SATURDAY REPLACING COIL SPRINGS ON MY FORD TAURUS. WHEN THE REAR COIL SPRING BROKE, IT CREATED A GROOVE ON THE INSIDE OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE, (IN WHICH I JUST ORDERED A REPLACEMENT FOR). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10214136
64,817 miles · Jan 7, 2008
Suspension
I HAVE HAD A 2002 FORD TAURUS FOR 2 YEARS. 54,000 MILES ON IT AND MAINTAINED QUITE WELL. ON JAN. 6, 2008, I HAD JUST DRIVEN BACK FROM A 3 1/2 HOUR DRIVE INTO TORONTO AND BACK. HAD NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. WHEN I WENT OUT LATER IN THE DAY AND BACK MY CAR OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, I NOTICED A RUBBING SOUND IN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE …
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I HAVE HAD A 2002 FORD TAURUS FOR 2 YEARS. 54,000 MILES ON IT AND MAINTAINED QUITE WELL. ON JAN. 6, 2008, I HAD JUST DRIVEN BACK FROM A 3 1/2 HOUR DRIVE INTO TORONTO AND BACK. HAD NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. WHEN I WENT OUT LATER IN THE DAY AND BACK MY CAR OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, I NOTICED A RUBBING SOUND IN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL AREA. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND FOUND OUT THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SPRING COIL WAS BROKEN. ACCORDING TO THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS WEBSITE, THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM AND THE 2001 TAURUS WAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE BUT NOT THE 2002. DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS, THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO AS IT IS QUITE COMMON. I HAD THE SPRING REPLACED ALONG WITH THE TIRE FOR A COST OF $459.00. I WAS LUCKY THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING 70 MILES AN HOUR INTO CANADA AND BACK AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10214115
102,000 miles · Jan 4, 2008
Suspension
ON CHRISTMAS DAY UPON BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY A FRONT COIL SPRING ON MY 2002 FORD TAURUS SES BROKE AND DESTROYED THE TIRE AS WELL AS RUINED MY CHRISTMAS AS I COULD NOT FIND A REPAIR SHOP IN THE AREA WITH THE PARTS NEEDED UNTIL SEVERAL DAYS LATER. I WAS FORCED TO RENT OUT A CAR FOR THE ENTIRE WEEK AND LEAVE MY CAR IN OHIO WHERE…
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ON CHRISTMAS DAY UPON BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY A FRONT COIL SPRING ON MY 2002 FORD TAURUS SES BROKE AND DESTROYED THE TIRE AS WELL AS RUINED MY CHRISTMAS AS I COULD NOT FIND A REPAIR SHOP IN THE AREA WITH THE PARTS NEEDED UNTIL SEVERAL DAYS LATER. I WAS FORCED TO RENT OUT A CAR FOR THE ENTIRE WEEK AND LEAVE MY CAR IN OHIO WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED AND THEN HAD TO RETURN TO PICK IT UP THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND. IT IS A 600 MILE ROUND TRIP. I KNOW FORD HAS A RECALL ON THE 2001 FORD TAURUS FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.*CN
NHTSA ODI #10213759
149,103 miles · Jan 4, 2008
Suspension
ALMOST 5 YEARS AGO I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD TAURUS. ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007 I WAS GETTING ON THE ON-RAMP OF A HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. I IMMEDIATELY LOST STEERING AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE RAMP. I CHECKED MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE, WHICH APPEARED INTACT, AND GOT BACK IN MY CAR…
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ALMOST 5 YEARS AGO I PURCHASED A 2002 FORD TAURUS. ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007 I WAS GETTING ON THE ON-RAMP OF A HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. I IMMEDIATELY LOST STEERING AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE RAMP. I CHECKED MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE, WHICH APPEARED INTACT, AND GOT BACK IN MY CAR TO TRY TO GET TO A SAFER PLACE TO INVESTIGATE WHAT THE NOISE WAS. AS SOON AS I STARTED MOVING, MY FRONT LEFT TIRE LET ALL THE AIR OUT OF IT, AND A PIECE OF METAL FELL FROM MY CAR ONTO THE ROAD (WHICH I PICKED UP OFF THE ROADWAY). AFTER I GOT TO A SAFER PLACE (BY CREEPING ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN MY CAR), I LOOKED AT MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE AND IT WAS COMPLETELY SHREDDED AND FALLING OFF THE RIM. THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE COIL SPRING HAD SNAPPED AND SHREDDED MY TIRE. THE PIECE OF METAL THAT FELL OFF MY CAR WAS A PIECE OF THE COIL SPRING. IF IT HAD HAPPENED 20 SECONDS LATER, I WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY GOING AT A MUCH HIGHER SPEED, WHICH WOULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT, POSSIBLY INJURING OR KILLING MYSELF OR OTHERS. I GOT ONLINE AND RESEARCHED 2002 FORD COIL SPRING RECALLS. APPARENTLY THIS HAS HAPPENED TO A LOT OF PEOPLE, AS THERE WERE COUNTLESS ACCOUNTS OF THIS HAPPENING IN 2002 TAURUS'. FORD HAD RECALLED THE FAULTY COIL SPRINGS IN 1999 TO 2001 MODELS, BUT NOT 2002 MODELS. THE PIECE OF COIL SPRING THAT FELL OFF MY CAR WAS SHEARED RIGHT THROUGH, BUT WASN'T RUSTED OR PITTED AT ALL. I CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY WILL NOT FIX THE FAULTY 2002 MODEL COIL SPRINGS AT THEIR EXPENSE. I HAVE TO PAY THEM ALMOST $750 TO GET THIS FIXED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, AS PEOPLE ARE AT RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH, AS I WAS. FORD IS NOT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGING THIS IS EVEN AN ISSUE, AND PEOPLE DO NOT EVEN KNOW THERE IS A DANGER. SIMPLY GOOGLE "2002 FORD TAURUS COIL SPRING RECALL" TO READ HOW COMMON THIS PROBLEM IS. PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT THEIR LIVES MAY BE IN DANGER EVERY TIME THEY DRIVE THEIR CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10213706
98,000 miles · Jan 4, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT FOLLOWED BY A LOUD BANG. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE THE TIRE, BUT IT WOULD NOT COME OFF. AFTER CAREFUL INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLU…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT FOLLOWED BY A LOUD BANG. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE THE TIRE, BUT IT WOULD NOT COME OFF. AFTER CAREFUL INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V332000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT HIS EXPENSE. HE FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 98,000. UPDATED 02-14-08. *KB THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK NEAR THE OIL PAN.
NHTSA ODI #10213699
96,958 miles · Jan 3, 2008
Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT LEFT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW. UPON INSPECTION, HE NOTICE THE STRUT SPRING PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LEFT FRONT STRUT SPRING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 96,958. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10213636
130,000 miles · Jan 3, 2008
Suspension
FONT LEFT SPRING BROKE WHILE PARKED, PUNCTURED TIRE.*CN
NHTSA ODI #10213621
62,000 miles · Jan 3, 2008
Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE. AS OF JANUARY 3, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 62,000.
NHTSA ODI #10213565
Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2008
Suspension
FRONT SPRING ON MY 2002 FORD TAURUS SUDDENLY BROKE WHILE DRIVING. HORRIFIC NOISE SCARED MYSELF AND FAMILY. LUCIKILY I DIDN'T LOSE CONTROL. PULLED CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD. CAR WAS UNDRIVABLE AS BROKEN SPRING WAS CONTACTING THE TIRE AND RIM. . STRANDED IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE REPAIR WAS DONE (BOTH FRO…
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FRONT SPRING ON MY 2002 FORD TAURUS SUDDENLY BROKE WHILE DRIVING. HORRIFIC NOISE SCARED MYSELF AND FAMILY. LUCIKILY I DIDN'T LOSE CONTROL. PULLED CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD. CAR WAS UNDRIVABLE AS BROKEN SPRING WAS CONTACTING THE TIRE AND RIM. . STRANDED IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE REPAIR WAS DONE (BOTH FRONT SPRINGS REPLACED). CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER TO INFORM THEM AND SEEK REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIR. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED. AT A MINIMUM THE CUSTOMER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS DUE TO AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT.*CN
NHTSA ODI #10213561
NHTSA investigations
4PE12033 · 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).
RQ03008 · Brake Light Switch Failure
Opened Oct 23, 2003 · Closed Mar 5, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; 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.
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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