NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
58 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Apr 8, 2004
Electrical System
THIS MORNING (7-8-04) I WAS PULLED OVER FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER AND THE OFFICER SAID I WAS DOING 75 IN A 55 WHEN MY SPEEDOMETER READ 65. I ASKED THE GENTLEMAN IF THERE WAS SOMEWAY HE COULD FORGET THE TICKET SINCE IT WAS MY FIRST TIME EVER AND HE SAID NO. HE DID NOT EXPLAIN TO ME EVERYTHING ON THE TICKET AND YOU CAN HARDLY READ H…
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THIS MORNING (7-8-04) I WAS PULLED OVER FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER AND THE OFFICER SAID I WAS DOING 75 IN A 55 WHEN MY SPEEDOMETER READ 65. I ASKED THE GENTLEMAN IF THERE WAS SOMEWAY HE COULD FORGET THE TICKET SINCE IT WAS MY FIRST TIME EVER AND HE SAID NO. HE DID NOT EXPLAIN TO ME EVERYTHING ON THE TICKET AND YOU CAN HARDLY READ HALF THE?!@#$% HE WROTE. I AM GOING TO TAKE THIS TO COURT SINCE HE DID NOT HAVE ME SIGN THE TICKET LIKE IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE. THEY DON'T PUT THE WORD "SIGNATURE" ON THE A LINE FOR NOTHING. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF I RECEIVED A CALL OR AT LEAST AN E-MAIL WITH IN THE NEST 24 HOURS. THANK YOU AND PLEASE DO DRIVE SLOW.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10065801
Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2004
Electrical SystemFire
WE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, GATHERED OUR THINGS AND WENT IN TO THE HOUSE. THE NEXT MORNING I WENT TO BRUSH THE SNOW OFF OF THE CAR AND NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD WAS BROKEN, I OPENED THE DRIVER DOOR AND DISCOVERED THE WHOLE DASHBOARD WAS MELTED LIKE A CANDLE, WE HAD JUST FILLED UP THE TANK THE PREVIOUS DAY AND WERE VERY LUCKY WE DIDN…
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WE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, GATHERED OUR THINGS AND WENT IN TO THE HOUSE. THE NEXT MORNING I WENT TO BRUSH THE SNOW OFF OF THE CAR AND NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD WAS BROKEN, I OPENED THE DRIVER DOOR AND DISCOVERED THE WHOLE DASHBOARD WAS MELTED LIKE A CANDLE, WE HAD JUST FILLED UP THE TANK THE PREVIOUS DAY AND WERE VERY LUCKY WE DIDN'T LOSE OUR HOME ALSO. WE FIGURE THE REASON THE CAR DIDN'T BECOME FULLY INVOLVED WAS BECAUSE THE WINDOWS WERE ROLLED UP TIGHT AND IT SUFFOCATED THE FLAMES, THE CAR IS STILL A COMPLETE LOSS. THE WIRING IN THAT CAR HAD NEVER BEEN TOUCHED,CUT OR MODIFIED. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN EXCEPT FOR A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE WAY WE SEE IT MERCURY SHOULD OWE US ONE CAR OR BLUE BOOK VALUE. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10054774
Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2002
Electrical SystemFire
CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH HOOD, HE TURNED CAR OFF, OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FIRE, AND THE FRONT WINDSHIELD BLEW UP, POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #560569
Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2001
Electrical System
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE CUT OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF ALL POWER STEERING/BRAKES, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE CONTROL VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #879172
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2000
Electrical System
THIS IS A SECOND IDENTICAL INCIDENT DURING THE LAST 2 YEARS. WHEN STARTING THE CAR THE STARTER RELAY GOT STUCK AND CONTINUED TO CRANK THE ENGINE EVEN AFTER TAKING THE KEY OUT OF IGNITION. I STOPPED IT BY DICONNECTING THE BATTERY, BUT MEANWHILE THE BATTERY STARTED BOILING AND LEAKING. THE INCIDENT OCCURED 4-5 TIMES DURING 3 DA…
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THIS IS A SECOND IDENTICAL INCIDENT DURING THE LAST 2 YEARS. WHEN STARTING THE CAR THE STARTER RELAY GOT STUCK AND CONTINUED TO CRANK THE ENGINE EVEN AFTER TAKING THE KEY OUT OF IGNITION. I STOPPED IT BY DICONNECTING THE BATTERY, BUT MEANWHILE THE BATTERY STARTED BOILING AND LEAKING. THE INCIDENT OCCURED 4-5 TIMES DURING 3 DAYS. I REPLACED THE STARTER RELAY AND THE BATTERY. AFTER THIS, THE INCIDENT OCCURED ONLY ONE MORE TIME, ABOUT 5 DAYS AFTER THE STARTER RELAY WAS REPLACED. THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURED FOR THE FIRST TIME TWO YEARS BEFORE (1998), WITH THE ORIGINAL STARTER RELAY. I THAT TIME I REPLACED THE RELAY, AND FOR 2 YEARS EVERYTING SEEMD OK. THIS IS A MATTER OF CONCERN BECAUSE IT ALSO HAPPENED WITH A NEW STARTER RELAY INSTALLED, WHICH SEEMS TO INDICATE SOME OTHER PROBLEM IN THE IGNITION SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI #729630
Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2000
Electrical SystemFire
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #723599
Mileage unknown · May 31, 2000
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
WON'T PASS SMOG AND EGR PLUG AND WIRE ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE FROM DEALER OR ANY OTHER AUTO PARTS STORE. HOW DO I GET IT SMOGGED WHEN PARTS ARE MELTED AND I CAN'T GET THE PARTS TO REPLACE THE BURNED ONES?
NHTSA ODI #723430
Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2000
Electrical SystemFire
UNDERHOOD FIRE NEAR WIRING HARNESS IN CENTER BACK OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR HEATER RELAY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721058
Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 1999
Electrical SystemFire
KEY WAS OUT OF IGNITION AND VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN FOR ABOUT AN HOUR WHEN A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #839146
Mileage unknown · May 9, 1999
Electrical SystemFire
CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN CUSTOFOAM CORPORATION, MAUSTON, WI., PARKING LOT FOR ONE AND A HALF DAYS. RECEIVED CALL ON FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1999 AT 2:30 PM THAT THE OFFICE MANAGER AND OTHER EMPLOYEES HAD TO BREAK THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WINDOW IN ORDER TO OPEN THE HOOD AND DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLES. INTERIOR OF CAR WAS FILLING WIT…
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CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN CUSTOFOAM CORPORATION, MAUSTON, WI., PARKING LOT FOR ONE AND A HALF DAYS. RECEIVED CALL ON FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1999 AT 2:30 PM THAT THE OFFICE MANAGER AND OTHER EMPLOYEES HAD TO BREAK THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WINDOW IN ORDER TO OPEN THE HOOD AND DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLES. INTERIOR OF CAR WAS FILLING WITH HEAVY SMOKE AND CAR WAS TRYING TO START ITSELF. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WIRING WAS BADLY BURNED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #706348
Official recalls
6Dec 16, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.
Aug 17, 1992
THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES ARE DEFECTIVE IN THREE WAYS. FIRST, A FASTENED SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. THIS RESULTS FROM INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE BUCKLE EJECTOR FINGER AND THE BUCKLE TONGUE WINDOW. THE SECOND DEFECT IS THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT LATCH. THE THIRD POSSIBLE DEFECT IS THAT THE TONGUE MAY BE RETAINED BY THE BUCKLE, BUT IT MAY NOT BE LATCHED SUFFICIENTLY TO PROVIDE OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AN INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED OR UNLATCHED SAFETY BELTINCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT. IF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH, IT WILL NOT ALLOW THEOCCUPANT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
Remedy: FORD WILL REPLACE THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH END RELEASE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES DESIGNED TO PREVENT LATCH PROBLEMS.
May 11, 1992
CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.
Aug 6, 1991
FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.
Mar 4, 1991
THE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING IS ROUTED OVER RATHER THAN UNDER THE FRONT SEAT SUPPORT BRACE, ALLOWING DAMAGE BY SEAT CUSHION SPRING ENDS WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING INSULATION MAY BECOME ABRADED,OR PUNCTURED, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR THAT COULD RESULT IN A FIREIN THE SEAT CUSHION MATERIAL.
Remedy: REVISE ROUTING OF POWER SEAT WIRING TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM SEAT CUSHION SPRING CONTACT.
Dec 12, 1988
FRONT SIDE MARKER LAMPS WERE UNINTENTIONALLY EQUIPPED WITH CLEAR BULBS, INSTEAD OF AMBER COLORED BULBS AS SPECIFIED IN FMVSS 108.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH STANDARD.
Remedy: REPLACE CLEAR BULBS WITH AMBER COLORED BULBS.
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
16DP95004 · Alleged Defective Tie Rods
Opened Aug 8, 1995 · Closed Aug 30, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS
EA94008 · Broken Tie Rods
Opened Feb 16, 1994 · Closed Feb 27, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE93100 · Polycast Road Wheel Cracks
Opened Dec 2, 1993 · Closed Jun 30, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
PE93065 · Underbody Fuel Line Fails
Opened Jul 15, 1993 · Closed Nov 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE93058 · Broken Tie Rods
Opened Jun 15, 1993 · Closed Feb 16, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
EA92040 · SUB-FRM/UNIBODY Absor.fail
Opened Nov 30, 1992 · Closed Jun 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure
There is no summary currently available
Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE92056 · SUB-FRM/UNIBODY Absor.fail
Opened Jul 1, 1992 · Closed Nov 30, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE92044 · Power Steering Leaks/fires
Opened Apr 27, 1992 · Closed Aug 31, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE92014 · Engine Mount Failure
Opened Feb 4, 1992 · Closed Jun 25, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
EA91042 · Storage Compar Suffocation
Opened Oct 28, 1991 · Closed May 21, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
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PE91128 · Fires In Ignition Switch
Opened Sep 17, 1991 · Closed Jan 27, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE91108 · Storage Compar Suffocation
Opened Aug 1, 1991 · Closed Oct 28, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
EA90045 · Brake Disc Hub Separations
Opened Sep 28, 1990 · Closed Sep 12, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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EA90042 · Throttle Sticking
Opened Aug 31, 1990 · Closed Dec 31, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE90071 · Brake Disc Hub Failure
Opened Apr 2, 1990 · Closed Jun 28, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
PE90066 · Throttle Sticking
Opened Mar 27, 1990 · Closed Aug 31, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
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