I HIT A SMALL POTHOLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY MOVED TO A ONE O'CLOCK POSITION WHILE THE WHEELS WERE POINTING STRAIGHT AHEAD. MY ALIGNMENT SHOP INSPECTED THE CAR AND FOUND THAT THE CAUSE WAS A FAILURE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE SUB-FRAME MOUNTING BOLT ANCHOR. THE LOCAL DEALER SAID MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (98S3…
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I HIT A SMALL POTHOLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY MOVED TO A ONE O'CLOCK POSITION WHILE THE WHEELS WERE POINTING STRAIGHT AHEAD. MY ALIGNMENT SHOP INSPECTED THE CAR AND FOUND THAT THE CAUSE WAS A FAILURE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE SUB-FRAME MOUNTING BOLT ANCHOR. THE LOCAL DEALER SAID MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (98S36) I DEMAND AN ANSWER AS WHY MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10233972
130,000 miles · Jul 17, 2003
Structure
NORTHPORT FORD IN COMMACK, NY FAILED TO PROPERLY PERFORM SAFETY RECALL 98S36 FOR THE SUBFRAME ON MY 1991 MERCURY SABLE. THE SUBFRAME SUBSEQUENTLY BROKE FREE CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY MOTOR MOUNTS, TRANSMISSION AND STEERING COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST FORD DEALER IN PATCHOGUE NY. FORD AGREED TO REINSTATE THE RECAL…
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NORTHPORT FORD IN COMMACK, NY FAILED TO PROPERLY PERFORM SAFETY RECALL 98S36 FOR THE SUBFRAME ON MY 1991 MERCURY SABLE. THE SUBFRAME SUBSEQUENTLY BROKE FREE CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY MOTOR MOUNTS, TRANSMISSION AND STEERING COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST FORD DEALER IN PATCHOGUE NY. FORD AGREED TO REINSTATE THE RECALL FOR THE DEALER TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE. THE DEALER CALLED FORD WITH THE PRICE OF THE SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE AND FORD WITHDREW THE OFFER TO REPAIR. THEY WANTED TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK AT A PRICE THEY DECIDED ON. I AM ON DISABILITY WITH A WORK RELATED ACCIDENT. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT MY VEHICLE. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT THE BUYOUT PRICE FORD WANTS TO GIVE ME. I FEEL THAT THIS ACCURED DUE TO A SAFETY RECALL THAT WAS NOT PERFORMED PROPERLY AND FORD SHOULD DEAL WITH THAT DEALERSHIP AND FIX MY VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10028532
Mileage unknown · May 16, 2003
Structure
THE LEFT REAR SUB-FRAME MOUNT BROKE. THE RIGHT REAR SUB-FRAME MOUNT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO BREAK. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10020010
Mileage unknown · May 13, 2003
Structure
THE CONSUMER VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SYMPTOMS OF NHTSA RECALL # 98-V-323-000 WHICH WAS RELATED TO THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT. THE CONSUMER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10019777
Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2000
Structure
SUBFRAME IS DETACHING FROM MOTOR, AND IS CORRODED. CONSUMER TOOK CAR INTO DEALER ON SEPT 20, 1999, FOR RECALL ON SUBFRAME. HOW COULD IT BE CORRODED SO FAST.*AK
NHTSA ODI #868471
Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 1999
Structure
LIFTGATE HAD CHRONIC DIFFICULTY CLOSING SECURELY, BEGINNING AT APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES. DEALER ADVISED ME TO ADJUST STRIKER POSITION. EVENTUALLY PROBLEM WORSENED UNTIL LIFTGATE WOULD NOT CLOSE SECURELY DESPITE STRIKER ADJUSTMENT. PLASTIC TRIM PIECE COVERING LIFTGATE STILL WAS REMOVED REVEALING THAT THE SHEET METAL STILL (PART…
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LIFTGATE HAD CHRONIC DIFFICULTY CLOSING SECURELY, BEGINNING AT APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES. DEALER ADVISED ME TO ADJUST STRIKER POSITION. EVENTUALLY PROBLEM WORSENED UNTIL LIFTGATE WOULD NOT CLOSE SECURELY DESPITE STRIKER ADJUSTMENT. PLASTIC TRIM PIECE COVERING LIFTGATE STILL WAS REMOVED REVEALING THAT THE SHEET METAL STILL (PART NUMBER 8D74) WAS FRACTURED AROUND THE STRIKER ADJUSTMENT OPENING, CAUSING STRIKER TO MOVE WHEN LIFTGATE WAS CLOSED, PREVENTING LIFTGATE FROM CLOSING AROUND STRIKER. I CALLED DEALER TO ALERT THEM TO THIS DEFECT; DEALER STATED THEY KNEW OF NO TSBS (TECHNICAL SAFETY BULLETINS) ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM; THEREFORE I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR COSTS. I THEN CALLED FORD-MERCURY CUSTOMER SERVICE; THEY STATED THAT MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM; THEREFORE THEIR "FINAL DECISION" WAS THAT THE REPAIR COSTS WERE MY RESPONSIBILITY. (REPAIR COSTS, AS ESTIMATED BY A BODY SHOP, WERE $315.) I SUBMIT THAT THIS IS NOT A NORMAL "WEAR & TEAR" PROBLEM, BUT A SAFETY DEFECT. MY SAFETY CONCERNS: 1/UNSECURED LIFTGATE ALLOWS CARBON MONOXIDE FROM EXHAUST TO ENTER CAR WHILE DRIVING, ENDANGERING ALL OCCUPANTS; 2/UNSECURED LIFTGATE CAN BOUNCE OPEN WHEN DRIVING, ENDGANGERING OCCUPANTS OF REAR-FACING SEAT; 3/UNSECURED LIFTGATE EXPOSES CONTENTS OF PARKED CAR, AND CAR ITSELF, TO THEFT. I AM CERTAIN THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE. FORD-MERCURY WAS QUITE UNRESPONSIVE AND INDIFFERENT ABOUT ADDRESSING AND CORRECTING THIS SAFETY DEFECT. I APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE, AND WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THIS FURTHER WITH YOUR REPRESENTATIVES.
NHTSA ODI #710105
Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 1999
Structure
BODY MOUNTS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE (98V323000) WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO OTHER COMPONENTS. *YC
NHTSA ODI #547582
Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 1999
EquipmentPower TrainStructure
DEALERSHIP WILL NOT PERFORM RECALL WORK (98V-323) DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. MJS
NHTSA ODI #547471
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 1999
Structure
FAILURE OF RECALL COMPONENT (98V-323) CAUSED TRANSMISSION FAILURE, SLIPAGE & LOSS OF CONTROL PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE, REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMISSION NECESSARY, HOWEVER CONTINUED PROBLEMS. *YC
NHTSA ODI #547238
Mileage unknown · May 6, 1999
Structure
AFTER HAVING RECALL 98S36 REPAIRES DONE, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO BE SERVICED AND CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE BODY MOUNTS BROKE AGAIN. DEALER HAS BEEN COTACTED.*AK
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WATER CAN ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT. IF ENOUGH WATER ACCUMULATES, IT COULD FREEZE WITHIN A LOW AREA OF THE CABLE ROUTING WHEN EXPOSED TO A LONG TERM COLD SOAK AT TEMPERATURES AT LEAST SEVERAL DEGREES BELOW FREEZING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRIVER CONTROL OF VEHICLE SPEED USING THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD BE DIMINISHED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.
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.
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.
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
11
EA96024 · Engine Cooling Fan Fires
Opened Sep 30, 1996 · Closed Apr 15, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
PE96033 · Engine Cooling Fan Fires
Opened May 2, 1996 · Closed Sep 30, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
IN DECEMBER 1995, FORD RECALLED 119,313 VEHICLES IN CANADA TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN CERTAIN 1992-95 TAURUS, SABLE, TEMPO, TOPAZ AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES.FORD IS AWARE OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT MAINTAINS THAT THE FREQUENCIES DO NOT WARRANT A FINDING OF AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.
DP95004 · 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
PE93070 · Failure Of Wheel Studs
Opened Jul 27, 1993 · Closed Nov 22, 1993
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
EA91042 · Storage Compar Suffocation
Opened Oct 28, 1991 · Closed May 21, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
===
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
1991 Mercury Sable Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year