NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
29 reportsClear category filter85,591 miles · Sep 4, 2008
SteeringStructureSuspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY SABLE. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, CORROSION WAS DISCOVERED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. HE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT HE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSIS…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY SABLE. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, CORROSION WAS DISCOVERED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. HE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT HE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE; HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT BECAUSE IT HAD EXCEEDED TEN YEARS, THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 85,591. UPDATED 10/16/08. *LJ THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE SIDE. UPDATED 10/17/08. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10240898
88,000 miles · Nov 3, 2004
Structure
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH REAR SUB FRAME MOUNT BUSHING SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. RECALL 98V323000 FOR THE SUB FRAME MOUNT BOLTS WAS ISSUED. DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10099297
114,000 miles · Jul 29, 2004
Structure
SUB FRAME RUSTED DUE TO THE PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN THE SUB FRAME CORROSION RECALL 98V323000. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10083743
103,603 miles · Jun 6, 2004
Structure
CORROSION OF PASSENGER SIDE REAR SUB FRAME, ALOWING ENGINE TO DROP DOWN, CAUSING A POSSIBLE FATAL DRIVING CONDITION. SUB FRAME BOLTS REPLACED IN A RECALL. ENTIRE SUB FRAME WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ORIGINAL PART FROM FORD, AT A $1,100 COST TO MYSELF. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10074902
Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2003
Structure
WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING. CONSUMER STOPPED VEHICLE, TURNED ON HAZARDS, AND NOTICED TRANSMISSION AND MOTOR HAD DROPPED. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE SUBFRAME RUSTED AROUND BOTH REAR BUSHINGS. *AK *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10034245
Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2002
Electrical SystemSeatsStructure
PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, TIRES AND DRIVER SEAT. MR
NHTSA ODI #767782
Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2002
Structure
THE CONSUMER HAD RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE REGARDING THE BODY MOUNTS ON THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUB-FRAME, CONSUMER HAD RECALL REPAIRS COMPLETED, HOWEVER ALSO STATED THAT WITHOUT REPLACING ALL OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE SAME TIME THERE WILL BE PROBLEM. *YH
NHTSA ODI #564361
Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2001
Structure
WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ALL STEERING CONTROL IN VEHICLE WAS LOST. PRIVATE MECHANIC EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED REAR SUBFRAME BOLTS ON RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE HAD CORRODED/ BROKE/AND DISCONNECTED FROM VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 98V323000 DUE TO VIN. PLEAS…
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WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ALL STEERING CONTROL IN VEHICLE WAS LOST. PRIVATE MECHANIC EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED REAR SUBFRAME BOLTS ON RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE HAD CORRODED/ BROKE/AND DISCONNECTED FROM VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 98V323000 DUE TO VIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #891031
Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2001
Structure
AFTER 5 VISITS AND ALMOST $1,000, MARSHALL FORD WEST IN CLEVELAND, OH FINALLY REALIZED THE ORIGNAL POPPING NOISE WAS THE RECALL - WHICH I HAD ADVISED THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS THE RECALL ITEM WHICH WAS THE SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS. I HAD TAKEN THE CAR IN AT LEAST ON 5 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, HAD TO LEAS…
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AFTER 5 VISITS AND ALMOST $1,000, MARSHALL FORD WEST IN CLEVELAND, OH FINALLY REALIZED THE ORIGNAL POPPING NOISE WAS THE RECALL - WHICH I HAD ADVISED THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS THE RECALL ITEM WHICH WAS THE SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS. I HAD TAKEN THE CAR IN AT LEAST ON 5 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, HAD TO LEASE A CAR ONE TIME, THEY GAVE ME A RENTAL ON THE NEXT 2 OCCASIONS ONLY AFTER I COMPLAINED. THEY ADVISED THAT IF THEY HAD HAD THE PARTS IN STOCK, THEY WOULD HAVE INSTALLED THE FRONT MOUNT BOLTS ALSO. AFTER 1 WEEK, THE REAR MOUNT BOLTS BEGAN POPPING AGAIN. I NEED SOMEONE TO CHECK TO SEE IF THIS WORK WAS DONE CORRECTLY. THEY BLAMED IT ON OTHER PROBLEMS, BUT THIS WAS THE PROBLEM I ORIGINALLY BROUGHT IT IN FOR. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT I CAN DO AT THIS TIME. I AM VERY UNHAPPY AND THE NOISE JUST KEEP POPPING.*AK
NHTSA ODI #740757
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 1999
Structure
THE LOWER LEFT REAR SUBFRAME COMPLETELY CORRODED, AND FELL OFF FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR SUBFRAME CORROSION DUE TO VIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #844847
Official recalls
4Dec 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.
Feb 26, 1997
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.
Feb 25, 1997
THESE VEHICLES ARE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, IOWA, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA. THE VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE 1992-1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES; 1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3L ENGINES; 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8L ENGINES; 1994-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND 1992-1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES. DURING HIGH WINDS, HEAVY, BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND LOW TEMPERATURES, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAN BECOME BLOCKED OR FROZEN WITH SNOW. THE FAN MOTOR MAY NOT ROTATE AND COULD OVERHEAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SMOKE OR FLAMES FROM THE FAN AND/OR SHROUD, THE FAN ELECTRICAL WIRING, OR THE FAN MOTOR RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.
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.
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
11EA96024 · 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
EA96019 · Headlight Failure
Opened Jul 31, 1996 · Closed Jan 26, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
EXCESSIVE HEAT IN AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CIRCUIT BREAKER WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THAT CIRCUIT BREAKER TO OPEN FOR TIME PERIODS OF VARYING LENGTH TO COOL OFF.OPENING OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THIS MANNER INTERRUPTS ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW TO THE HEADLIGHTS, SHUTTING THEM OFF.HEADLIGHT OUTAGES HAVE RANGER FROM BRIEF FLICKERS (LESS THAN ONE SECOND) TO GREATER THAN 20 SECONDS.OVER TIME, THE OUTAGES GROW IN LENGTH AND DURATION BECAUSE OF HEAT-INDUCED DETERIORATION OF THE SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING.RECALL 98V-009 WILL APPLY TO APPROXIMATELY 506,000 TAURUS, SABLE, MARK VIII, AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM 1-DEC.-92 THROUGH 30-SEP-93 AT THE ATLANTA, CHICAGO,AND WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANTS.87% OF MY 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE AND 97% OF MY 1993-1995 MARK VIII WARRANTY REPAIRS (HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT) INVOLVED VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE DEC. 92 - OCT. 93 BUILD RANGE.
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
EA93022 · Idle Air Spd Ctrl Vlv Malf
Opened Jul 30, 1993 · Closed Aug 31, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
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
PE93010 · Idle Air Spd Ctrl Vlv Malf
Opened Mar 2, 1993 · Closed Jul 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
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
Illustration