NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
674 reportsMileage unknown · Sep 10, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGHLY AND THE ENGINE HEAT STARTED TO RISE. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM AND DISCOVERED THE ENGINE COOLANT TO BE VERY LOW. I ADDED COOLANT AND THEN STARTED THE MOTORE AGAIN. THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE HAD DROPPED AND I STARTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO MY HOME, BUT IT S…
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THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGHLY AND THE ENGINE HEAT STARTED TO RISE. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM AND DISCOVERED THE ENGINE COOLANT TO BE VERY LOW. I ADDED COOLANT AND THEN STARTED THE MOTORE AGAIN. THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE HAD DROPPED AND I STARTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO MY HOME, BUT IT STARTED TO RUN ROUGHLY AGAIN. I STOPPED AND NOTICED WATER COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. I EMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND ARRANGED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD LINCOLN MERCURY DEALER. THEY CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND TOLD ME: "INTERNAL HYDROLOCKED ENGINE, AND HAS BENT PISTON ROD IN ENGINE, DUE TO HEAD GASKETS, RECOMMEND REPLACED WITH LONG BLOCK ASSEMBLY EST $3370." I LATER CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. CUSTOMER SERVICE TO SEEK FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, NOTING THAT THE MILEAGE ON THE CAR WAS LOW FOR ITS AGE (70,000 MILES FOR A 1993) AND ADVISING THEM THE CAR HAD ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED BY A FORD LINCOLN MERCURY DEALER (THE LAST VEHICLE SERVICE BY THE LOCAL DEALER HAD BEEN ON 6 MARCH 2000 (MILEAGE 69,662). FORD REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA ODI #730917
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
THIS 3.8 L V6 BLEW A HEAD GASKET AT 69000 MILES AND MANY OTHERS ARE REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM. I'D LIKE FROD TO PICK UP THE $1023 BILL.
NHTSA ODI #730563
Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING IN VILLAGE VEHICLE WILL STALL ON THE HIGHWAY IT RUNS ROUGH BECAUSE OF THE HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR THAT WAS PUT IN. *AK THE VEHICLE STALLS AT ABOUT 35 MPH DURING SUMMER SEASON. IT STALL OVER 20 TIMES BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. *YH
NHTSA ODI #869310
Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
LIQUID MOTOR MOUNTS HAVE RAPTURED AND LEAKED LIQUID OUT. VEHICLE DRIPS OIL EVERYWHERE, AND MOTOR MOVES ALL AROUND. THERE WAS RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BUT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL UNDER THIS RECALL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #868683
Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
HEAD GASKET FAILURE
NHTSA ODI #9001838
Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2000
Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH & WIRING CONNECTOR WAS PREVIOUSLY UNDER RECALL(REF: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 98V009000). THE RECALLED PART WAS REPLACED(AT AN AUTHORIZED FORD/MERCURY SERVICE CENTER) UNDER THE ORIGINAL RECALL, BUT THE REPLACEMENT PART HAS FAILED TOO, CAUSING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR TO MELT FROM THE HEAT OF THE FAILED PART.…
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THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH & WIRING CONNECTOR WAS PREVIOUSLY UNDER RECALL(REF: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 98V009000). THE RECALLED PART WAS REPLACED(AT AN AUTHORIZED FORD/MERCURY SERVICE CENTER) UNDER THE ORIGINAL RECALL, BUT THE REPLACEMENT PART HAS FAILED TOO, CAUSING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR TO MELT FROM THE HEAT OF THE FAILED PART. I FEEL FORD/MERCURY SHOULD REOPEN THE RECALL AND REFUND MY MONEY FOR THE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND CONNECTOR, WHICH WAS DONE AT AN AUTHORIZED FORD/MERCURY SERVICE CENTER.
NHTSA ODI #728846
Mileage unknown · Aug 21, 2000
Air BagsCrashInjury
I WAS IN A SERIOUS AUTO ACCIDENT WITH MY SABLE, MY PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND MY DRIVERSIDE DID NOT, AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT FORD WAS NOTIFIED. I STILL HAVE OT HEARD NOTHING.
NHTSA ODI #728624
Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
THIS CAR STALLS OUT WHEN HIGHWAY DRIVING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #727745
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2000
Fuel System, Gasoline
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH ON HIGHWAY THEY WERE GOING UP A HILL, ALL OF SUDDEN VEHICLE JUST SHUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. *AK
NHTSA ODI #867436
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED WHITE SMOKE FROM TAIL PIPE AND ENGINE LEAKING. DEALER STATED IT WAS CAUSED BY A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. *AK THE HEADGASKET CAUSED CRANK CASE DAMAGE, FORD REFUSS TO PAY FOR DAMAGES. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #867419
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.
May 6, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF NEW YORK, MICHIGAN, OHIO, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, INDIANA, NEW JERSEY, MAINE, CONNECTICUT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, KENTUCKY, MARYLAND, DELAWARE, AND WEST VIRGINIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN COMBINATION WITH SMALL CRACKS IN THE SPRINGS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE FRONT TIRE COULD DEFLATE DUE TO A BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRING CONTACTING THE TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING CATCHER BRACKET WHICH WILL PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM CONTACTING A TIRE.
Jan 21, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHTS CAN FLASH INTERMITTENTLY AS A RESULT OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING. THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS CAN GO OUT FOR BRIEF INTERVALS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION CAN AFFECT A DRIVER'S ABILITY TO NAVIGATE THE ROADWAY AND REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH THAT INCORPORATES A CRICUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR AND WIRING, IF NEEDED.
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.
Jan 4, 1993
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CONTROLLERS DESIGNED FOR REAR WHEEL DRIVE CARS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THESE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CARS..
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY AND POSSIBLEVEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL DRIVE ABS CONTROLLER WITH A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE ABS CONTROLLER.
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
11RQ99017 · Front Suspension Spring
Opened Aug 9, 1999 · Closed Feb 16, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
EA99023 · Windshield Wiper
Opened Aug 6, 1999 · Closed Jun 12, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
ODI has received 50 additional complaiints on MY 1993 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles alleging malfunction of the windshield wiper system including; intermittent or complete stoppage of wiper sweeping; inadequate sweep speed; and other general complaints of poor performace.In some cases, the owner alleges havingto leave the roadway or roll down the window and manually restart the sweeping motion of the wiper arms.Other complaints allege that the wiper sweeps too slowly at the maximum speed setting resulting in inadequate vision during heavy precipition.Some complaints allge repeated wiper system malfunctions despirt having their vehicles serviced at Ford dealerships of replacement of the multi-function switch and/or wiper motor.Ford provided its response to an Information Request Letter indicating that the same wiper motor is used on the MY 1987-1993 Taurus and Sable; however, warranty and complaint data show that the MY 1993 is over represented and may warrant particular attention.An Engineering Ananlysis is necessary to determine if a potential safety defect exists.
PE99015 · Windshield Wiper
Opened Feb 24, 1999 · Closed Aug 6, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
ALLEGED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WITHOUT WARNING
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
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.
PE96018 · Headlights Failure
Opened Mar 5, 1996 · Closed Jul 31, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights
There is no summary currently available
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
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
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