NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
387 reports96,000 miles · Aug 18, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR IDLING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICAT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR IDLING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA ODI #10896925
98,000 miles · Jun 11, 2013
Unknown Or Other
NEED PROOF OF TOTAL RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I HAVE A LIST OF COMPLAINTS, I NEED PROOF OF THE TOTAL RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE. VIN # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10519321
210,000 miles · Apr 19, 2011
Structure
MANUFACTURER WILL NOT HONOR RECALL: SEVERE CORROSION OF THE REAR LOWER RETAINING PLATES FOR THE SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY SUPPORTING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. RISK IS DETACHMENT OF BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME. EXISTING RECALL 98V-323 ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM IN CERTAIN VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE WAS OF THE YEAR, MAKE, …
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MANUFACTURER WILL NOT HONOR RECALL: SEVERE CORROSION OF THE REAR LOWER RETAINING PLATES FOR THE SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY SUPPORTING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. RISK IS DETACHMENT OF BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME. EXISTING RECALL 98V-323 ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM IN CERTAIN VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE WAS OF THE YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL COVERED BY THE RECALL, AND HAS THIS PROBLEM, BUT FORD IS CLAIMING THAT MY VIN# DOES NOT MAKE ME ELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10396805
139,500 miles · Feb 7, 2011
Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A POTHOLE AND THE FRONT STRUT BROKE ON BOTH SIDES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL 94E036000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: SHOCK ABSORBER). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A POTHOLE AND THE FRONT STRUT BROKE ON BOTH SIDES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL 94E036000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: SHOCK ABSORBER). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 139,500. UPDATED 07/08/11*LJ THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE FRONT STRUT HAD BROKEN IN HALF. THE REMAINING STRUTS CONTAINED STRESS CRACKS. UPDATED 07/20/11
NHTSA ODI #10380946
104,672 miles · Jan 7, 2009
Tires
TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 120 MILES FROM HOME. UPON ARRIVING AT THE DESTINATION, I NOTICED THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS EXTREMELY LOW WITH AS ESTIMATED 10 P.S.I. AIR PRESSURE REMAINING. KNOWING THAT I HAD TWO PREVIOUS TIRE BLOWOUTS ON THIS VEHICLE DUE TO CRACKED VALVE STEMS AND OCCURRING WITHIN THE PREVIOUS 4 MONTHS, I MOVED THE VALVE…
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TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 120 MILES FROM HOME. UPON ARRIVING AT THE DESTINATION, I NOTICED THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS EXTREMELY LOW WITH AS ESTIMATED 10 P.S.I. AIR PRESSURE REMAINING. KNOWING THAT I HAD TWO PREVIOUS TIRE BLOWOUTS ON THIS VEHICLE DUE TO CRACKED VALVE STEMS AND OCCURRING WITHIN THE PREVIOUS 4 MONTHS, I MOVED THE VALVE STEM SLIGHTLY BACK AND FORTH AND NOTICED AIR ESCAPING FROM THE AREA WHERE THE STEM SEATS AGAINST THE ALUMINUM WHEEL. I PUT SOME SOAP BUBBLES AROUND THE STEM AND CONFIRMED THAT AIR WAS ESCAPING FROM A CRACK IN THE VALVE STEM. REFERENCE ODI #'S 10254187 AND 10254189 AS A REFERENCE ON THE PREVIOUS TWO VALVE STEM ISSUES ON SAME VEHICLE. SPARE INSTALLED. VISITED THE TIRE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE FOUR NEW REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE INSTALLED 2 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AND 26,068 MILES PRIOR. NO PUNCTURES, TEARS OR CUTS WERE FOUND ANYWHERE ON THE TIRE TREAD OR SIDEWALL. THE ONLY KNOWN CAUSE OF THE LOW TIRE WAS A CRACKED VALVE STEM IN THE AREA WHERE THE STEM SEATS AGAINST THE ALUMINUM WHEEL ALLOWING AIR TO EXHAUST QUICKLY FROM THE TIRE ONCE THE CRACK PROPAGATED TO INSIDE. A NEW VALVE STEM WAS INSTALLED. THE LEFT REAR TIRE VALVE STEM WAS ALSO REPLACED AT THIS TIME TO AVOID A FUTURE PROBLEM. CRACKED VALVE STEM INFORMATION; TR 413, EHA GERMANY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10254191
102,515 miles · Jan 7, 2009
Tires
TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN RIGHT FRONT TIRE NEAR INSTANTLY DEFLATED CAUSING TOTAL TIRE FAILURE BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD BE PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. TIRE SIDEWALL WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. SPARE INSTALLED. VISITED THE TIRE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE FOUR NEW REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE INSTALLED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AND 23,911 MILES …
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TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN RIGHT FRONT TIRE NEAR INSTANTLY DEFLATED CAUSING TOTAL TIRE FAILURE BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD BE PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. TIRE SIDEWALL WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. SPARE INSTALLED. VISITED THE TIRE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE FOUR NEW REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE INSTALLED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AND 23,911 MILES PRIOR. NO PUNCTURES, TEARS OR CUTS WERE FOUND ANYWHERE ON THE TIRE TREAD OR SIDEWALL. THE ONLY KNOWN CAUSE OF THE TIRE FAILURE WAS A CRACKED (CUT) VALVE STEM (AS DOCUMENTED BY DEALERSHIP) IN THE AREA WHERE THE STEM SEATS AGAINST THE ALUMINUM WHEEL ALLOWING AIR TO EXHAUST QUICKLY FROM THE TIRE ONCE THE CRACK PROPAGATED TO INSIDE. A NEW TIRE WAS INSTALLED ALONG WITH A NEW VALVE STEM. CRACKED VALVE STEM INFORMATION; TR 413, EHA GERMANY. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME (WITHIN 900 MILES) THAT A TIRE BLOWOUT OCCURRED DUE TO WHAT APPEARS TO BE A BAD VALVE STEM. CRACKED VALVE STEM WAS SAVED FOR REFERENCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10254189
101,636 miles · Jan 7, 2009
Tires
TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH WHEN LEFT FRONT TIRE NEAR INSTANTLY DEFLATED CAUSING TOTAL TIRE FAILURE BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD BE PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. TIRE SIDEWALL WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. SPARE INSTALLED. VISITED THE TIRE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE FOUR NEW REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE INSTALLED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AND 23,032 MILES PR…
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TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH WHEN LEFT FRONT TIRE NEAR INSTANTLY DEFLATED CAUSING TOTAL TIRE FAILURE BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD BE PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. TIRE SIDEWALL WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. SPARE INSTALLED. VISITED THE TIRE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE FOUR NEW REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE INSTALLED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AND 23,032 MILES PRIOR. NO PUNCTURES, TEARS OR CUTS WERE FOUND ANYWHERE ON THE TIRE TREAD OR SIDEWALL. THE ONLY KNOWN CAUSE OF THE TIRE FAILURE WAS A CRACKED VALVE STEM IN THE AREA WHERE THE STEM SEATS AGAINST THE ALUMINUM WHEEL ALLOWING AIR TO EXHAUST QUICKLY FROM THE TIRE ONCE THE CRACK PROPAGATED TO INSIDE. A NEW TIRE WAS INSTALLED ALONG WITH A NEW VALVE STEM. CRACKED VALVE STEM INFORMATION; TR 413, EHA GERMANY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10254187
98,000 miles · Apr 30, 2008
Exterior LightingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER HEADLIGHTS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN ILLUMINATE AGAIN. SHE NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN BRIEF INTERVALS AND SHE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND, CONSEQUENTLY, THE DASHBOARD SWITCH MELTED. THE DEALER …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER HEADLIGHTS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN ILLUMINATE AGAIN. SHE NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN BRIEF INTERVALS AND SHE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND, CONSEQUENTLY, THE DASHBOARD SWITCH MELTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. FORD STATED THAT HER VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V009000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,000.
NHTSA ODI #10226310
131,368 miles · Mar 19, 2007
Power Train
TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 1994 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED A VEHICLE ON THE AFTERNOON OF 03/16/2007, AND THE FOLLOWING MORNING 03/17/2007 THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT WORK, AND TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS POURING OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COULD POUR IT IN THE TOP AND WATCH IT COME OUT OF THE BOTT…
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TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 1994 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED A VEHICLE ON THE AFTERNOON OF 03/16/2007, AND THE FOLLOWING MORNING 03/17/2007 THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT WORK, AND TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS POURING OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COULD POUR IT IN THE TOP AND WATCH IT COME OUT OF THE BOTTOM. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THEY WOULD COME AND GET THE VEHICLE REPAIR IT AND CHARGE HIM FOR IT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 131,368 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #10185526
132,000 miles · May 12, 2006
Electrical System
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE ENGINE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS OCCURS MORE OFTEN IN WARMER WEATHER. THE VEHICLE RESTARTS ONLY AFTER COOLING OFF FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES. IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS; HOWEVER THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEMS WIT…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE ENGINE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS OCCURS MORE OFTEN IN WARMER WEATHER. THE VEHICLE RESTARTS ONLY AFTER COOLING OFF FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES. IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS; HOWEVER THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE THE CONTACT BELIEVES THE PFI IGNITION MODULE IS OVER HEATING, CAUSING THE STALLING.
NHTSA ODI #10157438
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.
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.
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
4RQ99017 · Front Suspension Spring
Opened Aug 9, 1999 · Closed Feb 16, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
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.