AFTER RECEIVING RECALL 01V23000 NOTIFICATION FOR HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR, AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO HAVE RECALL REPAIRS DONE BY LOCAL DEALER, DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT UNLESS PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN RECALL WAS OCCURRING, VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE SERVICED, *AK CONSUMER CONTACTED NHTSA WHO SUGGESTED ANOTHER DEALER AND WAS GIVEN AN…
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AFTER RECEIVING RECALL 01V23000 NOTIFICATION FOR HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR, AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO HAVE RECALL REPAIRS DONE BY LOCAL DEALER, DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT UNLESS PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN RECALL WAS OCCURRING, VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE SERVICED, *AK CONSUMER CONTACTED NHTSA WHO SUGGESTED ANOTHER DEALER AND WAS GIVEN AN IMMEDIATE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT, VEHICLE HAS HAD RECALL REPAIRS. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #896705
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2001
Visibility
WHILE DRIVING IN FOG AND TURNING ON DEFROSTER IT WON'T WORK ON LOW, BUT WILL WORK ON HIGH. THIS COULD CAUSE A BAD ACCIDENT BECAUSE DEFROSTER HAS A DELAYED REACTION, AND WHILE DRIVING WINDOWS ARE STILL FOGGED UP. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #895960
Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2001
Electrical SystemParking BrakePower Train
TRANSMISSION HAS A DEFECT, THERE IS A SLIP WHEN YOU APPLYING GEARS. ALSO, BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, AND GRABS A LITTLE BIT. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. BRAKES HAVE FAILED, ON ONE OCCASION CONSUMER ALMOST HIT A CHILD, BRAKE PEDAL SLIPS FROM UNDER FOOT. EMERGENCY BRAKE IS ONLY EFFECTIVE 50 PERCENT…
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TRANSMISSION HAS A DEFECT, THERE IS A SLIP WHEN YOU APPLYING GEARS. ALSO, BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, AND GRABS A LITTLE BIT. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. BRAKES HAVE FAILED, ON ONE OCCASION CONSUMER ALMOST HIT A CHILD, BRAKE PEDAL SLIPS FROM UNDER FOOT. EMERGENCY BRAKE IS ONLY EFFECTIVE 50 PERCENT OF THE TIME. TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY CHANGES GEARS ROUGHLY, AT TIMES JARRING OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE. POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM: LIGHT OF THE CLOCK HAS BURNED OUT TWICE, CONSUMER STATES THERE ARE SHORTS IN THE DASHBOARD, CAUSING THE HEATER OR A/C TO ONLY HAVE ONE SPEED WORKING, DOME LIGHTS WORK INTERMITTENTLY, LIGHT UNDER DASH WORKS INTERMITTENTLY, WARNING BELL DOES NOT CHIME ALL THE TIMES IT SHOULD, CONSUMER STATES A SENSOR CAUSES HEATER TO ACT AS THE AC AND VICE VERSA. HINGES NOT MADE PROPERLY, CAUSING DOOR MOVEMENT WHILE OPENING/CLOSING, DOES NOT STOP WHEN IT SHOULD. SEAT BLET RETARCTION DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH ELAST, CAUSING IT NOT TO RETRACT PROPERLY, HAS GOTTEN CAUGHT IN THE DOOR JAM. ALARM SYSTEM HAS FAILED. WHEEL COVER CRACKED WHEN A TIRE WAS BEING CHANGED AND ANOTHER ONE FELL OFF, CONSUMER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE TIME OR PLACE IT FELL OFF. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #891622
Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2001
Visibility
WHILE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM I SMELLED SOMETHING THAT SMELLED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, THE BLOWER MOTOR STOP RUNNING. I PLAYED WITH THE SWITCH AND ONLY HIGH WORKED. I TURNED THE FAN OFF. THIS FORCED ME TO DRIVE WITH THE CHOICE OF A POTENTIAL FIRE OR SEEING OUT OF THE WINSHIELD. THE NEXT DAY I PURCHASED A NEW BLOWER MOTOR R…
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WHILE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM I SMELLED SOMETHING THAT SMELLED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, THE BLOWER MOTOR STOP RUNNING. I PLAYED WITH THE SWITCH AND ONLY HIGH WORKED. I TURNED THE FAN OFF. THIS FORCED ME TO DRIVE WITH THE CHOICE OF A POTENTIAL FIRE OR SEEING OUT OF THE WINSHIELD. THE NEXT DAY I PURCHASED A NEW BLOWER MOTOR RELAY FROM A FORD DEALER. WHEN I WENT TO REPLACE IT I NOTICED THAT THE CONNECTOR TO THE RESISTOR WAS MELTED TO THE RESISTOR, THERE WERE BARE WIRES ON THE HARNESS SIDE OF THE CONNECTOR. I WENT TO THE FORD DEALER AND PURCHASED A NEW CONNECTOR. WHAT A SURPRISE TO FIND THAT THEY HAD A CONNECTOR IN STOCK. THIS MADE ME THINK THAT THIS MUST BE A COMMON PROBLEM. WHAT WILL KEEP THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN AND STARTING A REAL FIRE .*AK
NHTSA ODI #742319
Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2001
Fuel System, GasolineVisibility
WHEN FILLING GAS TANK WITH FUEL FUEL WOULD SPIT BACK OUT. DOOR CHIME FAILS TO WORK WHEN KEY IS IN IGNITION. HEATING SYSTEM WOULD GO OFF, AND THEN ON WHENEVER HEAT IS ON.*AK
NHTSA ODI #879397
Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2000
Visibility
HEATER OPERATES INTERMITTENT, VISUAL INSPECTION SHOWS WIRE CONNECTOR AND RESISTOR PACK MELTED. FORD REFUSES TO CORRECT PROBLEM UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY DOES NOT APPEAR TO WANT TO GET INVOLVED. I NOW FIND SEVERAL OTHER INSTANCES OF THIS PROBLEM, AND HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR, AND…
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HEATER OPERATES INTERMITTENT, VISUAL INSPECTION SHOWS WIRE CONNECTOR AND RESISTOR PACK MELTED. FORD REFUSES TO CORRECT PROBLEM UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY DOES NOT APPEAR TO WANT TO GET INVOLVED. I NOW FIND SEVERAL OTHER INSTANCES OF THIS PROBLEM, AND HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR, AND THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE, SINCE MY WIFE HAS THE GRANDCHILDREN WITH HER AN INJURY OR DEATH COULD HAVE OCURRED. THE AGGREVATION COMES FROM FORD AND THE DEALERS WITH THE "SO WHAT ATTITUDE" ABOUT MY HAVING TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AND THEN SEE THE WARRANTY COMPANY ABOUT GETTING PAID, AND THE FACT THAT THEY NEVER BOTHERED TO TELL ME ABOUT THE PROBLEM, SAFETY BULLETIN RECALLS 99M07 AND 99M08. I HAVE TO FIND THIS OUT MYSELF? LOOKING THROUGH THE DATA, SEEMS FORD HAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, AND ARE NOT FIXING IT, MORE THAN ONE REPORT OF DASHBOARD FIRES, CARS BLOWING UP WHEN STARTING, ETC. *AK
NHTSA ODI #737077
Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2000
Visibility
AIR CONDITIONER EMITS BAD SMELL WHEN RUNNING. ALSO WHEN HEATER IS RUNNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER 8 TIMES. DEALER COULD NOT FIX PROBLEM. DEALER STATED CONTOURS HAVE THAT PROBLEM. *AK *SLC
NHTSA ODI #875501
Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2000
SeatsVisibility
1)DRIVER'S POWER SEAT ROCKS FROM FRONT TO REAR, REPLACING SEAT TRACK MADE PROBLEM WORSE. 2) VENTS LOCATED TO CLEAR SIDE WINDOW OF FOG DO NOT OPERATE WHEN HEAT SELECTOR KNOB IS SET TO HOT.
NHTSA ODI #734431
Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2000
Visibility
WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVEN AND YOU TURN THE HEATING SYSTEM ON YOUR GETTING A MUSTY SMELL. IT HAPPENS ON HEATING MORE THAN COOLING.
NHTSA ODI #731651
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2000
Visibility
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERS 5 TIMES, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE CAR FOGS UP UNDER NORMAL FALL, WINTER, SPRING DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE DEFROSTER AIR CONDITIONER WILL CLEAR THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, BUT NOT SIDE WINDOWS AND THE BACK WINDOW CLEARED BY USING THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER,THIS CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD AND REDUCI…
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CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERS 5 TIMES, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE CAR FOGS UP UNDER NORMAL FALL, WINTER, SPRING DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE DEFROSTER AIR CONDITIONER WILL CLEAR THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, BUT NOT SIDE WINDOWS AND THE BACK WINDOW CLEARED BY USING THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER,THIS CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD AND REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY.*ET
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN HIGH CORROSION ENVIRONMENTS. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CATCHER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
ON CERTAIN MY 1996-1998 PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY, CUAUTITLAN ASSEMBLY PLANTS OR ON MY 1999 PASSENGER VEHCLES BUILT AT THE AUTOMOTIVE ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY PLANTS, THE ROUGH SURFACE OF THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR'S STAINLESS STEEL BLADES CAN DAMAGE THE COPPER SURFACE OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR. THE DAMAGE COULD, OVER TIME, CAUSE INCREASED RESISTANCE IN THE CONNECTOR AND, DUE TO SUBSEQUENT TERMINAL RELAXATION, RESULT IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND A NEW WIRE JUMPER HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE BI-FUEL SYSTEM. IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF BOTH PCRV'S MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING BRAKING AS A RESULT OF THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL IMPROVED PCRV'S IN THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED IN SEPTEMBER 2000 TO INCLUDE 1999 AND 2000 FORD CONTOUR, MERCURY MYSTIQUE AND COUGAR VEHICLES.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG SENSOR WIRING PIGTAIL INSULATION CAN BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACK OVER TIME DUE TO ACCUMULATION OF WATER IN THE PIGTAIL PROTECTIVE CONVOLUTE IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES RELATED TO THE ROUTING OF THE WIRING PIGTAIL NEAR THE RADIATOR. THIS CAN RESULT IN ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACKING OF THE INSULATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN SOME CASES, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISABLED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AIR BAG SENSORS WITH REVISED WIRING INSULATION. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WHICH HAVE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WILL HAVE A NEW AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR INSTALLED.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A BURR ON OR NEAR THE END OF THE CABLE SLEEVE INTERIOR. THIS BURR COULD FRAY THE CORE WIRE RESULTING IN THE ACCELERATOR NOT RETURNING TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN DISTORTION OF THE TERMINAL CAUSING AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, PARKING LAMP, AND TAIL LAMP CIRCUITS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLAMP SWITCH WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAINING BRONZE TERMINALS AND AN INSPECTION, AND REPLACEMENT IF NECESSARY, OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FLOOR SHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL CAN BE DAMAGED IF SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN INTERIOR CLEANING PRODUCTS. THE GEAR POSITION INDICATOR CAN DETERIORATE AND NOT CORRECTLY INDICATE THE ACTUAL GEAR POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.
Remedy: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.
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
7
RQ02006 · Incorrect Gear Indication
Opened Feb 26, 2002 · Closed Sep 12, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
EA01001 · Blower Switch/resistor Or Wiring Harness
Opened Jan 5, 2001 · Closed Jul 31, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
EA00025 · Fuel Expulsion During Refueling
Opened Oct 4, 2000 · Closed Jan 25, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE00027 · Fuel Expulsion During Refueling
Opened Jul 10, 2000 · Closed Oct 4, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE00023 · Blower Switch/resistor Or Wiring Harness
Opened Jun 14, 2000 · Closed Jan 5, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
RQ99019 · Various Intermittent Electrical Issues
Opened Sep 15, 1999 · Closed Mar 7, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
There is no summary currently available
SQ98002 · Fuel Gauge Does Not Read Below 1/4
Opened Jan 27, 1998 · Closed Jul 31, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
FORD'S SERVICE BULLETIN DATED DECEMBER 8, 1997, POINTS OUT THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WILL NOT READ ABOVE 3/4 TANK OR BELOW 1/4 TANK OF FUEL.THE ERRONEOUS FUEL GAUGE READING WILL INDICATE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE FUEL RESERVE THAN ACTUALLY PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK.ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT WHERE THE DRIVER ALLEGED THAT HIS VEHICLE RAN OUT OF GAS DUE TO A FALSE FUEL GAUGE READING.THIS INVESTIGATION WASTO ASCERTAIN FACTS CONCERNING THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE, SCOPE, AND RATIONAL FOR ELECTING NOT TO CONDUCT A SAFETY COMPAIGN.
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