NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
69 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jun 29, 1998
Electrical SystemFire
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME TO PUT OUT THE FIRE, AND STATED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STARTING PROPERLY THE PREVIOUS DAY WHEN CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. THE FIRE WAS UNDER THE HOOD, AND HAD TOTALLY BURNED UP UNDER THE HOOD. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROB…
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VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME TO PUT OUT THE FIRE, AND STATED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STARTING PROPERLY THE PREVIOUS DAY WHEN CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. THE FIRE WAS UNDER THE HOOD, AND HAD TOTALLY BURNED UP UNDER THE HOOD. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #824789
Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 1998
Electrical System
ENGINE WILL CRANK BUT NOT START DUE TO NO SPARK IN PLUG WIRES.
NHTSA ODI #536697
Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 1998
Electrical SystemFire
HAD NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING WHEEL. PARKED VEHICLE & CALLED DEALER. NOT ON RECALL. HAD VEHICLE CHECKED & WAS TOLD IGNITION WIRES HAD STARTED MELTING. HAD IT REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #822505
Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 1998
Electrical System
THICK FILM IGNITION DEVICE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #523386
Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 1997
Electrical System
IGNITION SWITCH IS FAULTY. WHEN THE MOTOR IS RUNNING DRIVER HAS IGNITION SWITCH FORWARD TO MAKE THE TURN SIGNALS AND THE BACK UP LIGHTS WORK. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK *SLC
NHTSA ODI #818902
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 1997
Electrical SystemFire
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, GOT IN AND PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND TURNED THE KEY TO START THE VEHICLE, HEARD A NOISE. THEN STARTED SEEING SMOKE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. OWNER WAS TOLD THAT THE FIRE HAD STARTED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH COMPARTMENT, AND HAD BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #817122
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 1997
Electrical SystemFire
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI #524900
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 1997
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
ENGINE FAILURE; ALSO REPLACED TRANSMISSION/STEERING RACK/ALTERNATOR/POWER LOCKS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #513686
Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 1997
Electrical System
THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION (TFI MODULE) FAILED.
NHTSA ODI #524938
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 1997
Electrical System
TWO MODULES (IN ENGINE) THAT SEND MESSAGES TO SENDING UNIT MALFUCTIONED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL AT CERTAIN TEMPERATURES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #816986
Official recalls
8Dec 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.
Jun 23, 1993
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS AND SABLES BUILT FROM 10-14-85 THROUGH 8-19-88, AND LINCOLN CONTINENTALS BUILT FROM 11-4-87 THROUGH 9-30-88 (EXCEPT 1989 - 1991 2.5L TAURUS AND 1989 - 1992 SHO). THE AFFECTED CARS WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, AND WISCONSIN. THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, MAY BECOME DETACHED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT RETAINING PLATE. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF ONE OF THE REAR CORNERS DROPS, ONLY MINOR INDICATIONS OF A MALFUNCTION SUCH AS A CLUNKING NOISE OR SLIGHT CHANGE IN STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT ARE NOTICEABLE. HOWEVER, IF BOTH REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME DROP, STEERING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL A CORROSION-RESISTANT REINFORCING PLATE AND A NEW BOLT ON BOTH REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS. THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY RECALL 98V-323.
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.
Aug 6, 1991
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.
Sep 4, 1987
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Feb 19, 1987
ROAD SALT INDUCED EROSION OF THE WIPER MOTOR CONDUCTOR STRIPS COULD CAUSE LOCALIZED THERMAL STRESS WITHIN THE GLASS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: GLASS COULD FRACTURE WHILE STATION WAGON IS BEING DRIVENOR PARKED, CREATING A RISK OF INJURY TO OCCUPANTS OR SUDDEN DISTRACTION TO THEDRIVER.
Remedy: APPLY SEALANT TO CONDUCTOR STRIPS AND PROTECTIVE TAPE TO LOWER BACKLITES.
Nov 7, 1986
LEFT AND/OR RIGHT REAR SPINDLE ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF SPINDLE STEM SEPARATES, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: REPLACE REAR SPINDLE.
Oct 28, 1986
STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLIES CONTAIN LOWER SHAFTS OF INSUFFICIENT LENGTH FOR PROPER ATTACHMENT TO THE SHAFT INSULATOR FLANGE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SHAFT COULD SEPARATE, RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: REPLACE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY, AS NECESSARY.
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
26RQ97009 · Rear Lower Subframe Assembly
Opened Aug 29, 1997 · Closed Feb 16, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:frame And Members
TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CARS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL 93V-106 SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE PHENOMENON, AND TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS REMEDY FAILURE ISSUE
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure:frame And Members
TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CARS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL 93V-106 SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE PHENOMENON, AND TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS REMEDY FAILURE ISSUE
Structure:frame And Members
TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CARS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL 93V-106 SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE PHENOMENON, AND TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS REMEDY FAILURE ISSUE
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
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
PE92056 · SUB-FRM/UNIBODY Absor.fail
Opened Jul 1, 1992 · Closed Nov 30, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · 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
===
PE91128 · Fires In Ignition Switch
Opened Sep 17, 1991 · Closed Jan 27, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
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
PE91036 · Door Handles Breakage
Opened Jan 22, 1991 · Closed May 22, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
EA90045 · Brake Disc Hub Separations
Opened Sep 28, 1990 · Closed Sep 12, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
===
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
===
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
===
EA90042 · Throttle Sticking
Opened Aug 31, 1990 · Closed Dec 31, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE90071 · Brake Disc Hub Failure
Opened Apr 2, 1990 · Closed Jun 28, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
PE90066 · Throttle Sticking
Opened Mar 27, 1990 · Closed Aug 31, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE90019 · Speed Control Failure
Opened Nov 27, 1989 · Closed Mar 27, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control
There is no summary currently available
EA90005 · Power Seat Malfunc/fire
Opened Oct 31, 1989 · Closed Mar 12, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats
There is no summary currently available
EA90006 · Safety Belt Failure
Opened Oct 31, 1989 · Closed Feb 28, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
There is no summary currently available
PE89125 · Pwr Seat Malfunc - Fire
Opened Jun 1, 1989 · Closed Oct 31, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
===
PE89126 · Safety Belt Failure
Opened Jun 1, 1989 · Closed Oct 31, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
===
EA89023 · Front Seat Bracket
Opened May 25, 1989 · Closed May 22, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats
SUMMARY:THE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL APPEARS TO BE THE POTENTIALCONSEQUENCE OF A SEAT BRACKET FAILURE.===
PE89091 · Exhaust Gas Intrusion
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 13, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
SUMMARY: OWNERS COMPLAIN OF EXHAUST GASES, INCLUDING HYDROGEN SULFIDE,LEAKING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAUSING NAUSEA, HEADACHES, ANDDISCOMFORT.HYDROGEN SULFIDE (H2S) IS A COLORLESS, FLAMMABLE, ANDVERY POISONOUS GAS.===
PE89006 · Head Rest Drops
Opened Oct 19, 1988 · Closed Jun 26, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint
===
PE89007 · Front Seat Bracket
Opened Oct 19, 1988 · Closed May 25, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats
BRIEFING NOTES ODISCUSSION OF THE REPORTED DEFECT & ITS CONSEQUENCES OFAILURE MILEAGE ANALYSIS OWARRANTY DATA ANALYSIS OFORD'S BODY & CHASSIS ENGINEERING REPORT OCOMPARISON WITH OTHER SEAT-TRACK ANALYSES===
EA88032 · Stalling
Opened Apr 22, 1988 · Closed Jan 12, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
===
PE88014 · High Brake Pedal Effort
Opened Jan 15, 1988 · Closed May 26, 1988
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
===
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