NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
260 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 29, 1999
Power Train
12/12/95 TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL DUE TO RECALL, 06/09/97 TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED BY FORD SERVICE DEPT.(CHARGED SERVICE), 08/27/97 TRANSMISSION WAS CHECKED BY FORDS SERVICE DEPT. DUE TO PROBLEMS(CHARGED SERVICE), 09/05/97 TRANSMISSION FAILS ON EXPRESSWAY 30 MILES FROM HOME HAD TO BE TOWED BACK. CONTACTED FORD SERVICE DEPT. AND F…
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12/12/95 TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL DUE TO RECALL, 06/09/97 TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED BY FORD SERVICE DEPT.(CHARGED SERVICE), 08/27/97 TRANSMISSION WAS CHECKED BY FORDS SERVICE DEPT. DUE TO PROBLEMS(CHARGED SERVICE), 09/05/97 TRANSMISSION FAILS ON EXPRESSWAY 30 MILES FROM HOME HAD TO BE TOWED BACK. CONTACTED FORD SERVICE DEPT. AND FORD MOTOR CO., THEY BOTH CLAIMED NO LIABILITY DUE TO WARRANTY EXPIRATION.
NHTSA ODI #712441
Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 1999
Power Train
WAS AT STOP LIGHT WHEN GEARS HAD GRINDED. VEHICLE STARTED MOVING BACKWARDS ON A HILL & THEN STOPPED ALTOGETHER. HAD NO FORWARD GEAR. VEHICLE TOWED TO MECHANIC. WAS INFORMED NO FORWARD GEARD. THE TRANSMISSION HAD BROKEN DOWN & NEEDED REPLACING. THIS WAS THE 3RD TRANSMISSION IN 3 YEARS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #848292
Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 1999
Power Train
TRANS. JUST QUIT WORKING AT 65 MPH , ENGINE JUST STARTED RACING.HAD TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD. COULD HAVE GOTTEN INTO A CRASH . 2 ) TRANS IS SLIPPING WAS TOLD NEED A NEW ONE AGAIN. IT HAS BEEN LESS THAN A YEAR WITH THIS TRANS.
NHTSA ODI #711067
Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 1999
EquipmentPower TrainSteering
AT 53699 MILES, TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT PULL, DEALER REMOVED AND OVERHAULED TRANSACLE AND REPLACED BOTH OUTER CV BOOTS, 3 MONTHS LATER MORE PROBLEMS OCCURRED WITH THE TRANSMISSION. AIR CONDITIONER FAILED AND 4 MONTHS LATER FAILED AGAIN AFTER REPAIR. POPPING NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING. STRUT BUSHINGS NOISY AND TIE RO…
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AT 53699 MILES, TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT PULL, DEALER REMOVED AND OVERHAULED TRANSACLE AND REPLACED BOTH OUTER CV BOOTS, 3 MONTHS LATER MORE PROBLEMS OCCURRED WITH THE TRANSMISSION. AIR CONDITIONER FAILED AND 4 MONTHS LATER FAILED AGAIN AFTER REPAIR. POPPING NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING. STRUT BUSHINGS NOISY AND TIE RODS WERE REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #843754
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 1999
Power Train
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA ODI #709742
Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train
I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED THIS VEHICLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS AND RETAINED RECEIPTS TO SUBSTANTIATE THIS CLAIM. THE VEHICLE HAS PROVEN TO BE UNRELIABLE AND A RISK TO OPERATE EVEN WHEN MAINTAINED WITHIN MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS. CONSIDERING THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF MAJOR COMPONENT FAILURE WITH THIS…
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I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED THIS VEHICLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS AND RETAINED RECEIPTS TO SUBSTANTIATE THIS CLAIM. THE VEHICLE HAS PROVEN TO BE UNRELIABLE AND A RISK TO OPERATE EVEN WHEN MAINTAINED WITHIN MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS. CONSIDERING THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF MAJOR COMPONENT FAILURE WITH THIS VEHICLE, THE MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE HAS NO RELATIONSHIP TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS. BASED ON MY EXPERIENCES AND OTHER REPORTS IN PRINT ON THIS PARTICULAR MAKE AND MODEL, FORD PRODUCED A VEHICLE (THOUSANDS OF THEM) THAT PRESENT AN OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE AND TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. THIS VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED AS A 8 PASSENGER FAMILY CAR. THE OPPORTUNITY TO SIGNIFICANTLY INJURY THE OCCUPANTS DUE TO A MAJOR COMPONENT FAILURE OR COMBINATION OF MAJOR COMPONENT FAILURE MUST BE ABOVE ACCEPTABLE RISK STANDARDS ESTABLISHED BY THE NHTSA. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE THAT ALL OF THE MAJOR COMPONENT FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED AT REDUCED SPEEDS AND NOT IN CONJESTED SEATTLE/TACOMA FREEWAY TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. THE LAST TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURRED ONE DAY AFTER MY FAMILY TRAVELED TO SEATTLE TO ENJOY SEAFAIR AND IF IT HAD OCCURRED ON I-5, IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURY TO MY ENTIRE FAMILY OF 5. AT WHAT POINT DOES THE NHTSA TAKE ACTION AGAINST A MANUFACTURER FOR PRODUCING A VEHICLE THAT IS A KNOWN LEMON THAT HAS SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS.
NHTSA ODI #709637
Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 1999
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. DEALER SAIS VEHICLE NEEDED NEW TRANSMISSION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #842603
Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 1999
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FAILED. HAD TO GET A TOW. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE PHENOLIC PISTONS IS A KNOWN DEFECT.
NHTSA ODI #708446
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 1999
Power Train
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #707688
Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 1999
Power Train
CARS SHOULD NOT HAVE TRANSMISSION CRAPPING OUT AT 52000 MILES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #707287
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.
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.
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
14SQ98008 · Audio System Fires
Opened May 4, 1998 · Closed May 8, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
SEE RESUME FOR DETAILS.
DP96014 · Defective Air Bag Crash Sensor
Opened Nov 14, 1996 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
CFAS SENT A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON DECEMBER 12, 1996, TO CHANGE THE INTENT OF THE PETITION TO AIRBAG AGGRESSIVITY AND DEPLOYMENT VARIABILITY.NHTSA RECEIVED THE LETTER ON 12/12/96; ACCORDINGLY, THE PETITION DUE DAY WAS CHANGED TO APRIL 12, 1997.CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE 1991-92 CHEVROLET CORSICA/BERETTA, 1990-92 FORD TAURUS, AND 1994-96 CHRYSLER MINIVANS ARE DEFECTIVE.CFAS ALLEGE THAT INFORMATION ON LOW SPEED CRASHES HERE OCCUPANTS HAVE SUFFERED FATAL INJURIES SUGGESTS [THAT THE ABOVE VEHICLES] HAVE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS.
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
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
PE93070 · Failure Of Wheel Studs
Opened Jul 27, 1993 · Closed Nov 22, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
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
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
EA91042 · Storage Compar Suffocation
Opened Oct 28, 1991 · Closed May 21, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
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DP91013 · ANTI-LOCK Brakes
Opened Sep 24, 1991 · Closed Jan 30, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
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
Illustration