NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
56 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jul 9, 2000
Steering
IF THIS PART FAILURE HAPPENED AT SPEED THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS, POSSIBLY CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT. THE CAR HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED AND SENSIBLY DRIVEN. I AM FRIENDS WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND KNOW THAT HE TOOK EXCEPTIONAL CARE OF THE CAR AND ALSO DROVE IT VERY CONSERVATIVELY. I HAVE THE FAILED PART AVAILAB…
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IF THIS PART FAILURE HAPPENED AT SPEED THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS, POSSIBLY CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT. THE CAR HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED AND SENSIBLY DRIVEN. I AM FRIENDS WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND KNOW THAT HE TOOK EXCEPTIONAL CARE OF THE CAR AND ALSO DROVE IT VERY CONSERVATIVELY. I HAVE THE FAILED PART AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IF YOU NEED IT. I BELIEVE THE PART FAILED DUE TO POOR MACHINING OR INCORRECT HEAT TREATING. AS POPULAR AS THIS MODEL IS I FELT IT VERY IMPORTANT TO REPORT THIS SITUATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #725175
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2000
Steering
PULLED UP TO A STOP SIGN AND RIGHT SIDE INNER TIE ROD BROKE. ABOUT SIX WEEKS AGO, INNER TIE ROD ON THE LEFT SIDE BROKE. BOTH OF THE TIE RODS BROKE BY THE BALL JOINT. BOTH TIE RODS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI #863850
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2000
Steering
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721762
Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2000
Electrical SystemSteeringFire
I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR LESS THAN ONE MONTH. I BOUGHT IT FROM AN AS-IS DEALER WITH ONE-YEAR WARRANTY ON THE TRANSMISSION. WE FOUND SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON JANUARY 21, AND HAD MY CAR CHECKED BY A MECHANIC. THE REPORTED PROBLEM WAS POWER STEERING LEAKING AND THEN THE RELATED PRESSURE AND RETURN HOSES WERE REPLACED. IT S…
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I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR LESS THAN ONE MONTH. I BOUGHT IT FROM AN AS-IS DEALER WITH ONE-YEAR WARRANTY ON THE TRANSMISSION. WE FOUND SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON JANUARY 21, AND HAD MY CAR CHECKED BY A MECHANIC. THE REPORTED PROBLEM WAS POWER STEERING LEAKING AND THEN THE RELATED PRESSURE AND RETURN HOSES WERE REPLACED. IT SEEMED OK. BUT ON JANUARY 26, MY CAR WAS SUDDENLY ON FIRE WHEN WE WERE DRIVING WITH OUR TEACHER. WE HAD TO CALL 911 TO SMOTHER THE FIRE. MANY WIRINGS WERE DAMAGED, THUS THE CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN ANYMORE. AND LATER WE STILL FOUND THE POWER STEERING LEAKING. IN BOTH CASES, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DEMONSTRATED EVERYTHING WAS OK EVEN WHEN THREE PERSONS WERE ON FIRE! IS THE AUTO SAFE? COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO FIND AN AUTHORIZED OFFICE IN RENO, NV TO INSPECT THE CAUSE OF THE VEHICLE FIRE? THANK YOU. *AK
NHTSA ODI #718006
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 1999
Air BagsSteeringCrash
TURNING RIGHT AFTER STOP, CAR MADE A POP NOISE. CAR VEERED LEFT ACROSS ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE AND HIT STATIONARY METAL POLE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO AUTOMOBILE BODY AND SUSPENSION. CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED BY INSURANCE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI #714378
Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 1999
Steering
ANTI-THEFT DEVICE BUILT IN; WHEN KEY IS PULLED THE STEERING WILL LOCK AND LOCK INTO PARK. THIS IS OCCURRING WITH KEY IN OR OUT, AND WITHOUT BEING PULLED OUT AND WILL NOT DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #844631
Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 1999
Steering
THE RIGHT SIDE TIE ROD END BROKE IN HALF WHILE BACKING OUT, CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. FORD MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *YC
NHTSA ODI #843694
Mileage unknown · Apr 27, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringSuspension
WHEN VEHICLE IS WARMED UP & WOULD START TO TURN STEERING WHEEL, IT WOULD MAKE GRINDING NOISES IN THE RIGHT FRONT. SOUNDS LIKE METAL TO METAL. TAKEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. HAD BOTH STRUTS, TIE RODS, OXYGEN SENSORS REPLACED. NOISE STILL EXISTS. MECHANIC COULD NOT LOCATE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #837167
Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 1999
Air BagsSteeringCrashInjury
WAS LEAVING FROM THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE WATER BOTTLE FELL AND CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO PICK IT UP, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL/ WENT OFF THE ROAD,RESULTING IN A CRASH. DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED, AND THE RESIDUE FROM THE AIRBAG DID SOMETHING TO CONSUMER'S FACE AND LEFT A 7 INCH SCAR. CONSUMER ALSO SUFFERED A WHIPLASH, AND LOST 15 POU…
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WAS LEAVING FROM THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE WATER BOTTLE FELL AND CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO PICK IT UP, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL/ WENT OFF THE ROAD,RESULTING IN A CRASH. DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED, AND THE RESIDUE FROM THE AIRBAG DID SOMETHING TO CONSUMER'S FACE AND LEFT A 7 INCH SCAR. CONSUMER ALSO SUFFERED A WHIPLASH, AND LOST 15 POUNDS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #836395
Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 1999
Steering
STEERING WHEEL IS VERY HARD TO TURN WHEN DRIVING AT ANY TIME WHICH MIGHT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #835836
Official recalls
5Dec 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.
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.
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.
Sep 4, 1991
MANUFACTURING ERRORS BY THE SUPPLIER OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH MECHANISM MAY CAUSE THE SECONDARY PORTION OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH NOT TO FUNCTION. IF THE LATCH IS NOT IN THE PRIMARY LATCH POSITION, THE LIFTGATE COULD OPEN WITHOUT OPERATOR ACTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE WERE TO OPEN DURING VEHCILE OPERATION,PASSENGERS OR CARGO COULD FALL FROM THE OPEN LIFTGATE.
Remedy: REPLACE MALFUNCTIONING LIFTGATE LATCHES.
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
14RQ98016 · Front Suspension Spring Breakage
Opened Sep 29, 1998 · Closed Jan 12, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
FRONT SUSPENSION SPRINGS AY BREAK DUE TO MANUFACTURING CRACHS IN COMBINATION WITH CORROSION.
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
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.
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
PE95026 · Plastic Trim Panel Separation
Opened May 1, 1995 · Closed Aug 31, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
There is no summary currently available
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
EA93022 · Idle Air Spd Ctrl Vlv Malf
Opened Jul 30, 1993 · Closed Aug 31, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
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
PE93010 · Idle Air Spd Ctrl Vlv Malf
Opened Mar 2, 1993 · Closed Jul 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
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
Illustration