NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
638 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 7, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURED DURING A BUSINESS TRIP IN AUGUST 1999. COOLING SYSTEM FAILED. AUTO WAS TOWED TO CAPITAL FORD IN RALEIGH NC. THEY INDICATED THE AUTOMOBILE HAD A LEAKING HEAD GASKET SAID THAT I SHOULD FIX IT WHEN I RETURNED TO MY HOMETOWN. THE PERFORMED APPROXIMATELY $200 IN REPAIR, I RETURNED TO CHARLOTTE. I TOOK T…
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THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURED DURING A BUSINESS TRIP IN AUGUST 1999. COOLING SYSTEM FAILED. AUTO WAS TOWED TO CAPITAL FORD IN RALEIGH NC. THEY INDICATED THE AUTOMOBILE HAD A LEAKING HEAD GASKET SAID THAT I SHOULD FIX IT WHEN I RETURNED TO MY HOMETOWN. THE PERFORMED APPROXIMATELY $200 IN REPAIR, I RETURNED TO CHARLOTTE. I TOOK THE CAR TO LAKE NORMAN FORD. MECHANICS SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. IN JANUARY 1999, THE CAR STARTED TO LOOSE COOLANT AND I COULD HEAR A GURGLING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION. I RETURNED THE CAR TO LAKE NORMAN FORD, THEY SAID THERE WAS AN AIR POCKET IN THE COOLING SYSTEM. I REMINDED THEM THAT CAPITAL FORD INDICATED THERE WAS A POSSIBLE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM, THEY SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. THE KEPT THE CAR FOR 2 DAYS HOWEVER. THE FOLLOWING WEEK THE CAR SUFFERED A COMPLETE FAILURE AND COULD NO LONGER BE DRIVEN. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO AN INDEPENDANT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A HEAD GASKET FAILURE. SPENT $2037 IN REPAIRS TO FIX. I CONTACTED FORD CONSUMER AFFAIRS. THEY REFUSED TO ADMIT A PROBLEM OR TO COMPENSATE ME FOR THE FAILURE SINCE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRENTY. IN DECEMBER 2000, THE CAR FAILED AGAIN. AFTER SPENDING $900 TO TOW AND REPAIR THE COOLING SYSTEM THE MECHANIC INDICTED THERE WAS ANOTHER GASKET LEAK. ESTIMATED COST IS UP TO $2000. IF NOT CORRECTED, THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #738907
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
HEAD GASKET FAILURE ON THE 3.8L V6 ENGINE. DEALER / MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A EXTENDED WARRANTY. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #877573
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingVisibility
3.8 LITER ENGINE, HEAD GASKET FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 92000 MILES, CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK ONTO ENGINE. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDED 1993 MODELS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. *AK *ALSO HEATER CORE WAS BLOWN OUT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #877525
Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE HEAD GASKETS PREMATURELY FAILED. VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUED BY FORD MANUFACTURER. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD WHITE SMOKE AND FAILED THE EMISSION TEST TWICE. *YH
NHTSA ODI #877405
Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEM WITH WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM TAIL PIPE/COOLANT LEAKAGES, AND ENGINE OVERHEATING. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT A HEAD GASKET FAILED, AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #877387
Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainUnknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM CO TO IL, HOT LITE CAME ON. ENGINE TURNED OFF AND PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD (INT76).2YR OLD, 10YR OLD, 2 ADULTS ON SIDE OF HIWAY - CARS PASSING @70MPH & ABOVE. FORTUNATELY HAD A CELL PHONE - STILL SAT ON SIDE FOR 2+HOURS. NEW ENGINE, TRANS, WATER PUMP INSTALLED 9/99. HEAD GASKET LEAK DETECTED 12/2000 AF…
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WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM CO TO IL, HOT LITE CAME ON. ENGINE TURNED OFF AND PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD (INT76).2YR OLD, 10YR OLD, 2 ADULTS ON SIDE OF HIWAY - CARS PASSING @70MPH & ABOVE. FORTUNATELY HAD A CELL PHONE - STILL SAT ON SIDE FOR 2+HOURS. NEW ENGINE, TRANS, WATER PUMP INSTALLED 9/99. HEAD GASKET LEAK DETECTED 12/2000 AFTER BLOWING RADIATOR. RADIATOR REPLACED BY A NON-FORD GARAGE. DEALER SAID IT WAS A BAD RADIATOR (NEW RADIATOR HAD BEEN INSTALLED 2 WEEKS PRIOR-SEAMS BURST NOT RUSTED). PACKEY WEBB NOW REPAIRING HEAD GASKET & WATER PUMP (FAILURE PROBABLY CAUSED BY GASKET LEAK SAME AS THE RADIATOR). FORD WILL COVER THE PARTS BUT NOT THE LABOR AND WILL NOT COVER THE RADIATOR. VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN TO A DIFFERENT DEALER (JOE MADDEN - DOWNERS GROVE, IL) SEVERAL TIMES FOR "ROUGH RUNNING" PROBLEMS DURING THE FULL WARRANTY PERIOD (OF THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE) AND CHARGED $115 EACH TIME FOR "DIAGNOSIS". "COULDN'T DUPLICATE CUSTOMER'S CONCERN" FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED A PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE IN '94 AND '95 TAURUS' BUT REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE '93. WE WERE FORTUNATE TO NOT BE ON THE HIGHWAY IN DANGEROUSLY COLD WEATHER WITH THE CURRENT HEAD GASKET PROBLEM
NHTSA ODI #738713
Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINEL OVERHEATED OFTEN. ATEMPTS TO REPAIR PROBLEMS FAILED. CAR OVERHEATED AND PRODUCED LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE, STALLED, KNOCKED.WHEN TAKEN TO MECHANIC MECHANIC REPORTED THAT ENGINE GASKET HAD BLOWN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #738660
Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE ENGINE BLEW A HEAD GASKET WHICH ALLOWED ENGINE COOLANT TO ENTER THE CYLINDERS. THIS RESULTS IN BILLOWING WHITE SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. IT ALSO CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE BEARING SURFACES THAT MAY RESULT IN HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. FORD HAS AN EXTENDED WARANTY ON THE SAME ENGINE FOR 1994 & 1995 MODELS BUT THEY DO NOT INCLUDE …
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THE ENGINE BLEW A HEAD GASKET WHICH ALLOWED ENGINE COOLANT TO ENTER THE CYLINDERS. THIS RESULTS IN BILLOWING WHITE SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. IT ALSO CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE BEARING SURFACES THAT MAY RESULT IN HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. FORD HAS AN EXTENDED WARANTY ON THE SAME ENGINE FOR 1994 & 1995 MODELS BUT THEY DO NOT INCLUDE 1993 ENGINES. IF ITS THE SAME ENGINE I THINK IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #738617
Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
3.8 LT. ENGINES W/ AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ARE VERY FAILURE PRONE, FORD HAS A REAL PROBLEM AND SHOULD MAKE IT RIGHT WITH ALL THE PEOPLE THAT GOT SCREWED BY THESE CARS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #738486
Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING CAR OVERHEATS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, CONSUMER HAS TO PULL OVER SO ENGINE WON'T LOCK UP,. THERE IS RECALL 97V019000 ON ENGINE FAN OVERHEATING, BUT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #877151
Official recalls
6Dec 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.
May 6, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF NEW YORK, MICHIGAN, OHIO, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, INDIANA, NEW JERSEY, MAINE, CONNECTICUT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, KENTUCKY, MARYLAND, DELAWARE, AND WEST VIRGINIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN COMBINATION WITH SMALL CRACKS IN THE SPRINGS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE FRONT TIRE COULD DEFLATE DUE TO A BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRING CONTACTING THE TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING CATCHER BRACKET WHICH WILL PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM CONTACTING A TIRE.
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.
Jan 4, 1993
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CONTROLLERS DESIGNED FOR REAR WHEEL DRIVE CARS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THESE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CARS..
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY AND POSSIBLEVEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL DRIVE ABS CONTROLLER WITH A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE ABS CONTROLLER.
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
13RQ99017 · Front Suspension Spring
Opened Aug 9, 1999 · Closed Feb 16, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
EA99023 · Windshield Wiper
Opened Aug 6, 1999 · Closed Jun 12, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
ODI has received 50 additional complaiints on MY 1993 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles alleging malfunction of the windshield wiper system including; intermittent or complete stoppage of wiper sweeping; inadequate sweep speed; and other general complaints of poor performace.In some cases, the owner alleges havingto leave the roadway or roll down the window and manually restart the sweeping motion of the wiper arms.Other complaints allege that the wiper sweeps too slowly at the maximum speed setting resulting in inadequate vision during heavy precipition.Some complaints allge repeated wiper system malfunctions despirt having their vehicles serviced at Ford dealerships of replacement of the multi-function switch and/or wiper motor.Ford provided its response to an Information Request Letter indicating that the same wiper motor is used on the MY 1987-1993 Taurus and Sable; however, warranty and complaint data show that the MY 1993 is over represented and may warrant particular attention.An Engineering Ananlysis is necessary to determine if a potential safety defect exists.
PE99015 · Windshield Wiper
Opened Feb 24, 1999 · Closed Aug 6, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
ALLEGED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WITHOUT WARNING
EA97026 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Failure
Opened Nov 26, 1997 · Closed May 13, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
ALLEGED THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE, PERMITTING SUSPENSION COLLAPSE, POSSIBLE TIRE PUNCTURE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR COMPROMISE TO VEHICLE SAFETY
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
ALLEGED THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE, PERMITTING SUSPENSION COLLAPSE, POSSIBLE TIRE PUNCTURE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR COMPROMISE TO VEHICLE SAFETY
Suspension
ALLEGED THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE, PERMITTING SUSPENSION COLLAPSE, POSSIBLE TIRE PUNCTURE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR COMPROMISE TO VEHICLE SAFETY
PE97035 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Failure
Opened Jul 22, 1997 · Closed Nov 26, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
Front Suspension coil springs may fracture with the vehicle in motion, posing a potential compromise to the driver's ability to control the vehicle.
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.
PE96018 · Headlights Failure
Opened Mar 5, 1996 · Closed Jul 31, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights
There is no summary currently available
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
Illustration