NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,557 reportsMileage unknown · Aug 15, 2000
Power Train
I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO A TRANSMISSION DEALER IN MESA, AZ, 7 TIMES AND THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. THE CAR DOES NOT SHIFT RIGHT IN SECOND GEAR WHEN IT IS WARMED UP. IT SEEMS TO SHIFT OKAY WHEN IT IS COLD. THEY HAVE REPLACED A SHIFT KIT, TAKEN APART THE TRANSMISSION SEVERAL TIMES, REPLACED A COOLANT PART, VALVES AND OTHER VARI…
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I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO A TRANSMISSION DEALER IN MESA, AZ, 7 TIMES AND THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. THE CAR DOES NOT SHIFT RIGHT IN SECOND GEAR WHEN IT IS WARMED UP. IT SEEMS TO SHIFT OKAY WHEN IT IS COLD. THEY HAVE REPLACED A SHIFT KIT, TAKEN APART THE TRANSMISSION SEVERAL TIMES, REPLACED A COOLANT PART, VALVES AND OTHER VARIOUS PARTS AND THEY DON'T SEEM TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. HAS THERE BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE 1993 FORD TAURUS SHO?
NHTSA ODI #728020
Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I WOULD BE GLAD TO E-MAIL COPIES OF LETTERS IN WHICH I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. THEIR 2/00 RECALL REGARDING THE HEAD GASKET DESIGN FLAW IN THE 1.8L V-6 ENGINE DOESN'T INCLUDE THE 1993 - THE SAME ENGINE DESIGN. FORD WON'T EVEN GIVE ME A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO MY WRITTEN LETTERS; THEY HAVE THE LOCAL FORD DEALER CALL ME. I DIDN'T B…
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I WOULD BE GLAD TO E-MAIL COPIES OF LETTERS IN WHICH I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. THEIR 2/00 RECALL REGARDING THE HEAD GASKET DESIGN FLAW IN THE 1.8L V-6 ENGINE DOESN'T INCLUDE THE 1993 - THE SAME ENGINE DESIGN. FORD WON'T EVEN GIVE ME A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO MY WRITTEN LETTERS; THEY HAVE THE LOCAL FORD DEALER CALL ME. I DIDN'T BEGIN TO TELL YOU ALL THE OTHER THINGS THAT HAVE GONE WRONG MONTHLY (THE LATEST? IT'S AUGUST AND I HAVE NO AIR CONDITIONING). I HAD TAKEN THE TRANSMISSION IN WHILE UNDER 75M EXTENDED WARRANTY-IT WAS ALREADY HAVING PROBLEMS, BUT THERE WAS NO "FIX". THE BLOWN HEAD GASKET WAS ABOUT 5M MILES PAST THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU REQUIRE ADDITIONAL DATA. THANKS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #727882
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2000
TiresCrash
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND HEARD A NOISE. SHE WAS LOOKING THROUGH REARVIEW MIRRIOR, AND SAW THAT TIRE TREAD FLEW OFF. TIRE WAS STILL INFLATED, TIRE WAS A UTURA LTE# P205/65K15 BW9254608B70K. *AK
NHTSA ODI #867603
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2000
Visibility
WHILE DRIVING DURING A RAIN STORM WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT , AND DID NOT COME BACK ON. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #867544
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAD TO REPLACE 2 TRANSMISSIONS ON THIS VEHICLE AND ONE HEAD GASKET. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS REIMBURSEMENT AVAILABLE FOR 94 AND LATER TAURUS'S FOR THE HEADGASKET. HOWEVER, 93'S SHOULD ALSO BE COVERED.
NHTSA ODI #727632
Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE STARTED TO RUN HOT AND LOSE POWER WITH STEAMY, WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM EXHAUST PIPE, AND WITHIN FIVE MINUTES THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN ON CALIF RTE 30 (LATE AT NIGHT), AND HAD TO BE TOWED OFF THE FREEWAY. AFTER EXAMINATION OF THE MOTOR, MY MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THE ENTIRE MOTOR WOULD HAVE TO BE OVERHAULED DUE TO EXTENSIVE…
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ENGINE STARTED TO RUN HOT AND LOSE POWER WITH STEAMY, WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM EXHAUST PIPE, AND WITHIN FIVE MINUTES THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN ON CALIF RTE 30 (LATE AT NIGHT), AND HAD TO BE TOWED OFF THE FREEWAY. AFTER EXAMINATION OF THE MOTOR, MY MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THE ENTIRE MOTOR WOULD HAVE TO BE OVERHAULED DUE TO EXTENSIVE INTERNAL DAMAGE RESULTING FROM A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. THE VEHICLE WAS TIED-UP IN HIS REPAIR SHOP FOR OVER THREE WEEKS. THE WORK REQUIRED TO PLACE MY VEHICLE BACK IN PROPER RUNNING CONDITION WAS $3,500- OUT OF MY POCKET. I STILL OWN THE VEHICLE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD BE LIABLE FOR THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OF THIS EXPENSE BECAUSE IT IS WELL-DOCUMENTED WITHIN THE NHTSA (ODI) DATA BASE THAT THIS TYPE OF MECHANICAL DEFECT HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING OCCURRANCE IN THEIR FORD TAURUS PRODUCTS FOR YEARS. WHEN IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OR SOMEONE GOING TO DO SOMETHING DEFINITIVE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM? I HAVE A PAID MECHANIC'S WORK ORDER FOR THE PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED MOTOR OVERHAUL, AND I HEREBY DEMAND THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY REIMBURSE ME IMMEDIATELY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #726564
Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
HEAD GASKET BLEW WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WITH MY CAT, 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND 7MONTH OLD SON IN THE CAR. COST TO REPAIR OVER $1800 PUT SO MUCH INTO OTHER REPAIRS ON THIS CAR WE OPTED TO BUY A NEW ONE. WE PAID $6000 1 YEAR AGO FOR THIS CAR AND PUT ABOUT $3000 WORTH OF REPAIRS INTO IT. I UNDERSTAND THE HEAD GASKET IS A COMMON …
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HEAD GASKET BLEW WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WITH MY CAT, 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND 7MONTH OLD SON IN THE CAR. COST TO REPAIR OVER $1800 PUT SO MUCH INTO OTHER REPAIRS ON THIS CAR WE OPTED TO BUY A NEW ONE. WE PAID $6000 1 YEAR AGO FOR THIS CAR AND PUT ABOUT $3000 WORTH OF REPAIRS INTO IT. I UNDERSTAND THE HEAD GASKET IS A COMMON OCCURENCE AND WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION YOU HAVE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #726536
Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #726397
Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
PREMATURE HEAD GASKET FAILURE. SOMEONE NEEDS TO MAKE FORD OWN UP TO THEIR RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE MATERIALS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #726396
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
ON MONDAY MARCH 27, 2000, THE CAR OVERHEATED INTO THE RED LINE. ON WEDNESDAY MARCH 29, 2000, I DROVE THE CAR TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED A BLOWN ENGINE HEAD GASKET. THE REPAIRS WERE NOT COMPLETED UNTIL 4/11/00; THE FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THEY WERE VERY BUSY WITH FORD 3.8…
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ON MONDAY MARCH 27, 2000, THE CAR OVERHEATED INTO THE RED LINE. ON WEDNESDAY MARCH 29, 2000, I DROVE THE CAR TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED A BLOWN ENGINE HEAD GASKET. THE REPAIRS WERE NOT COMPLETED UNTIL 4/11/00; THE FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THEY WERE VERY BUSY WITH FORD 3.8-LITER, V-6 ENGINE BLOWN HEAD GASKET REPAIRS. ON 5/8/00 I RETURNED THE CAR TO REPLACE AN OXYGEN SENSOR DAMAGED DUE TO THE HEAD GASKET FAILURE. BASED ON NEWSPAPER ARTICLES THAT FORD WAS REIMBURSING FOR HEAD GASKET REPAIRS ON THE 3.8-LITER, V-6 ENGINE, I WROTE FOUR LETTERS TO DATE (7/30/00) SENT BY CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED TO MR. A. R. O'NEILL, VEHICLE SERVICE AND PROGRAMS, FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION. SO FAR, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY WRITTEN RESPONSE FROM MR. O'NEILL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #726221
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
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