NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
352 reportsClear category filter120,000 miles · Aug 25, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE HOOD. A PASSING MOTORIST NOTICED FIRE UNDER CONSUMER'S VEHICLE AND WARNED THEM. SECONDS AFTER CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND EXISTED THE VEHICLE, IT EXPLODED. CONSUMER FELT FIRE WAS RELATED TO THE ENGINE COOLING FAN AS STATED IN RECALL 01 I 011 000, BUT CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED …
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WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE HOOD. A PASSING MOTORIST NOTICED FIRE UNDER CONSUMER'S VEHICLE AND WARNED THEM. SECONDS AFTER CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND EXISTED THE VEHICLE, IT EXPLODED. CONSUMER FELT FIRE WAS RELATED TO THE ENGINE COOLING FAN AS STATED IN RECALL 01 I 011 000, BUT CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION. THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMED THE RECALL LETTER WAS MAILED OUT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10034472
Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE COOLING FAN SEIZED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. HAD RECALL 01V390000 FOR THE COOLING FAN REMEDIED IN 05/03. DEALER ADVISED THAT FAN WAS OPERATING PROPERLY AT THAT TIME, SO DID NOT REPLACE IT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10030129
Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
COMPLAINT ABOUT THE WARRANTY EXTENSION PROVIDED BY FORD FOR THE HEAD GASKET DEFECT.*MR CONSUMER FELT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OF 7 YEARS/100,000 MILE WAS FINE FOR LONG DISTANCE COMMUTERS, BUT UNFAIR FOR RETIRED INDIVIDUALS WHO ONLY DRIVE 7,000 MILES A YEAR. *PH *JB
NHTSA ODI #10029611
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment
NAR-PER *AAJ ON 07/02/2003. *SCC THE HOSE SPLIT ON THE AIR CONDITIONER AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD REQUIRING THE CONSUMER NOT TO HAVE ANY AIR OR HEAT. REPAIRS CAUSED APPROX $1486.33. THE CONSUMER THEN RECEIVED A RECALL, SO SHE TOOK THE RECALL NOTICE AND THE RECEIPTS OF MONEY SPENT TO FIX THE RECALL PROBLEM TO TH…
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NAR-PER *AAJ ON 07/02/2003. *SCC THE HOSE SPLIT ON THE AIR CONDITIONER AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD REQUIRING THE CONSUMER NOT TO HAVE ANY AIR OR HEAT. REPAIRS CAUSED APPROX $1486.33. THE CONSUMER THEN RECEIVED A RECALL, SO SHE TOOK THE RECALL NOTICE AND THE RECEIPTS OF MONEY SPENT TO FIX THE RECALL PROBLEM TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY TOLD HER THE WARRANTY DID NOT COVER IT. THE CONSUMER IS VERY DISSATISFIED AND NEED ASSISTANCE IN CHOOSING A GOOD WARRANTY. *CB *JB
NHTSA ODI #564663
Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE CONSUMER HAD THE RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED ON 12/01 (RECALL # 01V390000). APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING WHICH RESULTED IN THE HEAD GASKET BLOWING. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO THE ENGINE FAN WHICH SEIZED. ON 12/02 THE RADIATOR BOILED AND THE DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS A …
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THE CONSUMER HAD THE RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED ON 12/01 (RECALL # 01V390000). APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING WHICH RESULTED IN THE HEAD GASKET BLOWING. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO THE ENGINE FAN WHICH SEIZED. ON 12/02 THE RADIATOR BOILED AND THE DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS A DEFECTIVE FAN MODULE. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. *TS *CB *JB
NHTSA ODI #10001812
Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL STALL ,AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10022175
34,660 miles · Jun 3, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SYMPTOMS OF RECALL 98M01. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DID A COMPRESSION TEST AND STATED THAT ALL CYLINDERS WERE OK. A FEW YEARS AND MANY ENGINE PROBLEMS LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD FREQUENTLY HESITATE, MISFIRE AND OVERHEAT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HE…
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THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SYMPTOMS OF RECALL 98M01. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DID A COMPRESSION TEST AND STATED THAT ALL CYLINDERS WERE OK. A FEW YEARS AND MANY ENGINE PROBLEMS LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD FREQUENTLY HESITATE, MISFIRE AND OVERHEAT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR HEAD GASKET REPAIRS. (RECALL NUMBER 97V019000). *MR *SCC *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10021541
61,000 miles · May 14, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
HEAD GASKET FAILURE WITH APPROX. 61,000 MILES. FORD DID EXTEND THE HEAD GASKET WARRANTY TWICE; 6/98 - 5YR/60,000 MILES, AND AGAIN ON 3/00 - 7YR/100,000 MILES. FORD WOULD NOT OFFER ME ANY COMPENSATION, AS MY 7 YEARS ENDED 8/02. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10018684
Mileage unknown · May 12, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE OVER HEATED AND STALLED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10019683
Mileage unknown · May 4, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
NAR 05/21/2003 *MR THE CONSUMER HEAD GASKET BLOW OUT. *CB
NHTSA ODI #10020371
Official recalls
5Dec 21, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.8L ENGINES AND MUSTANG VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 5.0L ENGINES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BEARING TO SEIZE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD BE GENERATED WHICH COULD MELT THE FAN MOTOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. COMPONENTS INSIDE THE COOLING FAN MOTOR COULD IGNITE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A CIRCUIT BREAKER. IF THE COOLING FAN IS INOPERATIVE, THE FAN AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Dec 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.
Oct 11, 1994
THE RETAINER CLIP WHICH HOLDS THE MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM IS MISSING OR NOT COMPLETELY INSTALLED. THE PUSH ROD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE RETAINER CLIP.
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
4RQ99017 · Front Suspension Spring
Opened Aug 9, 1999 · Closed Feb 16, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
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.
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