Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
STARTING ON 3/15, THE CAR WOULD TURN OFF WITH NO WARNING, BOTH AT IDLE AND AT SPEEDS OF UP TO 75 MPH. WE ARE LEFT TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. SOMETIMES IT WILL RECRANK, OTHER TIMES IT WON'T. LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS HAD THE CAR 5 TIMES (HAS IT NOW) AND CANNOT FIGURE IT OUT. HAVE REPLACED F…
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STARTING ON 3/15, THE CAR WOULD TURN OFF WITH NO WARNING, BOTH AT IDLE AND AT SPEEDS OF UP TO 75 MPH. WE ARE LEFT TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. SOMETIMES IT WILL RECRANK, OTHER TIMES IT WON'T. LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS HAD THE CAR 5 TIMES (HAS IT NOW) AND CANNOT FIGURE IT OUT. HAVE REPLACED FUEL PUMP, CRANK SENSOR, CAM SENSOR, WATER PUMP, IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND VARIOUS FILTERS. UNTIL RECENTLY, THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO WE KEPT THE CAR UNTIL IT WAS LITERALLY LURCHING AND KNOCKING, BARELY DRIVING MORE THAN A MILE AT A TIME, TURNING OFF EVERY 100 YARDS OR SO. THEY FINALLY SAW IT TURN ITSELF OFF. IT JUST GOES DEAD. AFTER SEVERAL TIMES, WE FOUND THAT THERE WAS A TELLTALE "SHUDDER" THAT OCCURED SOMETIME PRIOR TO IT SHUTTING OFF. NO REAL PATTERN THOUGH. CAN HAPPEN FIRST THING IN THE AM, WHEN COLD, OR ON HIGHWAY AT CRUISING SPEED, OR ON CITY STREETS IN STOP/GO. ALSO AT IDLE, OR COMING TO A STOP. CANNOT FIND A REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. I FOUND 44 OTHER INSTANCES MENTIONED HERE OF THIS...ALTHOUGH SOME PEOPLE CALL IT ENGINE, OTHERS FUEL, OTHERS EVEN HAVE SAID TRANSMISSION OR IGNITION/ELECTRICAL, WHILE ALL DESCRIBING THE SAME THING. WHEN WILL FORD GET THE IDEA THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM????*AK
NHTSA ODI #724114
Mileage unknown · May 25, 2000
Fuel System, GasolinePower Train
FUEL GUAGE STOPS WORKING WHEN THE FUEL IS NEAR 1/4 TANK LEVEL. YH
NHTSA ODI #552416
Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2000
Fuel System, Gasoline
WHILE TRAVELING IN HOT WEATHER OR LONG DISTANCE CONSUMER NOTICED GAS FUMES INSIDE VEHICLE. DEALER SAID THAT THE CARBON FILTER WAS FULL OF GASOLINE AND WAS NOT EXHAUSTING THE FUMES CORRECTLY. THE FILTER AND FUEL LINE WERE REPLACED AT OWNER'S COST BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI #860511
Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING FUEL ODOR / VAPOR COMING THROUGH A/C VENT INTERMITTENTLY WHEN A/C IS USED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #860471
Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 1999
Fuel System, Gasoline
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES WHILE COMING TO A STOP THERE IS A LOUD NOISE WITHIN THE GAS TANK, AND THE GAS IS SLASHING AROUND WHICH IS HITTING THE WALL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #849504
Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
THE VEHICLE WOULD QUIT RUNNING DUE TO MISSING PAR T IN ENGINE. THE MODULATOR HAD GONE BAD. THIS CUTS OFF FUEL TO FUEL PUMP. THE GAS TANK HAD SMOKE COMING OUT. TOOK TO DEALER & HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #847909
Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 1999
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
THE CONNECTOR TO FUEL PUMP WOULD GET VERY HOT & FALL OFF. WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET FUEL TO VEHICLE. HAD CONTACTED DEALER & WAS INFORMED THE WIRE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE GROUNDED. THIS WOULD ALLOW FUEL TO VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #846851
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 1999
Fuel System, Gasoline
CAR STALLED OUT (35MPH) NEAR END OF 200 MILE TRIP. WAS DIAGNOSED BY KING L-M AS A FUEL PUMP FAILURE, AND REPLACED AT A COST OF $507. NHTSA COMPLIANT DATA BASE INDICATES A LARGE NUMBER OF FUEL PUMP FAILURES, AND MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS (I.E., CONTINUED STALLING, LOSS OF POWER, ELECTRICAL SHORTING IN FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY, ETC.). I'M B…
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CAR STALLED OUT (35MPH) NEAR END OF 200 MILE TRIP. WAS DIAGNOSED BY KING L-M AS A FUEL PUMP FAILURE, AND REPLACED AT A COST OF $507. NHTSA COMPLIANT DATA BASE INDICATES A LARGE NUMBER OF FUEL PUMP FAILURES, AND MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS (I.E., CONTINUED STALLING, LOSS OF POWER, ELECTRICAL SHORTING IN FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY, ETC.). I'M BEGINNING TO WONDER WHETHER YOU PEOPLE EVER DO ANYTHING WITH THE DATA THAT CONSUMERS PROVIDE. DON'T YOU REALIZE THAT LOSS OF POWER (ENGINE SHUTDOWN) PRESENTS A MAJOR SAFETY RISK? ALSO, FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE EXISTENCE OF A DESIGN DEFECT IN THIS FUEL PUMP (SEE TSB'S # 96-7-5, 95-25-2, AND 94-16-3). THE MOST RECENT TSP SUGGESTS THAT THE OEM PUMP BE REPLACED WITH A FUEL PUMP OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN AFTER THE OEM PART FAILS. THE ISSUE DESCRIBED IN THE TSP INVOLVES "REDUCED POWER, HESITATION, STALLING, AND NO-START CONDITIONS... CAUSED BY A LACK OF VAPOR PORTS IN THE (OEM) FUEL PUMP. GIVING THE DATES OF THE TSP'S(WHICH APPLY TO 1989-1995 TAURUSES), IT IS OBVIOUS THAT FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS SAFETY DEFECT FOR A VERY LONG TIME. WHY HASN'T THIS ITEM BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA? WHY ARE THE REFERENCED TSP'S NOT AVAILABLE ON THE NHTSA DATA BASE? FORD HAS UNGRACIOUSLY OFFERED TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMPS AT THEIR EXPENSE ONLY WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS DURING THE BASIC VEHICLE WARRANTY PERIOD. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE, UNTENABLE POSITION-- AS THE ISSUE INVOLVES (1) KNOWN DESIGN DEFECTS (PER THE TSP'S); AND (2) MATTERS OF PUBLIC SAFETY. I HEREBY REQUEST THAT A FULL AND COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE COMPONENT IN QUESTION BE UNDERTAKEN BY NHTSA.
NHTSA ODI #710631
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 1999
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
CLOCK FAILED. MJS
NHTSA ODI #547177
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 1999
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE METHANOL GAS CAUSED THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK TO DETERIORATE AND DAMAGE THE GASKETS. ALSO THE GAS GAUAGE DID NOT REGISTER THE CORRECT LEVELS OF FUEL. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
4
RQ99017 · 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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