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1999 Ford Taurus

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Taurus years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Ford Taurus are substantially higher than the model-year median of 318.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

337 reports with mileage · 537 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 180 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 109 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

61 crash reports16 fire reports46 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

81 reports
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130,000 miles · Nov 3, 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure

MY AC UNIT BLEW OUT AND STOPPED WORKING THIS SUMMER, NOW THAT IT IS RAINY SEASON THERE IS A PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE FLOOR OF MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE CALL REF NUMBER: 03V087000. COMPLAINT NUMBER: 10184014. I AM NOT SURE WHAT THEY HAVE DONE BUT IT RAINS IN WASHINGTON STATE AND MY CAR IS GOING TO…

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MY AC UNIT BLEW OUT AND STOPPED WORKING THIS SUMMER, NOW THAT IT IS RAINY SEASON THERE IS A PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE FLOOR OF MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE CALL REF NUMBER: 03V087000. COMPLAINT NUMBER: 10184014. I AM NOT SURE WHAT THEY HAVE DONE BUT IT RAINS IN WASHINGTON STATE AND MY CAR IS GOING TO STINK. THE AC UNIT JUST UP AND STOPPED WORKING, AND THE PUDDLE OF WATER ONLY SHOWS UP WHEN IT IS RAINING. I AM UNCLEAR IF THIS PUDDLE GETS BIGGER WHY DRIVING BUT I WOULD ASSUME THAT AS LONG AS THERE IS RAIN FALLING ON THE VEHICLE, THAT IT IS GETTING INTO THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10924151

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THERE WERE NO WARNINGS ON THE INSTRUMENT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THERE WERE NO WARNINGS ON THE INSTRUMENT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

NHTSA ODI #10447396

143,000 miles · Sep 14, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE SPEEDOMETER WAS INOPERABLE AND THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE SPEEDOMETER WAS INOPERABLE AND THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 153,133. FORM RETURNED NO CHANGE ...UPDATED 04/30/12 *BF UPDATED 05/04/12

NHTSA ODI #10425478

63,000 miles · Jan 14, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

THIS TAURUS HAS NO ENGINE BRAKING AT ALL. SPEED CANNOT BE DECREASED BY RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. EXCESSIVE SPEED CAN ONLY BE AVOIDED BY "RIDING" THE BRAKES. THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL. FORD DEALER SAYS IT IS NORMAL AND "OK". JUST A CONSEQUENCE OF HAVING AN OVERDRIVE TRANSMISSION. GO FIGURE!!

NHTSA ODI #10377476

Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

1999 FORD 3L DUO CAM ENGINE. THEIR IS NO APPARENT ENGINE BRAKING FROM THIS ENGINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. LOCKING OUT OVERDRIVE WILL HELP BUT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO REV EXCESSIVELY. CRUISE CONTROL SPEED WILL EXCEED THE SPEED LIMIT BY A LOT WHILE GOING DOWN HILL, EVEN SLIGHTLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10350395

30,000 miles · Jun 7, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION BUILD-UP THAT HAD TO BE FLUSHED AND DRAINED. THE REPAIR WAS DONE AT THAT TIME. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE DEFROSTER BECAME DEFEC…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION BUILD-UP THAT HAD TO BE FLUSHED AND DRAINED. THE REPAIR WAS DONE AT THAT TIME. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE DEFROSTER BECAME DEFECTIVE AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT SHE WOULD BE CHARGED FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AS THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000.

NHTSA ODI #10335053

Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

I PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM SOME [XXX] AND I HAVEN'T HAD THE CAR FOR 30 DAYS AND THE VEHICLES IS UNSAFE HAS HAD ME ALMOST IN SOME ACCIDENT DUE TO THE UNSAFE OF THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE PLACE WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND THEY KEEP ON TELLING ME ITS MY FAULT THE CAR IS GIVING ME PROBLEMS. I ASKED THEM IF I CAN JUST GET MY MO…

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I PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM SOME [XXX] AND I HAVEN'T HAD THE CAR FOR 30 DAYS AND THE VEHICLES IS UNSAFE HAS HAD ME ALMOST IN SOME ACCIDENT DUE TO THE UNSAFE OF THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE PLACE WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND THEY KEEP ON TELLING ME ITS MY FAULT THE CAR IS GIVING ME PROBLEMS. I ASKED THEM IF I CAN JUST GET MY MONEY BACK AND WHEN I ADVISE THEM OF THAT THEY TALK IN THEIR LANGUAGE TO ME WHERE I DON'T UNDERSTAND. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN THAT ARE 10 AND 4 ; THE CAR IS NOT SAFE. THE INCIDENT THAT WENT WRONG WITH THE CAR IS IT OVER HEATED CUT OFF ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE I HAD THE CHILDREN IN THE CAR,ALSO AFTER I TOOK IT BACK TO THEM THEY FIXED IT RAN FINE THEN THE FOLLOWING WEEK AFTER THAT THE BELT THAT I HAD INITIALLY TOLD THEM ABOUT THE FIRST TIME CAME OFFTHE NEXT WEEK WHICH COULD SPARK A FUSE WHILE IM DRIVING AND CATCH ON FIRE SO THEY ADVISE ME TO HAVE IT TOWED WHICH THEY HAD ADVISE ME TO DO AND THEY TOOK ON THAT RESPONSIBILITY BUT THE CAR ENGINE LIGHT IS ON IT HAS BECAME A HARDSHIP WITH ME AND MY FAMILY AND IT NOW SOUNDS LIKE THE BRAKES IS GOING WRONG NOW I JUST WANT MY MONEY BACK SO I CAN PURCHASE ANOTHER RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10320400

62,000 miles · Jun 23, 2009
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

AUTOMATIC POWER-TRAIN. SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING ,CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT AND HEATER CORE NEEDS REPLACEMENT . WAS ADVISED BY MECHANIC THAT SHIFT SOLENOID NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10274710

129,000 miles · Aug 25, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF HEAD DURING ACCELERATION ON HIGHWAY ON RAMP. VAPORS CONTINUED COMING OUT OF SPARK PLUG HOLE WHICH COULD LEAD TO A POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10239630

117,400 miles · Jul 21, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineFire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE OXYGEN SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE LIGHT STILL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A MISFIRE ON THE #6 CYLINDER. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A LOT OF SMOKE WHEN THE V…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE OXYGEN SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE LIGHT STILL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A MISFIRE ON THE #6 CYLINDER. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A LOT OF SMOKE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS ANTIFREEZE ENTERING THE MOTOR. THE MECHANIC ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THERE WAS A POTENTIAL ISSUE WITH THE HEAD GASKET, WHICH WOULD COST BETWEEN $1,500-$2,500 TO REPAIR. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE IF THE CONTACT REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; THEREFORE, HE WOULD HAVE TO APPLY THE BRAKES INSTEAD. THE MECHANIC INFORMED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD COAST DUE TO THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM USING MORE GASOLINE THAN HE BELIEVED WAS NECESSARY. FOR ERRANDS AROUND TOWN, THE VEHICLE WOULD USE A HALF OF A TANK. THE HEADLIGHTS HAD A DINGY COLOR ON THE INSIDE. HE ATTEMPTED TO GET ANOTHER LENS CAP FOR IT, BUT COULD NOT CHANGE IT BECAUSE IT WAS PLASTIC. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER HEADLIGHT TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS CLOSE TO TEN YEARS OLD. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AND SLIP INTO ANOTHER GEAR. LASTLY, THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES DIMMING INTERMITTENTLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 118,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,400.

NHTSA ODI #10235153

Official recalls

5

04V332000 · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

Jul 15, 2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH SALT USED ON THE ROADWAYS DURING THE WINTER. A FRACTURED SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE TIRE MAY RUPTURE RESULTING IN A RAPID AIR LOSS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SPRING SHIELDS. IN ADDITION, FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS IN ALL OTHER STATES, FOR FRACTURE ONLY, UP TO 10 YEARS OF SERVICE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL JULY 31, 2005. IF EITHER FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER. AN INTERIM NOTICE WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON AUGUST 2, 2004. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE 2000-2001 MY VEHICLES AND OWNERS WERE SENT A LETTER ON JANUARY 10, 2005, ADVISING THEM TO BRING IN THEIR VEHICLES FOR REPAIR PARTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR THE 1999 MY VEHICLES BY THE END OF FEBRUARY 2005 AND OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL BE NOTIFIED THEN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

99V250000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Sep 20, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE A PIN SHAFT IN THE SWITCHABLE ELR/ALR MECHANISM THAT IS INCORRECTLY FORMED. IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SWITCHING MECHANISM COULD BECOME NONFUNCTIONAL, PREVENTING THE SEAT BELT WEBBING FROM BEING EXTRACTED FROM THE RETRACTOR. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT MALFUNCTION OF THE MECHANISM COULD PREVENT THE BELT FROM BEING SWITCHED INTO THE ALR MODE. THE ELR MECHANISM IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONS AND DOES NOT ALLOW THE WEBBING TO BE EXTRACTED, THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT COULD NOT BE WORN BY A VEHICLE OCCUPANT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE MECHANISM DOES NOT ALLOW THE ALR MODE TO BE ENGAGED, THE OPERATOR MAY BE UNABLE TO PROPERLY INSTALL A CHILD SEAT IN THAT SEATING POSITION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLIES. ASSEMBLIES WITH JULIAN DATE CODES OF 200 THROUGH 223 ARE SUSPECT AND WILL BE REPLACED.

98V288000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines

Nov 9, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUPPED WITH THE "CALIFORNIA" EMISSIONS PACKAGE. AN INCORRECT TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE WAS INSTALLED. THE LINE CONTACTS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM MODULE SUPPORT BRACKET AND OVER TIME, CAN WEAR AND DEVELOP A LEAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE APPROPRIATE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE.

98V204000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Sep 1, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DASH INSULATOR RETAINER CLIP WAS NOT FULLY ASSEMBLED TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE DASH FITTING. THE CLIP CAN DISENGAGE FROM THE ACCELERATOR CABLE AND FALL INTO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM PIVOT AREA.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE ENGINE MAY NOT FULLY RETURN TO IDLE. ALSO, THE INSULATOR MAY NOT STAY IN THE INTENDED LOCATION AND COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR CABLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES TO ENSURE PROPER INSTALLATION OF THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CLIP, AND RE-INSTALL IF NEEDED.

98V198000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Aug 25, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEAT TRACKS. THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHING STUD MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS HEAT TREATMENT MAY HAVE RESULTED IN CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE STUD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE STUD IS CRACKED, IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MOUNTING BRACKET AND STUD ASSEMBLY.

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

2

PE04044 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture

Opened May 24, 2004 · Closed Aug 16, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front; Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

ODI POSSESSES 130 VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQ) ALLEGING FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT (MODEL YEAR 1999-2000) VEHICLES.AN ADDITIONAL 11 VOQS CONCERNING MY 2001 VEHICLES HAVE BEEN FOUND, BRINGING THE TOTAL TO 141.MORE THAN 75% OF THESE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE BROKEN SPRING DAMAGED OR PUNCTURED THE ADJACENT TIRE.ALL OF THESE REPORTS ORIGINATED IN THE SALT BELT STATES LOCATED IN THE NORTHEAST QUADRANT OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.FORD WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-332) COVERING VEHICLES SOLDOR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO INSTALL SPRING SHIELDS IN MY 1999-2001 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES TO PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM DAMAGING THE NEARBY TIRE.FORD WILL ADDITIONALLY NOTIFY OWNERS OF ALL MY 1999-2001 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES THAT WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR SPRING FRACTURES HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OF AGE OR 150,000 MILES.ODI ANALYZED FORD?S WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA AND FOUND THAT 99% OF THE SPRING FRACTURES OCCURRED IN THE STATES COVERED BY THE RECALL.THE OTHER INCIDENTS OCCURRED IN THE STATES OF FLORIDA, NORTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, ALABAMA, AND GEORGIA.IN VIEW OF THE COVERAGE OF THE SPRING FAILURES BY THE RECALL CAMPAIGN, ODI IS CLOSING THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF THE COUNTRY.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension:front

ODI POSSESSES 130 VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQ) ALLEGING FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT (MODEL YEAR 1999-2000) VEHICLES.AN ADDITIONAL 11 VOQS CONCERNING MY 2001 VEHICLES HAVE BEEN FOUND, BRINGING THE TOTAL TO 141.MORE THAN 75% OF THESE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE BROKEN SPRING DAMAGED OR PUNCTURED THE ADJACENT TIRE.ALL OF THESE REPORTS ORIGINATED IN THE SALT BELT STATES LOCATED IN THE NORTHEAST QUADRANT OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.FORD WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-332) COVERING VEHICLES SOLDOR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO INSTALL SPRING SHIELDS IN MY 1999-2001 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES TO PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM DAMAGING THE NEARBY TIRE.FORD WILL ADDITIONALLY NOTIFY OWNERS OF ALL MY 1999-2001 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES THAT WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR SPRING FRACTURES HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OF AGE OR 150,000 MILES.ODI ANALYZED FORD?S WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA AND FOUND THAT 99% OF THE SPRING FRACTURES OCCURRED IN THE STATES COVERED BY THE RECALL.THE OTHER INCIDENTS OCCURRED IN THE STATES OF FLORIDA, NORTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, ALABAMA, AND GEORGIA.IN VIEW OF THE COVERAGE OF THE SPRING FAILURES BY THE RECALL CAMPAIGN, ODI IS CLOSING THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF THE COUNTRY.

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

ODI POSSESSES 130 VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQ) ALLEGING FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT (MODEL YEAR 1999-2000) VEHICLES.AN ADDITIONAL 11 VOQS CONCERNING MY 2001 VEHICLES HAVE BEEN FOUND, BRINGING THE TOTAL TO 141.MORE THAN 75% OF THESE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE BROKEN SPRING DAMAGED OR PUNCTURED THE ADJACENT TIRE.ALL OF THESE REPORTS ORIGINATED IN THE SALT BELT STATES LOCATED IN THE NORTHEAST QUADRANT OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.FORD WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-332) COVERING VEHICLES SOLDOR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO INSTALL SPRING SHIELDS IN MY 1999-2001 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES TO PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM DAMAGING THE NEARBY TIRE.FORD WILL ADDITIONALLY NOTIFY OWNERS OF ALL MY 1999-2001 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES THAT WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR SPRING FRACTURES HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OF AGE OR 150,000 MILES.ODI ANALYZED FORD?S WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA AND FOUND THAT 99% OF THE SPRING FRACTURES OCCURRED IN THE STATES COVERED BY THE RECALL.THE OTHER INCIDENTS OCCURRED IN THE STATES OF FLORIDA, NORTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, ALABAMA, AND GEORGIA.IN VIEW OF THE COVERAGE OF THE SPRING FAILURES BY THE RECALL CAMPAIGN, ODI IS CLOSING THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF THE COUNTRY.

PE02080 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture

Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Apr 29, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

A TOTAL OF 161 FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING FAILURES ARE KNOWN TO ODI AND FORD FROM ALL SOURCES, 59 OF THESE LEADING TO TIRE DAMAGE.THESE FAILURES ARE CONCENTRATED IN THE CORROSION STATES, WHERE 253,814 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD.WARRANTY AND CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA SHOW THAT THE SUBJECT FLEET EXPERIENCED A SPRING FRACTURE RATE OF 0.009% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.03% AT 60,000 MILES.THESE RATES ARE VERY LOW WHEN COMPARED TO PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF COIL SPRING FRACTURE:RECALLED '93 TAURUS (EA97-026): 0.1% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.34% AT 60,000 MILES; AND RECALLED '98 WINDSTAR (EA00-027): 0.11% AT 30,000 MILES AND 1.25% AT 60,000 MILES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ALSO EXPERIENCED FAILURE RATES SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER THAN THOSE OF COMPARABLE-AGED NON-RECALLED WINDSTARS SUBJECT TO EA00-027 (MY '95-'97).GIVEN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED IN THIS MATTER.THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension

A TOTAL OF 161 FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING FAILURES ARE KNOWN TO ODI AND FORD FROM ALL SOURCES, 59 OF THESE LEADING TO TIRE DAMAGE.THESE FAILURES ARE CONCENTRATED IN THE CORROSION STATES, WHERE 253,814 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD.WARRANTY AND CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA SHOW THAT THE SUBJECT FLEET EXPERIENCED A SPRING FRACTURE RATE OF 0.009% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.03% AT 60,000 MILES.THESE RATES ARE VERY LOW WHEN COMPARED TO PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF COIL SPRING FRACTURE:RECALLED '93 TAURUS (EA97-026): 0.1% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.34% AT 60,000 MILES; AND RECALLED '98 WINDSTAR (EA00-027): 0.11% AT 30,000 MILES AND 1.25% AT 60,000 MILES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ALSO EXPERIENCED FAILURE RATES SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER THAN THOSE OF COMPARABLE-AGED NON-RECALLED WINDSTARS SUBJECT TO EA00-027 (MY '95-'97).GIVEN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED IN THIS MATTER.THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

A TOTAL OF 161 FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING FAILURES ARE KNOWN TO ODI AND FORD FROM ALL SOURCES, 59 OF THESE LEADING TO TIRE DAMAGE.THESE FAILURES ARE CONCENTRATED IN THE CORROSION STATES, WHERE 253,814 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD.WARRANTY AND CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA SHOW THAT THE SUBJECT FLEET EXPERIENCED A SPRING FRACTURE RATE OF 0.009% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.03% AT 60,000 MILES.THESE RATES ARE VERY LOW WHEN COMPARED TO PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF COIL SPRING FRACTURE:RECALLED '93 TAURUS (EA97-026): 0.1% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.34% AT 60,000 MILES; AND RECALLED '98 WINDSTAR (EA00-027): 0.11% AT 30,000 MILES AND 1.25% AT 60,000 MILES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ALSO EXPERIENCED FAILURE RATES SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER THAN THOSE OF COMPARABLE-AGED NON-RECALLED WINDSTARS SUBJECT TO EA00-027 (MY '95-'97).GIVEN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED IN THIS MATTER.THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.