NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Visibility complaints
98 reportsClear category filter55,000 miles · Jan 14, 2009
Visibility
BLOWER MOTOR NOISE, AND LEAKING ON THE FIREWALL. THE LEAKING STARTED IN 2008, I HAD THE TROUGH ABOVE THE FIREWALL AND THE BLOWER MOTOR REPLACED, AND NOW THE BLOWER MOTOR MAKES A LOUD VIBRATING SOUND. MY CAR IS A 2002 FORD TAURUS SES AND IT ONLY HAD ABOUT 50,000 MILES ON IT WHEN IT STARTED LEAKING, AND NOW ONLY HAS 72,000 MILES …
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BLOWER MOTOR NOISE, AND LEAKING ON THE FIREWALL. THE LEAKING STARTED IN 2008, I HAD THE TROUGH ABOVE THE FIREWALL AND THE BLOWER MOTOR REPLACED, AND NOW THE BLOWER MOTOR MAKES A LOUD VIBRATING SOUND. MY CAR IS A 2002 FORD TAURUS SES AND IT ONLY HAD ABOUT 50,000 MILES ON IT WHEN IT STARTED LEAKING, AND NOW ONLY HAS 72,000 MILES ON IT, WITH THE BLOWER MOTOR MAKING THESE SOUNDS. I AM FILING A FORMAL COMPLAINT. EXISTING RECALL NUMBER 03V087000 AND A SECOND COMPLAINT NUMBER IS 10184014. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10254986
90,000 miles · Dec 17, 2008
Electrical SystemEquipmentSuspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER LEAKS INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, WHICH SHORTENS THE CIRCUIT IN THE FLOORBOARD. SECONDLY, SHE DISCOVERED THAT THE HEATING SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. SHE HAS NOT HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS IN TH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER LEAKS INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, WHICH SHORTENS THE CIRCUIT IN THE FLOORBOARD. SECONDLY, SHE DISCOVERED THAT THE HEATING SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. SHE HAS NOT HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V087000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD). FINALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE BALL JOINTS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE TO FAIL. THE SPRINGS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE HER WITH ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
NHTSA ODI #10252101
70,000 miles · Nov 18, 2008
Visibility
WITH THE COLD MICHIGAN WEATHER UPON US, MY HEATER BLOWER IS NEEDED TO PROVIDE REMOVAL OF FOGGY/FROSTY WINDOWS FOR MY CHILDREN'S SAFETY AND OTHERS. FORD HAS HAD COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AND DEALERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, I SPOKE TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID THIS VERY COMMON WITH THE FORD TAURUS AS WATER ENTERS THE PA…
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WITH THE COLD MICHIGAN WEATHER UPON US, MY HEATER BLOWER IS NEEDED TO PROVIDE REMOVAL OF FOGGY/FROSTY WINDOWS FOR MY CHILDREN'S SAFETY AND OTHERS. FORD HAS HAD COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AND DEALERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, I SPOKE TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID THIS VERY COMMON WITH THE FORD TAURUS AS WATER ENTERS THE PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD AND SHORTS OUT THE BLOWER MOTOR. THEY SAID THIS WOULD BE A $400.00 REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10249113
5,000 miles · Nov 11, 2008
Visibility
WHEN WE PURCHASED OUR VEHICLE IN 2003 WITH 5,000 MILES ON IT WE WOULD HAVE ISSUES OF THE CAR STALLING WHENEVER WE TURNED ON THE HEATER TO HIGH WHILE DRIVING. WE HAD THE CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES AND IT NEVER GOT RESOLVED. NOW WE HAVE FOUND MOLD UNDER OUR PASSENGER SIDE CARPET AND WATER LEAKS FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND HAS GOT INTO OUR…
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WHEN WE PURCHASED OUR VEHICLE IN 2003 WITH 5,000 MILES ON IT WE WOULD HAVE ISSUES OF THE CAR STALLING WHENEVER WE TURNED ON THE HEATER TO HIGH WHILE DRIVING. WE HAD THE CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES AND IT NEVER GOT RESOLVED. NOW WE HAVE FOUND MOLD UNDER OUR PASSENGER SIDE CARPET AND WATER LEAKS FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND HAS GOT INTO OUR HEATER BLOWER MOTOR. AFTER SOME RESEARCH WE HAVE FOUND FORD HAD RELEASE A T.S.B 04-15-3 ON HOW TO FIX THIS KNOWN LEAK ISSUE ON 2001-2004 FORDS. THERE ARE OTHER COMPLAINTS YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED OVER THIS ISSUE FROM OTHER PEOPLE. REFERENCE RECALL NUMBER 03V087000 AND ANOTHER PERSONS COMPLAINT #10184014. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10248477
91,000 miles · Oct 31, 2008
Visibility
THE HEAT/AC CONTROL ON MY 2002 FORD TAURUS SUDDENLY STARTED WORKING ONLY ON THE HIGHEST SETTING, AND THE AIR IS NEITHER HOT NOR COLD. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THE FLOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT ALSO BECOMES DAMP AFTER WASHING THE VEHICLE OR A HARD…
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THE HEAT/AC CONTROL ON MY 2002 FORD TAURUS SUDDENLY STARTED WORKING ONLY ON THE HIGHEST SETTING, AND THE AIR IS NEITHER HOT NOR COLD. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THE FLOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT ALSO BECOMES DAMP AFTER WASHING THE VEHICLE OR A HARD RAIN. I ALSO HAVE RUST INSIDE THE BLOWER MOTOR ITSELF, WHICH I AM SUSPECTING IS FROM THE WATER LEAK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10247403
128,000 miles · Oct 8, 2008
Visibility
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE REAR DEFROSTER, SHE NOTICED THAT NO AIR WOULD BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS WATER BUILD UP IN THE BLOWER OF THE DEFROSTER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE REAR DEFROSTER, SHE NOTICED THAT NO AIR WOULD BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS WATER BUILD UP IN THE BLOWER OF THE DEFROSTER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE WHENEVER THE DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
NHTSA ODI #10244873
Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2008
Visibility
1. DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN, WASHING THE CAR. 2. THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR FAILS, USUALLY WITHIN 2-3 WEEKS AFTER REPLACEMENT, CAUSING THE FAN TO WORK ONLY ON THE HIGHEST SPEED. BECAUSE THERE IS NO AIR CIRCULATION, WINDSHIELD FOGGING BECOMES A MAJOR PROBLEM ON COLD MORNINGS OR WHEN DRIVING IN RAINY CONDITIONS. TO OVERCOME THIS THE …
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1. DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN, WASHING THE CAR. 2. THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR FAILS, USUALLY WITHIN 2-3 WEEKS AFTER REPLACEMENT, CAUSING THE FAN TO WORK ONLY ON THE HIGHEST SPEED. BECAUSE THERE IS NO AIR CIRCULATION, WINDSHIELD FOGGING BECOMES A MAJOR PROBLEM ON COLD MORNINGS OR WHEN DRIVING IN RAINY CONDITIONS. TO OVERCOME THIS THE FAN HAS TO RUN ON THE HIGHEST SPEED, BUT THEN THE NOISE INCREASES WHICH MAKES THE RIDE UNCOMFORTABLE IN THE LONG RUN. ALSO THE FAST, CONSTANT BLOWING OF AIR IS DISTRACTING AND UNPLEASANT. 3. THE RESISTOR WAS REPLACED TWICE; THIS TIME WILL ALSO REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR. THE OLD PARTS ARE UNAVAILABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10243533
47,000 miles · Sep 24, 2008
Visibility
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A WATER LEAK UNDER THE WINDSHIELD THAT LEAKED ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR AND CREATED A PUDDLE. HE DISCOVERED A RECALL PERTAINING TO THE BLOWER CASE/BLOW MOTOR, BUT NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A WATER LEAK UNDER THE WINDSHIELD THAT LEAKED ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR AND CREATED A PUDDLE. HE DISCOVERED A RECALL PERTAINING TO THE BLOWER CASE/BLOW MOTOR, BUT NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 47,000.
NHTSA ODI #10243318
93,376 miles · Sep 15, 2008
Visibility
2992 FORD TAURUS SES HEATER BLOWER SWITCH AND SEAL REQUIRED REPLACEMENT FORD DEALER HAD TSB ON SUBJECT AND NEW PARTS NUMBERS TO REPLACE PARTS UPGRADED PARTS. COST $600.00 FORD KNOWS THEY HAVE PROBLEM AND REDESIGNED THE PARTS, BUT WILL NOT STAND UP AND COVER COST. I HAVE OWNED A HONDA AND TOYOTA AND BOTH WOULD HAVE HELPED WITH SI…
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2992 FORD TAURUS SES HEATER BLOWER SWITCH AND SEAL REQUIRED REPLACEMENT FORD DEALER HAD TSB ON SUBJECT AND NEW PARTS NUMBERS TO REPLACE PARTS UPGRADED PARTS. COST $600.00 FORD KNOWS THEY HAVE PROBLEM AND REDESIGNED THE PARTS, BUT WILL NOT STAND UP AND COVER COST. I HAVE OWNED A HONDA AND TOYOTA AND BOTH WOULD HAVE HELPED WITH SIMILAR PROBLEM. IT IS NO WONDER WHY THEY HAVE BECOME THE TOP SELLERS IN USA. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT EVER. THEY NEED TO STAND UP AND BECOME A AUTO MANUFACTURER, NOT WEISEL WORD AROUND THE PROBLEM. IF THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS ME THEN I FIX IF THEY CAUSE THEN THEY SHOULD FIX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242312
93,000 miles · Sep 13, 2008
Visibility
HEATER QUIT BLOWING AIR. WENT TO REPLACE BLOWER MOTOR HAD WATER IN IT. LOOKS LIKE IT HAS BEEN LEAKING FOR LONG TIME. I THOUGHT WATER ON FLOOR WAS WINDOW BEING LEFT OPEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242043
NHTSA investigations
4PE12033 · Speed Control Cable Damage
Opened Oct 24, 2012 · Closed Jun 26, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control; Vehicle Speed Control:cables; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
On June 21, 2013, Ford initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 13B04 to address a concern with Speed Control Cable damage in certain model year (MY) 2000 through 2003 Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with 3.0L 4V Duratec engines and built at the Chicago assembly plant.In the dealer letter for the program, Ford indicates that the Speed Control Cables on affected vehicles may be susceptible to damage or becoming partially disconnected during under hood vehicle maintenance (e.g., replacing a battery or changing the air filter) and that a damaged Speed Control Cable could interfere with the throttle's full return to idle when the accelerator pedal is released.Ford's program instructs dealers to inspect the Speed Control Cables and replace any with any portion of either collar retention tab missing.Dealers will install a Collar Reinforcement Clip at the Speed Control Cable collar in all vehicles. Figure 1 shows the location of the Speed Control Cable in the engine compartment and the proximity of the battery and air filter.The failure mode of the cable assembly is associated with the plastic collar used to secure the cable to a bracket near the throttle body (Figure 2).Damage to one or both retention tabs used to secure the cable ferrule within the collar may allow the ferrule to become disconnected from the collar when the throttle is opened during accelerator pedal application.Additional examples of Speed Control Cables with damaged collar retention tabs and partial ferrule displacement are shown in Figures 3 through 5.If the displacement pulls the ferrule completely out of the collar, the ferrule end may contact the face of the collar when the accelerator pedal is released and the throttle is returning to idle (Figure 6).This results in a throttle stuck at approximately 26-29% open.Testing conducted at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center found that brake booster vacuum may become depleted, resulting in reduced brake effectiveness, if the brake is applied repeatedly when the throttle is stuck at this position.Drivers who experienced this condition have reported being surprised that the engine speed did not drop as expected and in some cases misjudged the degree of braking required to slow the vehicle.Some drivers reported difficulty in braking the vehicle and responded by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off.One minor crash occurred when the vehicle contacted a roadside fence post after the driver responded to the stuck throttle by shifting the car to neutral, turning the engine off and coasting to the side of a roadway with no shoulder, resulting in approximately $400 damage to the vehicle.There were four crashes reported which were attributed to increased stopping distance caused by the increased engine power and/or reduced brake effectiveness, including two of the complaints to ODI.In one crash reported to ODI (VOQ 10516101), the subject vehicle allegedly hit the back end of a truck at approximately 40 mph causing about $2000 damage.In the other crash complaint to ODI (VOQ 10501834), the subject vehicle side-swiped a vehicle as the driver was unable to stop in time and attempted to maneuver around a line of vehicles stopped at a traffic light.When the tow truck driver subsequently started the incident vehicle, the engine was still racing and it was verified that the Speed Control Cable ferrule was stuck on the collar.After further investigation, ODI does not consider the crashes reported in VOQs 10456249 and 10159399 to be related to the Speed Control Cable problem.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Vehicle Speed Control:cables
On June 21, 2013, Ford initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 13B04 to address a concern with Speed Control Cable damage in certain model year (MY) 2000 through 2003 Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with 3.0L 4V Duratec engines and built at the Chicago assembly plant.In the dealer letter for the program, Ford indicates that the Speed Control Cables on affected vehicles may be susceptible to damage or becoming partially disconnected during under hood vehicle maintenance (e.g., replacing a battery or changing the air filter) and that a damaged Speed Control Cable could interfere with the throttle's full return to idle when the accelerator pedal is released.Ford's program instructs dealers to inspect the Speed Control Cables and replace any with any portion of either collar retention tab missing.Dealers will install a Collar Reinforcement Clip at the Speed Control Cable collar in all vehicles. Figure 1 shows the location of the Speed Control Cable in the engine compartment and the proximity of the battery and air filter.The failure mode of the cable assembly is associated with the plastic collar used to secure the cable to a bracket near the throttle body (Figure 2).Damage to one or both retention tabs used to secure the cable ferrule within the collar may allow the ferrule to become disconnected from the collar when the throttle is opened during accelerator pedal application.Additional examples of Speed Control Cables with damaged collar retention tabs and partial ferrule displacement are shown in Figures 3 through 5.If the displacement pulls the ferrule completely out of the collar, the ferrule end may contact the face of the collar when the accelerator pedal is released and the throttle is returning to idle (Figure 6).This results in a throttle stuck at approximately 26-29% open.Testing conducted at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center found that brake booster vacuum may become depleted, resulting in reduced brake effectiveness, if the brake is applied repeatedly when the throttle is stuck at this position.Drivers who experienced this condition have reported being surprised that the engine speed did not drop as expected and in some cases misjudged the degree of braking required to slow the vehicle.Some drivers reported difficulty in braking the vehicle and responded by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off.One minor crash occurred when the vehicle contacted a roadside fence post after the driver responded to the stuck throttle by shifting the car to neutral, turning the engine off and coasting to the side of a roadway with no shoulder, resulting in approximately $400 damage to the vehicle.There were four crashes reported which were attributed to increased stopping distance caused by the increased engine power and/or reduced brake effectiveness, including two of the complaints to ODI.In one crash reported to ODI (VOQ 10516101), the subject vehicle allegedly hit the back end of a truck at approximately 40 mph causing about $2000 damage.In the other crash complaint to ODI (VOQ 10501834), the subject vehicle side-swiped a vehicle as the driver was unable to stop in time and attempted to maneuver around a line of vehicles stopped at a traffic light.When the tow truck driver subsequently started the incident vehicle, the engine was still racing and it was verified that the Speed Control Cable ferrule was stuck on the collar.After further investigation, ODI does not consider the crashes reported in VOQs 10456249 and 10159399 to be related to the Speed Control Cable problem.
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
On June 21, 2013, Ford initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 13B04 to address a concern with Speed Control Cable damage in certain model year (MY) 2000 through 2003 Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with 3.0L 4V Duratec engines and built at the Chicago assembly plant.In the dealer letter for the program, Ford indicates that the Speed Control Cables on affected vehicles may be susceptible to damage or becoming partially disconnected during under hood vehicle maintenance (e.g., replacing a battery or changing the air filter) and that a damaged Speed Control Cable could interfere with the throttle's full return to idle when the accelerator pedal is released.Ford's program instructs dealers to inspect the Speed Control Cables and replace any with any portion of either collar retention tab missing.Dealers will install a Collar Reinforcement Clip at the Speed Control Cable collar in all vehicles. Figure 1 shows the location of the Speed Control Cable in the engine compartment and the proximity of the battery and air filter.The failure mode of the cable assembly is associated with the plastic collar used to secure the cable to a bracket near the throttle body (Figure 2).Damage to one or both retention tabs used to secure the cable ferrule within the collar may allow the ferrule to become disconnected from the collar when the throttle is opened during accelerator pedal application.Additional examples of Speed Control Cables with damaged collar retention tabs and partial ferrule displacement are shown in Figures 3 through 5.If the displacement pulls the ferrule completely out of the collar, the ferrule end may contact the face of the collar when the accelerator pedal is released and the throttle is returning to idle (Figure 6).This results in a throttle stuck at approximately 26-29% open.Testing conducted at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center found that brake booster vacuum may become depleted, resulting in reduced brake effectiveness, if the brake is applied repeatedly when the throttle is stuck at this position.Drivers who experienced this condition have reported being surprised that the engine speed did not drop as expected and in some cases misjudged the degree of braking required to slow the vehicle.Some drivers reported difficulty in braking the vehicle and responded by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off.One minor crash occurred when the vehicle contacted a roadside fence post after the driver responded to the stuck throttle by shifting the car to neutral, turning the engine off and coasting to the side of a roadway with no shoulder, resulting in approximately $400 damage to the vehicle.There were four crashes reported which were attributed to increased stopping distance caused by the increased engine power and/or reduced brake effectiveness, including two of the complaints to ODI.In one crash reported to ODI (VOQ 10516101), the subject vehicle allegedly hit the back end of a truck at approximately 40 mph causing about $2000 damage.In the other crash complaint to ODI (VOQ 10501834), the subject vehicle side-swiped a vehicle as the driver was unable to stop in time and attempted to maneuver around a line of vehicles stopped at a traffic light.When the tow truck driver subsequently started the incident vehicle, the engine was still racing and it was verified that the Speed Control Cable ferrule was stuck on the collar.After further investigation, ODI does not consider the crashes reported in VOQs 10456249 and 10159399 to be related to the Speed Control Cable problem.
Vehicle Speed Control
On June 21, 2013, Ford initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 13B04 to address a concern with Speed Control Cable damage in certain model year (MY) 2000 through 2003 Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with 3.0L 4V Duratec engines and built at the Chicago assembly plant.In the dealer letter for the program, Ford indicates that the Speed Control Cables on affected vehicles may be susceptible to damage or becoming partially disconnected during under hood vehicle maintenance (e.g., replacing a battery or changing the air filter) and that a damaged Speed Control Cable could interfere with the throttle's full return to idle when the accelerator pedal is released.Ford's program instructs dealers to inspect the Speed Control Cables and replace any with any portion of either collar retention tab missing.Dealers will install a Collar Reinforcement Clip at the Speed Control Cable collar in all vehicles. Figure 1 shows the location of the Speed Control Cable in the engine compartment and the proximity of the battery and air filter.The failure mode of the cable assembly is associated with the plastic collar used to secure the cable to a bracket near the throttle body (Figure 2).Damage to one or both retention tabs used to secure the cable ferrule within the collar may allow the ferrule to become disconnected from the collar when the throttle is opened during accelerator pedal application.Additional examples of Speed Control Cables with damaged collar retention tabs and partial ferrule displacement are shown in Figures 3 through 5.If the displacement pulls the ferrule completely out of the collar, the ferrule end may contact the face of the collar when the accelerator pedal is released and the throttle is returning to idle (Figure 6).This results in a throttle stuck at approximately 26-29% open.Testing conducted at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center found that brake booster vacuum may become depleted, resulting in reduced brake effectiveness, if the brake is applied repeatedly when the throttle is stuck at this position.Drivers who experienced this condition have reported being surprised that the engine speed did not drop as expected and in some cases misjudged the degree of braking required to slow the vehicle.Some drivers reported difficulty in braking the vehicle and responded by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off.One minor crash occurred when the vehicle contacted a roadside fence post after the driver responded to the stuck throttle by shifting the car to neutral, turning the engine off and coasting to the side of a roadway with no shoulder, resulting in approximately $400 damage to the vehicle.There were four crashes reported which were attributed to increased stopping distance caused by the increased engine power and/or reduced brake effectiveness, including two of the complaints to ODI.In one crash reported to ODI (VOQ 10516101), the subject vehicle allegedly hit the back end of a truck at approximately 40 mph causing about $2000 damage.In the other crash complaint to ODI (VOQ 10501834), the subject vehicle side-swiped a vehicle as the driver was unable to stop in time and attempted to maneuver around a line of vehicles stopped at a traffic light.When the tow truck driver subsequently started the incident vehicle, the engine was still racing and it was verified that the Speed Control Cable ferrule was stuck on the collar.After further investigation, ODI does not consider the crashes reported in VOQs 10456249 and 10159399 to be related to the Speed Control Cable problem.
EA08018 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
Opened Aug 28, 2008 · Closed Jun 30, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
To date, ODI is aware of 2,401 non-duplicative complaints related to the alleged defect. In addition, ODI is aware of 1,411 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to the alleged defect. In total, ODI is aware of 3,645 unique subject vehicles that have experienced one or more front suspension coil spring fractures. ODI is also aware of four minor crashes related to the alleged defect resulting in one minor injury.With greater than eight years of exposure, a large subject vehicle population and approximately 2,052 reported front tire punctures caused by fractured coil springs (at all speeds), there have been no reported severe crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect. The real world consequences of these defective coil springs have been a small number of minor control problems that resulted in minor damage; suggesting that the effect of the defect on vehicle control is minor.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency will continue to monitor this issue and will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See the EA08-018 Engineering Analysis Closing Report for more details.
RP03001 · Brake/accelerator Pedal Application
Opened Oct 31, 2003 · Closed Mar 23, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
MS. RODMAN REPORTED THAT AFTER HER VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR THE RECALL, HER MOTHER EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND CRASHED THE SABLE INTO A LIGHT POLE.PREVIOUSLY NHTSA HAD CONDUCTED AN INVESTIGATION FOR THIS ISSUE (PE02-035) THAT RESULTED IN THE RECALL (02V-266) OF 369,000 MY 2000-2002 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO INSURE THAT THE SEPARATION BETWEEN THE PEDALS WAS AT LEAST 50MM..A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATABASE FOR COMPLAINTS REGARDING RECALL 02V-266 DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY RECALL REMEDY COMPLAINTS OTHER THAN THE PETITIONER'S.MS. RODMAN?S VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY ODI USING FORD?S SPECIAL TOOL AND HER VEHICLE WAS FOUND TO EXCEED 50MM.ALSO, THE LATERAL MOVEMENT OF THE PEDALS WAS FOUND NOT TO BE EXCESSIVE RELATIVE TO OTHER COMPARABLE TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES.THEREFORE, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER REQUIRING FORD TO PROVIDE A DIFFERENT REMEDY FOR THIS DEFECT.IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA?S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY?S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS ANALYSIS, PLEASE REFER TO THE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE DATED MARCH 23, 2004 (VOL 69, NO 56, PAGES 13619-13620).
RQ03008 · Brake Light Switch Failure
Opened Oct 23, 2003 · Closed Mar 5, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch
FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-078, AND FAILURES IN MY 2000 VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME INCLUDES ALL CRASHES AND INJURIES, BUT THE COMPLAINT INFORMATION IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-02 VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF RECALL 01V-078.)ON MARCH 1, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2003 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND MY 2000 SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIXED PEDALS (RECALL 04V-106).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED THREE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURES:(1) CONTINUING GREASE CONTAMINATION ISSUES THAT PROMPTED 01V-078; (2) MISALIGNMENT OF THE BOOSTER ROD PIN AND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH; AND (3) WIRE ASSEMBLY FATIGUE.THE FIRST TWO CONDITIONS WERE LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND THE LATTER CONDITION AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING REPLACED WITH A RE-DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING ASSEMBLY.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-078, AND FAILURES IN MY 2000 VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME INCLUDES ALL CRASHES AND INJURIES, BUT THE COMPLAINT INFORMATION IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-02 VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF RECALL 01V-078.)ON MARCH 1, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2003 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND MY 2000 SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIXED PEDALS (RECALL 04V-106).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED THREE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURES:(1) CONTINUING GREASE CONTAMINATION ISSUES THAT PROMPTED 01V-078; (2) MISALIGNMENT OF THE BOOSTER ROD PIN AND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH; AND (3) WIRE ASSEMBLY FATIGUE.THE FIRST TWO CONDITIONS WERE LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND THE LATTER CONDITION AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING REPLACED WITH A RE-DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING ASSEMBLY.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-078, AND FAILURES IN MY 2000 VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME INCLUDES ALL CRASHES AND INJURIES, BUT THE COMPLAINT INFORMATION IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-02 VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF RECALL 01V-078.)ON MARCH 1, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2003 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND MY 2000 SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIXED PEDALS (RECALL 04V-106).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED THREE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURES:(1) CONTINUING GREASE CONTAMINATION ISSUES THAT PROMPTED 01V-078; (2) MISALIGNMENT OF THE BOOSTER ROD PIN AND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH; AND (3) WIRE ASSEMBLY FATIGUE.THE FIRST TWO CONDITIONS WERE LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND THE LATTER CONDITION AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING REPLACED WITH A RE-DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING ASSEMBLY.
Exterior Lighting
FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-078, AND FAILURES IN MY 2000 VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME INCLUDES ALL CRASHES AND INJURIES, BUT THE COMPLAINT INFORMATION IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-02 VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF RECALL 01V-078.)ON MARCH 1, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2003 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND MY 2000 SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIXED PEDALS (RECALL 04V-106).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED THREE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURES:(1) CONTINUING GREASE CONTAMINATION ISSUES THAT PROMPTED 01V-078; (2) MISALIGNMENT OF THE BOOSTER ROD PIN AND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH; AND (3) WIRE ASSEMBLY FATIGUE.THE FIRST TWO CONDITIONS WERE LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND THE LATTER CONDITION AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING REPLACED WITH A RE-DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING ASSEMBLY.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-078, AND FAILURES IN MY 2000 VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME INCLUDES ALL CRASHES AND INJURIES, BUT THE COMPLAINT INFORMATION IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-02 VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF RECALL 01V-078.)ON MARCH 1, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2003 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND MY 2000 SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIXED PEDALS (RECALL 04V-106).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED THREE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURES:(1) CONTINUING GREASE CONTAMINATION ISSUES THAT PROMPTED 01V-078; (2) MISALIGNMENT OF THE BOOSTER ROD PIN AND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH; AND (3) WIRE ASSEMBLY FATIGUE.THE FIRST TWO CONDITIONS WERE LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND THE LATTER CONDITION AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING REPLACED WITH A RE-DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING ASSEMBLY.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch
FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-078, AND FAILURES IN MY 2000 VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME INCLUDES ALL CRASHES AND INJURIES, BUT THE COMPLAINT INFORMATION IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-02 VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF RECALL 01V-078.)ON MARCH 1, 2004, FORD NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2003 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND MY 2000 SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIXED PEDALS (RECALL 04V-106).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED THREE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURES:(1) CONTINUING GREASE CONTAMINATION ISSUES THAT PROMPTED 01V-078; (2) MISALIGNMENT OF THE BOOSTER ROD PIN AND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH; AND (3) WIRE ASSEMBLY FATIGUE.THE FIRST TWO CONDITIONS WERE LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND THE LATTER CONDITION AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING REPLACED WITH A RE-DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING ASSEMBLY.
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