NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
364 reportsMileage unknown · Nov 29, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
WITH OUT NO WARNING I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED THAT MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS GOING UP. I WAS ON A BUSY 3 LANE HIGHWAY AT QUITTING TIME TRYING TO GET OFF A EXIT TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION. I CAME TO AN INTERSECTION AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF SMOKE EVERYWHERE, SMOKING UP THE WHOLE INTERSECTION TO WHE…
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WITH OUT NO WARNING I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED THAT MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS GOING UP. I WAS ON A BUSY 3 LANE HIGHWAY AT QUITTING TIME TRYING TO GET OFF A EXIT TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION. I CAME TO AN INTERSECTION AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF SMOKE EVERYWHERE, SMOKING UP THE WHOLE INTERSECTION TO WHERE NO MOTORIST COULD PROCEED. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS ANTI-FREEZE COMING OUT OF MY EXHAUST. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO MY MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. THE MECHANIC INFOMED ME THAT THIS YEAR OF CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINES AND THE HEAD GASKETS. I NOTICED THAT MY HEATER WAS NOT PUTTING OUT ANY HEAT AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMING ON. SO I DECIDED TO RESEARCH THIS MODEL AND SEE IF THERE WAS ANY WARRANTY OR RECALLS ON THIS TYPE OF THING AND TO MY SURPRISE THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ON GOING PROBLEM THAT FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT. I BOUGHT THIS CAR EXACTLY 1YR AGO THIS MONTH FROM A FORD DEALER AND I FEEL THAT THIS DEALER KNOWING THE PROBLEMS THAT THIS CAR HAS HAD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING ME A LEMON. I'M A SINGLE MOTHER WITH THIS BEING MY ONLY CAR AND I AM LOOKING AT $1000.00 TO $1500.00 TO EITHER REPLACE THE MOTOR OR FIX IT. NOW DOES FORD THINK THAT I'M GOING TO BUY ANOTHER MOTOR AND TAKE THE CHANCE ON THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENING AGAIN. I THINK THAT FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. IS IT GOING TO TAKE SOMEONE BEING SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE THEY WILL DO SOMETHING. THIS HEAD GASKET BLOWS WITH NO WARNING AND CAUSED TREMENDOUS SMOKE WHICH BLOCKS OTHER MOTORISTS VIEW. THIS IS A DEFECT DUE TO FORD AND FORD SHOULD BE MADE TO PAY FOR THERE DEFECT NOT ME. I COULD SEE IF THIS WAS A ISOLATED ISSUE BUT IT IS NOT AND I'M SURE THAT THERE ARE MANY MORE PEOPLE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO AND THEY HAVE NEVER BOTHERED TO REPORT IT. SOMEONE NEEDS TO STEP IN AND MAKE FORD RESPONSIBLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #755097
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
MOTOR HAS FAILED, AND DEALER CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #898689
Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE COMPLETELT SHUTSDOWN, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #897198
Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2001
Electrical System
ENGINE DIED WITHOUT WARNING, WAS ALMOST HIT BY ANOTHER CAR, VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO BE IN. I WAS NOT VERY HAPPY ABOUT IT. NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO DEALER.MERCURY DEALER DID REPAIRS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #752177
Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
ON A TRIP TO NC THE ENGINE TEMP ROSE AND STALLED MANY TIMES. LOCAL DEALERS CAN'T DUPLICATE OR VERIFY WITH DIAGNOSTIC TEST. REPLACED OXYGEN SENSORS AND MOTOR MOUNTS NEW FUELFILTER. FORD DEALER REFUSED ADDITIONAL WORK FOR IGNITION PROBLEM THAT HE CANNOT SEE ON THIS CAR.CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE STALLING COULD TAKE PLACE.
NHTSA ODI #751546
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
FAILURE OF ENGINE HEAD GASKET CAUSED FAILURE OF ENTIRE COOLING SYSTEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #751280
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2001
Electrical System
THE ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AND THE DEALER HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO STOP THE ENGINE, OTHER TIMES THE IGNITION DOES NOT START THE VEHICLE AND IT HAS TO BE JUMP STARTED, WHEN THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION THE SIGNAL BELL THAT INDICATES THAT THE KEY IS STILL IN THE IGNITION RINGS UNTIL THE CONSUMER GIGGLES THE IGNI…
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THE ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AND THE DEALER HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO STOP THE ENGINE, OTHER TIMES THE IGNITION DOES NOT START THE VEHICLE AND IT HAS TO BE JUMP STARTED, WHEN THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION THE SIGNAL BELL THAT INDICATES THAT THE KEY IS STILL IN THE IGNITION RINGS UNTIL THE CONSUMER GIGGLES THE IGNITION.
NHTSA ODI #562691
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2001
Tires
ALL FOUR ORIGINAL TIRES FAILED WITH INTERNAL BELT SEPARATIONS(GENERAL/AMERITECH ST P205/65R15, DOTA3UR438102).
NHTSA ODI #562690
Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2001
Electrical System
THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ON A LONG TRIP, THE DRIVER WOULD PULL OVER AND ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO COOL OFF AT WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART, THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED BUT THAT DID NOT HELP, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE TFI MODULE IS FAULTY LIKE THE VEHICLES IN CALIFORNIA. NLM
NHTSA ODI #562664
Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2001
Electrical System
INTERMITTENTLY IN HOT CLIMATES VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT AND DIE WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #894228
Official recalls
4Dec 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.
May 11, 1992
CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.
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
11EA96024 · 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.
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
EA93022 · Idle Air Spd Ctrl Vlv Malf
Opened Jul 30, 1993 · Closed Aug 31, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
PE93065 · Underbody Fuel Line Fails
Opened Jul 15, 1993 · Closed Nov 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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
PE93010 · Idle Air Spd Ctrl Vlv Malf
Opened Mar 2, 1993 · Closed Jul 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
EA92040 · SUB-FRM/UNIBODY Absor.fail
Opened Nov 30, 1992 · Closed Jun 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure
There is no summary currently available
Structure
There is no summary currently available
Illustration