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1999 Mercury Sable

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Mercury Sable do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 201.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

98 reports with mileage · 160 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 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

22 crash reports4 fire reports15 injury reports

Seat Belts complaints

20 reports
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58,000 miles · Feb 3, 2004
Seat Belts

SEAT BELT RETRACTORS ARE FAILING IN ORDER OF MOST FREQUENT USE (E.G. DRIVER, FRONT PASSENGER, REAR PASSENGERS). THE DRIVER'S BELT RETRACTOR FAILS TO PULL THE SEAT BELT BACK INTO THE COLUMNAR STORAGE AREA 100% OF THE TIME (FRONT PASSENGER BELT 50% AND REAR PASSENGERS ~10%). THIS PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE BELTS WILL NOT PRO…

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SEAT BELT RETRACTORS ARE FAILING IN ORDER OF MOST FREQUENT USE (E.G. DRIVER, FRONT PASSENGER, REAR PASSENGERS). THE DRIVER'S BELT RETRACTOR FAILS TO PULL THE SEAT BELT BACK INTO THE COLUMNAR STORAGE AREA 100% OF THE TIME (FRONT PASSENGER BELT 50% AND REAR PASSENGERS ~10%). THIS PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE BELTS WILL NOT PROVIDE THE LIFE SAVING TENSION REQUIRED DURING AN ACCIDENT. THE BELT HANGS LIMP OVER THE WEARER. SEAT BELTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN BY LAW. YET, AUTO MANUFACTURERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO WARRANTY THESE PARTS FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR. THE GREAT MAJORITY OF MANUFACTURERS ONLY WARRANT SEAT BELTS FOR 3 YEARS OR 36000 MILES. AS CONSUMERS, ARE WE TO BELIEVE THAT THIS MEANS MANUFACTURERS ONLY EXPECT THE SEAT BELTS TO FUNCTION DURING THIS TIME PERIOD. THIS IS ABSURD AND SHOULD BE CHANGED VIA LEGISLATION REQUIRING AUTO MAKERS TO WARRANTY LEGALLY REQUIRED SAFETY DEVICES FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR. IT WOULD FORCE MANUFACTURERS TO MAKE THESE PARTS TO LAST INSTEAD OF ENGINEERING THEM TO LAST UNTIL JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD IS OVER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10056392

58,500 miles · Jan 5, 2004
Seat Belts

I PURCHASED THE USED VEHICLE APRIL 03. EARLY AUGUST, I WENT OUT TO LUNCH WITH A FRIEND-WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO PUT ON THE VEHICLE SEAT BELT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IT WOULD NOT WORK. WE DROVE HIS CAR INSTEAD. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE. I DECIDED TO CHECK THE INTERNET AND LOCATED THIS PROBLEM AS A MANUFACTURER RECALL AND FIGURED …

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I PURCHASED THE USED VEHICLE APRIL 03. EARLY AUGUST, I WENT OUT TO LUNCH WITH A FRIEND-WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO PUT ON THE VEHICLE SEAT BELT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IT WOULD NOT WORK. WE DROVE HIS CAR INSTEAD. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE. I DECIDED TO CHECK THE INTERNET AND LOCATED THIS PROBLEM AS A MANUFACTURER RECALL AND FIGURED IT WOULD BE NO PROBLEM FOR THE DEALER TO TAKE CARE OF IT. THIS PROBLEM CONTINUED TO HAPPEN BUT BECAUSE OF MY WORK SCHEDULE I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF THE HOURS OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. FROM AUGUST TO DATE NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO RIDE IN THE FRONT SEAT. I WAS ON VACATION AND I CONTACTED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. I TOOK THE CAR IN ON 12/30/03 AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO PAY A $75 DIAGNOSTIC FEE AS NO INFORMATION CAME UP FOR THIS VEHICLE INDICATING A RECALL OR A WARRANTY. THE WARRANTY SITUATION WAS CORRECTED BUT I RECEIVED A MESSAGE FROM TONIA COOPER (SERVICE DEPARTMENT) AFTER I FAXED OVER THE RECALL INFORMATION FROM NHTSA THAT MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. I THOUGHT THIS WAS ABSURD; I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT IS NOTED ON ALL OF THE DOCUMENTATION OF THE RECALL BUT BECAUSE FORD NEGLECTED TO INCLUDE MY VIN NUMBER NO ONE WOULD HELP ME. WHAT'S WORSE IS THAT I CALLED FORDS' CUSTOMER RELATIONS ON 12/30/03 AND SPOKE WITH SYED WHO REFUSED TO GIVE ME A LAST NAME OR AN ID# AND HE TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO AND NO ONE OUTSIDE OF CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT I COULD CONTACT TO GET THIS MATTER RESOLVED. I FIND IT MOST IRRITATIONG THAT NO ONE COULD CONCEIVE THE NOTION THAT THIS VIN# (& PERHAPS OTHERS) WERE ERRONEOUSLY OMITTED FROM THE RECALL. I LOOKED AT THE 3 COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS & ONE HAS A VIN# VERY SIMILIAR TO MINE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER, I ONLY WISH THAT I COULD HAVE RESOLVED THIS MATTER WITH FORD DIRECTLY. PASSENGER SAFETY & MICHIGAN'S "CLICK IT OR TICKET IT" LAW HAS MAKES THIS AN EXTREMEMLY IMPORTANT ISSUE!*AK

NHTSA ODI #10052381

Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2003
Seat Belts

PROBLEMS WITH SAFETY BELT BECOMING UNDONE AFTER BEING SECURED. *MR WHEN THE SEAT BELT LATCH WAS PUSHED INTO THE SOCKET FIRMLY IT OCCASIONALLY POPPED OUT. IT HAD TO BE PUSHED INTO POSITION THEN JUGGLED IN ORDER FOR IT TO LATCH CORRECTLY. THE BELT WOULD ALSO TIGHTEN SO SNUGLY ON THE OCCUPANT THAT THEY COULD NOT LEAN FORWAR…

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PROBLEMS WITH SAFETY BELT BECOMING UNDONE AFTER BEING SECURED. *MR WHEN THE SEAT BELT LATCH WAS PUSHED INTO THE SOCKET FIRMLY IT OCCASIONALLY POPPED OUT. IT HAD TO BE PUSHED INTO POSITION THEN JUGGLED IN ORDER FOR IT TO LATCH CORRECTLY. THE BELT WOULD ALSO TIGHTEN SO SNUGLY ON THE OCCUPANT THAT THEY COULD NOT LEAN FORWARD TO ADJUST THE DASH CONTROLS OR SEE THROUGH THE MIRRORS. *SCC *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10038170

Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2003
Seat Belts

VEHICLE'S DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DEFECTIVE. *MR WHEN PUSHED INTO THE SOCKET TO SECURE THE DRIVER, IT WOULD POP OUT AND WOULD NOT REMAIN UNLESS FORCED. THE BELT WOULD ALSO TIGHTEN AND FIT SNUG TO THE POINT WHERE THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO LEAN FORWARD. (THE CONSUMER WOULD BE UNABLE TO SEE IF ANYONE WAS COMING) THE DEALER WOULD …

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VEHICLE'S DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DEFECTIVE. *MR WHEN PUSHED INTO THE SOCKET TO SECURE THE DRIVER, IT WOULD POP OUT AND WOULD NOT REMAIN UNLESS FORCED. THE BELT WOULD ALSO TIGHTEN AND FIT SNUG TO THE POINT WHERE THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO LEAN FORWARD. (THE CONSUMER WOULD BE UNABLE TO SEE IF ANYONE WAS COMING) THE DEALER WOULD NOT FIX THE VEHICLE. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10024091

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2002
Seat Belts

FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT DOES NOT RELEASE FROM RETRACTING MECHANISM, CAUSING SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERABLE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #8007384

Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2000
Seat BeltsInjury

DRIVER'S REAR SEAT BELT WAS RETRACING AND CHOKING A FIVE YEAR OLD CHILD. WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE BELT, FIREMAN HAD TO CUT THE BELT TO FREE THE CHILD. DEALER NOTIFIED AND WILL REPLACE BELT WITHOUT COST. *AK THE CONSUMER SAYS THAT THE SEAT BELT SHOULD BE DESIGNED WITH A RELEASE ON THE RETRACTORS TO AVOID THIS KIND OF HORIFYI…

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DRIVER'S REAR SEAT BELT WAS RETRACING AND CHOKING A FIVE YEAR OLD CHILD. WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE BELT, FIREMAN HAD TO CUT THE BELT TO FREE THE CHILD. DEALER NOTIFIED AND WILL REPLACE BELT WITHOUT COST. *AK THE CONSUMER SAYS THAT THE SEAT BELT SHOULD BE DESIGNED WITH A RELEASE ON THE RETRACTORS TO AVOID THIS KIND OF HORIFYING ACCIDENT. *YH

NHTSA ODI #869318

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2000
Seat Belts

THE DEALER TRIED 3 TIMES TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUT TWICE THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS ALSO BROKEN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #719623

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 1999
Seat BeltsInjury

THE REAR CENTER SHOULDER BELT HOOKS OVER A PIN ON THE BUCKLE. THERE IS NO POSITIVE LOCK OR UNLOCK MECHANISM. WE FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL ABOUT HOW TO CONNECT THE REAR CENTER SHOULDER BELT. THE SHOULDER BELT SUDDENLY DISCONNECTS WHEN THE PASSENGER HAPPENS TO MOVE A CERTAIN WAY. THE BELT RAPIDLY RETRACTS…

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THE REAR CENTER SHOULDER BELT HOOKS OVER A PIN ON THE BUCKLE. THERE IS NO POSITIVE LOCK OR UNLOCK MECHANISM. WE FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL ABOUT HOW TO CONNECT THE REAR CENTER SHOULDER BELT. THE SHOULDER BELT SUDDENLY DISCONNECTS WHEN THE PASSENGER HAPPENS TO MOVE A CERTAIN WAY. THE BELT RAPIDLY RETRACTS AND THE METAL BUCKLE HITS THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER IN THE FACE OR EYE. A POSITVE LOCK SHOULD BE INSTALLED SO THE REAR CENTER SHOULDER BELT WILL STAY LATCHED UNTIL IT IS INTENTIONALLY RELEASED. THIS CAR WAS RENTED FROM HERTZ COMPANY IN MAUI, HAWAII, SO I DO NOT KNOW DETAILS SUCH AS VIN NUMBER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #708240

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 1999
Seat Belts

DRIVER'S SIDE LAP AND SHOULDER BELTS LOCK UP WITHOUT APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES. DEALER SAYS IT'S NORMAL. *AK

NHTSA ODI #838833

Mileage unknown · May 5, 1999
Seat Belts

FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT RETRACTORS DO NOT RETRACT IN COLD WEATHER; TEMPERATURES OF MINUS FIVE DEGREES OR LESS. HAS TO BE BROUGHT INSIDE TO FUNCTION CORRECTLY. DEALER CAN'T FIX. *AK

NHTSA ODI #837466

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.