NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
20 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · May 10, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, I PURCHASED THE CAR JUNE 2003, I HAVE KEPT UP WITH TYPICAL VEHICLE MAINTENANCE. MY LAST OIL CHANGE THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS LOW, CHECKED FOR LEAKS AND DID NOT FIND ANYTHING. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I PULLED OVER, TURNED THE CAR OF…
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MY CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, I PURCHASED THE CAR JUNE 2003, I HAVE KEPT UP WITH TYPICAL VEHICLE MAINTENANCE. MY LAST OIL CHANGE THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS LOW, CHECKED FOR LEAKS AND DID NOT FIND ANYTHING. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I PULLED OVER, TURNED THE CAR OFF. I LET THE CAR REST FOR 10 MINUTES TRIED TO START AGAIN AND THE ENGINE WOULD RUN BUT CHUGGED AND VIBRATED. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE FAMILY MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT THE CAMSHAFT BROKE. MY SABLE HAS 72,000 MILES, I PURCHASED THE CAR WITH 21,000 MILES FROM COLUMBIA FORD IN COLUMBIA CT. MY MECHANIC SAID THE ENGINE WAS BUILT POORLY BECAUSE THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED, IT IS VERY RARE. SO HERE I AM, THREE YEARS INTO MY LOAN AND THREE YEARS TO GO--$8000 LEFT TO PAY AND IT IS GOING TO COST $3000+ TO PUT IN A NEW ENGINE. ANYONE WANT A CAR FOR $8000 WITHOUT AN ENGINE? I WOULD NEVER BY A FORD OR A MERCURY AGAIN!! *JB
NHTSA ODI #10157182
Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
2002 SABLE SL -PURCHASED MAY 2005 - W/14,000 MILES- NOV. DROVE ON FREEWAY- EXITED TO RESTAURANT- WITH IN 4 MINUTES OF EXITING CAR FRONT END WAS ENGULFED W/FLAMES REACHING INTO DASH- FIRE DEPT. ON SEEN- WHEN CAR WAS PLACED ON TOW 5 MINUTES LATER CAR STARTED FIRE AGAIN- HAD TO GET FIRE DEPT. AGAIN- ENGINE COMPLETELY MELTED- TOW Y…
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2002 SABLE SL -PURCHASED MAY 2005 - W/14,000 MILES- NOV. DROVE ON FREEWAY- EXITED TO RESTAURANT- WITH IN 4 MINUTES OF EXITING CAR FRONT END WAS ENGULFED W/FLAMES REACHING INTO DASH- FIRE DEPT. ON SEEN- WHEN CAR WAS PLACED ON TOW 5 MINUTES LATER CAR STARTED FIRE AGAIN- HAD TO GET FIRE DEPT. AGAIN- ENGINE COMPLETELY MELTED- TOW YARD AND VARSITY DEALER REP. STATED A VERY SUSPICIOUS FIRE SEEING THERE IS ONLY 16,000-17,000 MILES. FORD WILL NOT INVESTIGATE AND REFUSES TO GIVE ME AN ANSWER TO WHY AND HOW I ALMOST DIED IN A SEVERE CAR FIRE - THERE IS NOT MUCH LEFT TO THE VEHICLE- IT IS SITTING AT STU EVANS FORD MERCURY, GARDEN CITY, MICHIGAN- YOUR HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I ONLY HAD LIMITED INSURANCE AND COULD NOT AFFORD FIRE AND THEFT FOR I JUST GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE TRYING TO FIND A JOB. 1 WEEK BEFORE THIS INCIDENT I RETAINED A JOB AND NOW HAVE NO VEHICLE. MY MOTHER PURCHASED IT FOR 12,000.00 FOR A GRAD. GIFT FOR ME SO I WOULDN'T HAVE A CAR PAYMENT TO WORRY ABOUT. NOW I HAVE NOTHING. THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, NO NOISES OR ANYTHING,. AN OIL CHANGE WAS DONE 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10145211
8,530 miles · Jul 8, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
DT: THE CONSUMER SAID THAT HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO GO GET A HAIR CUT, AND WHEN HE CAME OUT THE CAR WAS RUNNING ALTHOUGH HE HAD THE KEYS IN HIS HANDS. WHEN THE CONSUMER POPPED THE HOOD, THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, AND WHEN HE CLOSED THE HOOD IT STOPPED ALL OF A SUDDEN. THE CONSUMER HAD NO IDEA THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. THE…
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DT: THE CONSUMER SAID THAT HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO GO GET A HAIR CUT, AND WHEN HE CAME OUT THE CAR WAS RUNNING ALTHOUGH HE HAD THE KEYS IN HIS HANDS. WHEN THE CONSUMER POPPED THE HOOD, THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, AND WHEN HE CLOSED THE HOOD IT STOPPED ALL OF A SUDDEN. THE CONSUMER HAD NO IDEA THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. THE CONSUMER SAW ON CNN NEWS ABOUT FORD. THE CONSUMER HAD BECOME CONCERNED AND WANTED SOMEONE TO HELP HIM. THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THAT THE CAR WAS NOT ON RECALL. THE CALLER WAS VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE HE NEEDED THE CAR AND WANTED SOMEONE TO HELP HIM. *AK THE PROBLEM MAY BE DUE TO THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10125660
Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. ONCE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TURNED COMPLETELY OFF, THE VEHICLE WOULD START AGAIN AFTER A FEW MINUTES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. PLEASE PROVIDE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10113569
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. *NM VEHICLE GAVE NO WARNING BEFORE IT DIED. SERVICE DEPT CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *TC
NHTSA ODI #10101097
7,500 miles · Aug 14, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
AFTER 18 MONTHS OF PROPER OPERATION, THE AUTOMATIC HEATER/AC TEMPERATURE CONTROL STARTED TO MALFUNCTION ON MY VEHICLE. WHEN STARTED FROM A COLD START, THE INTERIOR TEMPERATURE IS MAINTAINED AT A COMFORTABLE 77 TO 78 DEGREES. AS TIME PASSES, IT IS NECESSARY TO KEEP INCREASING THE TEMPERATURE UNTIL AFTER AN HOUR HAS PASSED, THE …
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AFTER 18 MONTHS OF PROPER OPERATION, THE AUTOMATIC HEATER/AC TEMPERATURE CONTROL STARTED TO MALFUNCTION ON MY VEHICLE. WHEN STARTED FROM A COLD START, THE INTERIOR TEMPERATURE IS MAINTAINED AT A COMFORTABLE 77 TO 78 DEGREES. AS TIME PASSES, IT IS NECESSARY TO KEEP INCREASING THE TEMPERATURE UNTIL AFTER AN HOUR HAS PASSED, THE SETTING IS AT 85 DEGREES AND IT IS STILL TOO COLD. THE NEXT SETTING IS 90 DEGREES WHICH IS FULL HEAT TO CAR. IT DOESN'T TAKE LONG FOR THE HEAT TO RUN YOU OUT. THEN IT HAS TO BE SET BACK TO 85 DEGREES. THIS IS NOT ONLY ANNOYING AND UNCOMFORTABLE, IT IS UNSAFE, BECAUSE WHILE DRIVING, I HAVE TO CONTINUALLY MAKE THE ADJUSTMENTS. THE PROBLEM IS A PERMANENT ONE; IT DOES NOT COME AND GO. HAD IT BACK TO DEALER 4 TIMES, MOST OF THE TIME THEY RAN THE CAN IN THE HEATED AND AIR CONDITIONED SHOP AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. AT MY LAST TIME TO THE DEALER, THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD SPENT ALL THE TIME AND MONEY THEY WERE GOING TO ON MY VEHICLE UNLESS THEY COULD COME UP WITH AN ERROR CODE. THEY SHOWED ME HOW TO READ THE ERROR CODE BUT THERE IS NO ERROR CODE. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE CABIN MODULE IS HEATING UP WITH OPERATION, OR CHANGING FOR SOME OTHER REASON. THE SYSTEM DID NOT OPERATE LIKE THIS FOR THE FIRST 18 MONTHS LIFE OF THE CAR AND SHOULD NOT NOW. FORD APPARENTLY CANNOT SOLVE A PROBLEM WITHOUT AN ERROR CODE. AGAIN, IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM TO ME AS WELL A COMFORT PROBLEM. THE ACTUAL DATE THAT IT STARTED IS APPROXIMATE. THE VERY POOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL ACCOUNTS FOR A GOOD PORTION OF THE LOW MILEAGE ON THE CAR. MY LITTLE MERCURY TRACER IS ABLE TO KEEP US VERY COMFORTABLE AND WARM AND COST A WHOLE LOT LESS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10086870
10,297 miles · Jul 14, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OIL LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING. VEHICLE STALLED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS PULLING OFF THE HIGHWAY. CONSUMER THEN CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL WHICH INDICATED EMPTY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND STAYED THERE FOR 3 WEEKS BEFORE THEY INDICATED THAT ENGINE LOST ITS OIL. VEHICLE WA…
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OIL LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING. VEHICLE STALLED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS PULLING OFF THE HIGHWAY. CONSUMER THEN CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL WHICH INDICATED EMPTY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND STAYED THERE FOR 3 WEEKS BEFORE THEY INDICATED THAT ENGINE LOST ITS OIL. VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO DID TSB 10007358 PRINT OUT THAT INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE WITH THESE VEHICLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10081894
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
I BOUGHT MY CAR TWO MONTHS AGO AUGUST 10,2003, FROM HOODRIVER FORD MERCURY, AND SO FAR, IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE. WHILE I AM SITTING,IT DIES AND WILL NOT KEEP IDLING AFTER 5 MINUTES. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN TWICE TO THE SHOP AT THE FORD DEALER, AND THEY HAVE ALREADY COST ME $48.00 ON MY FORD CREDIT CARD FOR A FUEL PUMP. THEY A…
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I BOUGHT MY CAR TWO MONTHS AGO AUGUST 10,2003, FROM HOODRIVER FORD MERCURY, AND SO FAR, IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE. WHILE I AM SITTING,IT DIES AND WILL NOT KEEP IDLING AFTER 5 MINUTES. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN TWICE TO THE SHOP AT THE FORD DEALER, AND THEY HAVE ALREADY COST ME $48.00 ON MY FORD CREDIT CARD FOR A FUEL PUMP. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THEY PUT IN NEW SENSORS TOO. I DON'T WANT TO USE UP MY FULL WARRANTY IN A FEW MONTHS.... TWO DAYS AGO, I TOOK IT BACK AND THEY PUT IN FOUR OTHER PARTS WITH SOMETHING TO DO WITH LEAKING VALVES AND OR SOMETHING ELSE. IT IS NOW SITTING IN THE SHOP AGAIN, AS THEY HAVEN'T RESOLVED ANYTHING, IT STILL WILL NOT IDLE FOR LONG. I TRIED TO GET THEM TO REPLACE THE CAR WITH SOMETHING ELSE, BUT THEY REFUSED TO DO SO. NOW, I DRIVE FOR THE SENIOR SERVICES, AND I NEED A DEPENDABLE CAR THAT I CAN RELY ON FOR MY WORK.
NHTSA ODI #10071215
Mileage unknown · Dec 24, 2003
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineCrash
IN MARCH 2003 WHILE DRIVING 52 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WHERE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED, AND FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER STATED THAT FRONT AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. *AK THE VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND IT'S EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH THE EGR VALVE AND FUEL PUMP. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10038238
Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED ENGINE WILL STALL, VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED SEVERAL OCCASION AT THE DEALER AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURS. NLM
NHTSA ODI #8020063
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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