NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
440 reports105,000 miles · Mar 14, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ON AND ACTIVE AND GAS PEDAL MANUALLY DEPRESSED ( TO PASS CAR) THROTTLE WILL STICK OPEN. BALL ON THROTTLE PLATE COMES OUT OF SADDLE ON CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. WHEN FOOT TAKEN OFF GAS BALL ON THROTTLE PLATE DOES NOT RETURN TO ORIGINAL SADDLE POSITION AT END OF CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. BALL ON THROTTLE PLATE GETS…
Read full complaint
WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ON AND ACTIVE AND GAS PEDAL MANUALLY DEPRESSED ( TO PASS CAR) THROTTLE WILL STICK OPEN. BALL ON THROTTLE PLATE COMES OUT OF SADDLE ON CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. WHEN FOOT TAKEN OFF GAS BALL ON THROTTLE PLATE DOES NOT RETURN TO ORIGINAL SADDLE POSITION AT END OF CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. BALL ON THROTTLE PLATE GETS STUCK ON EDGE OF ENTRANCE TO CABLE SADDLE. THROTTLE STICKS PARTWAY OPEN WITH AMOUNT OPEN DEPENDING ON CRUISE CONTROL CABLE POSITION / AMOUNT OF THROTTLE COMMANDED BY CRUISE CONTROL. I FIXED BY PLACING A PIECE OF 1/2" O.D. TUBE OVER CABLE (SLIT ALONG LENGTH AND THEN OVER CABLE, CABLE TIE IN POSITION). THIS IS ENOUGH TO KEEP BALL ON THROTTLE FROM COMING OUT OF SADDLE ON CRUISE CABLE. BASICALLY SNAP LOCK IN SADDLE IS WEARING OUT AFTER REPEATEDLY PRESSING ON GAS WHILE CRUISE CONTROL IS ON AND ACTIVE. NO MORE PROBLEMS FOR 20,000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10451699
86,448 miles · Mar 12, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
CRUISE CONTROL CABLE BROKE OR CAME LOOSE CAUSING THROTTLE RETURN SPRING TO FALL OFF. I COULD NOT STOP CAR NO MATTER HOW HARD I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ENGINE RAN AT FULL SPEED. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ON. I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. I STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN AND IT REVVED UP TO …
Read full complaint
CRUISE CONTROL CABLE BROKE OR CAME LOOSE CAUSING THROTTLE RETURN SPRING TO FALL OFF. I COULD NOT STOP CAR NO MATTER HOW HARD I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ENGINE RAN AT FULL SPEED. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ON. I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. I STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN AND IT REVVED UP TO FULL SPEED IMMEDIATELY. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE THE CAR OFF THE MAIN ROAD WITHOUT STARTING THE ENGINE. WE WERE FORTUNATE THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OF US WHEN THIS HAPPENED. WE WERE ABOUT 50 YARDS FROM HAVING TO MAKE A SHARP LEFT TURN TO GO ONTO THE MAIN HIGHWAY AND TRAFFIC. WE NEVER WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE THE TURN WITHOUT CRASHING OR THE CAR TURNING OVER. MY WIFE AND I HAD JUST PICKED UP TWO OF OUR DOGS AT THE VET AND WERE RETURNING HOME. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD GARAGE IN THE NEXT TOWN. I BELIEVE FORD HAS A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN THEY ARE ADMITTING. THE MERCURY'S SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THEIR PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10451167
99,510 miles · Jan 29, 2012
Suspension
I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE WHEN I IMMEDIATELY BECAME AWARE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING NORMALLY, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT. WHEN I WAS CHANGING THE TIRE I NOTICED THE SPRING HAD BROKEN AND PUNCTURED AND RUINED THE TIRE. THIS EVIDENTLY HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AS I HEARD NO NOISE FR…
Read full complaint
I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE WHEN I IMMEDIATELY BECAME AWARE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING NORMALLY, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT. WHEN I WAS CHANGING THE TIRE I NOTICED THE SPRING HAD BROKEN AND PUNCTURED AND RUINED THE TIRE. THIS EVIDENTLY HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AS I HEARD NO NOISE FROM THE BREAKING SPRING OR ESCAPING AIR. I FEEL FORTUNATE THIS HAPPENED IN THE GARAGE AND NOT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10445730
84,500 miles · Jan 28, 2012
Suspension
THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES AN ISSUE I ENCOUNTERED WITH MY VEHICLE, A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. ON JANUARY 12TH, 2012, I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO WAY ROAD DURING A HEAVY SNOWSTORM. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR, WHICH WAS BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT, DUE TO THE ROAD CONDITIONS. AT THIS TIME, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF …
Read full complaint
THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES AN ISSUE I ENCOUNTERED WITH MY VEHICLE, A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. ON JANUARY 12TH, 2012, I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO WAY ROAD DURING A HEAVY SNOWSTORM. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR, WHICH WAS BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT, DUE TO THE ROAD CONDITIONS. AT THIS TIME, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF CONTROL OVER MY VEHICLE. AFTER PULLING OVER, I INVESTIGATED THE NOISE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE WAS COMPLETELY SHREDDED AND PARTIALLY OFF THE RIM. I TOWED THE CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP AND LEARNED THAT THE SUSPENSION SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE AND DAMAGED THE STRUT. THIS IS ALSO A YEAR AND A HALF AFTER I HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT LEFT SPRING. NEITHER THE STRUT NOR THE TIRES WERE DAMAGED DURING THIS EVENT AT THAT TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10445667
104,000 miles · Jan 11, 2012
Suspension
DRIVER BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE WHEN HEARD METALLIC GRINDING SOUND FOLLOWED BY A BANG. THEN WE HEARD THE SOUND OF METAL ON PAVEMENT. WHEN GOT OUT OF CAR THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR WAS SITTING SO LOW THAT I COULD NOT GET A JACK UNDER IT. THE DRIVER FRONT TIRE WAS COMPLETELY SHREDDED ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL. IT IS C…
Read full complaint
DRIVER BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE WHEN HEARD METALLIC GRINDING SOUND FOLLOWED BY A BANG. THEN WE HEARD THE SOUND OF METAL ON PAVEMENT. WHEN GOT OUT OF CAR THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR WAS SITTING SO LOW THAT I COULD NOT GET A JACK UNDER IT. THE DRIVER FRONT TIRE WAS COMPLETELY SHREDDED ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL. IT IS COSTING US $700 TO REPAIR. AS PER ODI RESUME EA 08-18 DOCUMENT UNDER REASON FOR CLOSING THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE APPEARS, "THE COIL SPRINGS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE DEFECTIVE." EVEN IF THERE IS NO REAL DANGER TO TRAFFIC SAFETY IT IS STILL AND ISSUE THAT FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO ADDRESS, WE AS THE DRIVING PUBLIC SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO REPAIR IT. ALSO IF FORD WANTS TO KEEP THEIR CUSTOMERS THEY SHOULD ADDRESS PROBLEMS SUCH AS THIS. WE ARE THINKING OF LOOKING TO TOYOTA OR HONDA FOR OUR NEXT CAR AFTER DRIVING FORDS SINCE 1997. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10443456
60,000 miles · Dec 30, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY BECOME STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABL…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY BECOME STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10441784
123,000 miles · Dec 19, 2011
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
NHTSA ODI #10440458
113,000 miles · Dec 13, 2011
SuspensionCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE GS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW. THE CONTACT ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS SHE MERGED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND ROLLED INTO A DITCH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DAMAGED. THE TIRE WAS REMOVED …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE GS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW. THE CONTACT ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS SHE MERGED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND ROLLED INTO A DITCH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DAMAGED. THE TIRE WAS REMOVED AND THE SPARE WAS INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TIRE WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED AND AFTER INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE COIL SPRING CAUSED THE TIRE DAMAGE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE COIL SPRING FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
NHTSA ODI #10439752
59,000 miles · Sep 16, 2011
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BALANCED AND DROPPED TO THE FLOOR ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE PAD AND BLOWER. THE FRONT COIL SPRING, BRAKE PAD AND BLOWER …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BALANCED AND DROPPED TO THE FLOOR ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE PAD AND BLOWER. THE FRONT COIL SPRING, BRAKE PAD AND BLOWER WERE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR THE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
NHTSA ODI #10425753
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
2002 MERCURY SABLE LS. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH FUEL INJECTOR AND DAMAGED VALVE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED AN ENGINE MISS. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY #5 FUEL INJECTOR. CODES PO305 AND PO316. THE COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $800 PLUS DOLLARS. WHEN THE CONS…
Read full complaint
2002 MERCURY SABLE LS. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH FUEL INJECTOR AND DAMAGED VALVE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED AN ENGINE MISS. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY #5 FUEL INJECTOR. CODES PO305 AND PO316. THE COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $800 PLUS DOLLARS. WHEN THE CONSUMER RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, HE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS SOME CARBON DEPOSITS PRESENT AND THE VEHICLE MIGHT RUN A LITTLE ROUGH UNTIL THE CARBON BURNED OFF. ONE WEEK LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. IT WAS THE SAME TWO CODES FROM A PREVIOUS REPAIR. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER OF A DAMAGED VALVE AND THE COST WOULD BE ANYWHERE FROM $1600-$2000. THE CONSUMER FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE AND WAS REFUNDED HIS MONEY FROM THE PREVIOUS REPAIR. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WITH HIS VEHICLE REMAINS UNRESOLVED. THE ENGINE HAS AN INTERNAL DEFECT. UPDATED 10/17/11*JB
NHTSA ODI #10412612
Official recalls
3Mar 2, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS MALFUNCTIONING COULD RENDER THE STOP LAMPS INOPERABLE OR CAUSE THEM TO STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION TO A FOLLOWING DRIVER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN ADDITION, IF THE SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING FAIL IN THE OPEN POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ACTUATE AND THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF "PARK" IF THEY FAIL IN THE CLOSED POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL REMAIN ON, WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW THE SPEED CONTROL TO BE ACTIVATED. THIS COULD ALSO CAUSE THE BATTERY TO DISCHARGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED STOP LAMP SWITCH AND WIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Mar 10, 2003
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELDS MAY POTENTIALLY EXHIBIT INCREASED WIND NOISE, WATER LEAKAGE, AND SQUEAKS AND RATTLES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: POTENTIAL LOSS OF WINDSHIELD RETENTION MAY ALSO REDUCE OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WINDSHIELDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD/MERCURY AT 1-800-392-3673.
Oct 2, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PADELS ARE BEING RECALLED IN ORDER TO ADJUST THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO A MINIMUM OF 50 MM OF LATERAL SEPARATION. SIMULTANEOUS APPLICATION OF BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING AN "UNINTENDED VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE" OR A PERCEIVED "UNABLE TO STOP" CONDITION.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED AS TO THE PROPER WAY TO SET THE POSITION OF THE PEDALS AND TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE SPACING BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS MEASURED. IF THE SPACING IS FOUND TO BE LESS THAN 50 MM, THE DEALER WILL ADJUST THE PEDALS TO INCREASE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THEM TO GREATER THAN 50 MM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
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
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.
Illustration