Model year record

2000 Ford Taurus recalls & problems

The 2000 Ford Taurus has 8 safety recalls and 1,195 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (483 complaints).

Recalls8safety recalls

Complaints1,195filed by owners

Crashes · fires102 · 25reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths81 · 1reported in complaints

2000 Ford Taurus in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

SuspensionJul 15, 2004

Front › Springs › Coil springs

Recall 04V332000899,060 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE TIRE MAY RUPTURE RESULTING IN A RAPID AIR LOSS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingMar 2, 2004

Brake lights › Switch

Recall 04V106000938,789 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulicOct 2, 2002

Pedals and linkages

Recall 02V266000369,614 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING AN "UNINTENDED VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE" OR A PERCEIVED "UNABLE TO STOP" CONDITION.
Fix: 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.

VisibilityAug 8, 2001

Windshield wiper/washer › Motor

Recall 01V2580001,083,000 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.
Risk: LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. 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 AT 1-866-436-7332.

Exterior lightingMar 12, 2001

Headlights › Switch

Recall 01V07500074,000 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO THE USE OF INCORRECT MATERIAL BY A SUPPLIER, THE HEADLAMP SWITCH KNOB CAN FRACTURE AND SEPARATE FROM THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.
Risk: THIS WOULD CAUSE DIFFICULTY FOR THE DRIVER TO ACTIVATE THE HEADLAMPS, WHICH COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH KNOB. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. 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 AT 1-800-392-3673.

Exterior lightingMar 12, 2001

Tail lights › Switch

Recall 01V078000157,000 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS. IF THE GREASE FROM THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY ENTERS THE STOP LAMP SWITCH, IT CAN CONTAMINATE THE CONTACTS LEADING TO CARBON BUILD UP, AND POTENTIALLY, A SHORT CIRCUIT.
Risk: A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO EITHER THE BRAKE LAMPS STAYING ON, OR TO A LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH AND WIPE DOWN THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO REMOVE EXCESS GREASE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 22, 2001. 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 AT 1-800-392-3673.

Exterior lightingFeb 28, 2001

Back up lights

Recall 01V04800028,000 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER SEDANS WITH FACTORY OR DEALER-INSTALLED DECK LID SPOILERS WITH LED CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMPS (CHMSL). VEHICLES PRODUCED WITH SPOILERS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 1 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2000; AND VEHICLES WITH SPOILERS INSTALLED BY DEALERS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1 THOROUGH DECEMBER 30, 2000. WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE START OR RUN POSITIONS AND THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS OPERATING, THE CHMSL CAN ILLUMINATE (AT REDUCED INTENSITY) EVEN THOUGH THE SERVICE BRAKES HAVE NOT BEEN APPLIED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ALSO, IN SOME CASES THE VEHICLE BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, ALLOWING THE SHIFT LEVER TO BE MOVED FROM PARK WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE.
Risk: UNDER THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD, THE CHMSL SHALL BE ACTIVATED ONLY UPON APPPLICATION OF THE SERVICE BRAKES. ALSO, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, IF THE SHIFT LEVER CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A JUMPER/RESISTOR ASSEMBLY AT THE SPOILER THAT PROVIDES AN ELECTRICAL RESISTOR TO GROUND AND CORRECTS THE CHMSL AND BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK CONDITIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 2001. 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 AT 1-800-392-3673.

EquipmentAug 24, 2000

Other › Labels

Recall 00V242000167,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE "VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT" AND "DESIGNATED SEATING CAPACITY" INFORMATION WAS NOT PRINTED ON THE SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABELS AFFIXED TO THESE VEHICLES. ON AFFECTED SABLE SEDAN VEHICLES, THE "VEHICLES CAPACITY WEIGHT" (AND ALSO THE LUGGAGE LOAD) INFORMATION PRINTED ON THIS LABEL IS INCORRECT - SABLE WAGON LUGGAGE LOAD WAS INCORRECTLY USED FOR THE SABLE SEDAN. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE LABEL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Risk: EXCESSIVE LOADING CAN CAUSE TIRE AND VEHICLE DAMAGE THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENTAL LABEL WITH THE CORRECT INFORMATION, ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THE LABEL ADJACENT TO THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 20, 2000. 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 AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2000 Ford Taurus 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2000 Ford Taurus 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2000 Ford Taurus NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2000 Ford Taurus NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Taurus

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Taurus Wagon

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Taurus FFV

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Taurus Wagon FFV

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Taurus Wagon

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
SuspensionRear › Springs › Coil springs; Front › Springs › Coil springs	483	6	0	3	74,186 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	110	4	7	3	72,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	108	18	0	6	42,500 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission	104	6	1	2	53,363 mi
Exterior lightingBrake lights › Switch; Brake lights	96	2	1	0	53,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cruise control	90	18	4	12	100,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	90	57	1	51	65,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Ignition › Switch	66	3	15	10	87,270 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Delivery	62	2	1	1	63,942 mi
TiresTread/belt; Sidewall	58	5	0	1	70,000 mi
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer › Motor; Windshield	47	0	1	1	89,000 mi
Seat beltsFront › Retractor; Front › Buckle assembly	39	5	0	5	65,500 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Steering
Vehicle Has A Heavy Power Steering Fluid Leak!!! Will Be Taking It To The Shop To Diagnose The Concern!!! I Was Checking To See If There Were Any Campaigns Or Recalls Reported!!!
Jan 3, 2024
Air bagsCrash1 injury
Someone pulled out in front of me as I was slowing down to make a left turn. I T-boned their vehicle while going 35mph, resulting in a total loss for my 2000 Ford Taurus. (This was in 2018 so it was not a new car). My driver steering wheel airbag DID NOT deploy. I was wearing my seat belt. I still have chest pains when I sneeze and cough, even 4 years later (in November 2022, at time of writing), and in the last year (2021) received a cortisone shot in my left shoulder. I was offered a neck brace in the ambulance and was prescribed an arm sling in the hospital. I was diagnosed with whiplash. I believe I was given pain medication. Someone from the NHTSA in Indiana contacted me and we spoke…
Nov 17, 2018
Power train
WHEN I MAKE A LEFT TURN, MY TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES & MY ENGINE RPM'S INCREASE UNTIL I RECOVER FROM THE TURN.
Mar 21, 2017 · 210,000 miles
Service brakes
IT PRESENTED A SERIES OF MISSED FIRED AND OVER HEATING ON THE ROAD , AFTER DRIVING AROUND 150 MILES , THE ENGINE LEAKING OIL AND IT LOSS POWER MAKE IT ON SAFE TO DRIVE . THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS ICED UP LIKE A FRIDGE AND LESS COOLING IN AN OVER WHOLE LOOK THE CAR NEED SAFETY CONTROL AND ALL OF THIS CAN CLEARLY SEEN ON THE CITY ROAD WAY .
Feb 10, 2020 · 120,000 miles
Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO SHUT OFF, WHICH REQUIRED THE BATTERY CABLE TO BE DISCONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THE EVENT THAT THE DAY TIME RUNNING LAMPS, HIGH BEAMS, AND FOG LIGHTS SHORT OUT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Jun 20, 2019 · 100,000 miles
Air bags
JUNE 2018 PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON A CITY STREET BY MY GRANDDAUGHTER, NO THERE NO SIGNS OF A COLLISION. IT WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC.
Jun 25, 2018 · 91,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
PART OF THE ENGINE, TOP PORTION CLOSEST TO THE FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET NEAR MY RESIDENCE IN LANCASTER, CA. I NOTICED THE SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT THE STOP LIGHT.
Feb 2, 2019 · 87,270 miles
Air bags
TAKATA RECALL I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE UNSAFE AIRBAGS AND THEY SEEMED TO FEEL AS IF IT WAS NO BIG DEAL AND TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX MY AIRBAGS.
Oct 26, 2017

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Speed control cable damageClosed
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…
PE12033 · opened Oct 24, 2012 · closed Jun 26, 2013
REAR COIL SPRING FRACTUREClosed
ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED A HIGH COMPLAINT RATE FOR THE REAR COIL SPRINGS IN THE SALT BELT STATES (APPROXIMATELY 250 PER 100,000 VEHICLES).APPROXIMATELY 59 PERCENT OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT THE COIL SPRING FAILURE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ADJACENT REAR TIRE, WITH ABOUT HALF OF THESE (30 PERCENT OF TOTAL COMPLAINTS) ALLEGING THAT THE DAMAGE RESULTED IN AIR LOSS.BECAUSE AIR LOSS FROM A REAR TIRE CAN RESULT IN CHANGES IN VEHICLE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS, ODI EXAMINED FIELD DATA, TEST DATA AND INTERVIEWED CONSUMERS TO ASSESS THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.ANALYSIS OF ALL AVAILABLE FIELD DATA DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY CRASHES OR INJURIES RESULTING FROM THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.VRTC TESTING CONDUCTED TO SIMULATE A COIL SPRING INDUCED REAR TIRE FAILURE DID NOT RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.WHEN INTERVIEWED BY ODI, NONE OF THE…
EA06002 · opened Jan 24, 2006 · closed Feb 5, 2007
REAR COIL SPRING FRACTUREClosed
THE OFFICE OF DEFECT INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION, PE05-054, BASED ON 131 VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRES RELATED TO ALLEGED REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURES.SINCE OPENING THE INVESTIGATION THERE HAVE BEEN AN ADDITIONAL SIXTY-THREE (63) COMPLAINTS ALLEGING REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURE.AN ANALYSIS OF THE VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQS) SUBMITTED TO ODI REVEALS THAT 42% OF THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE THAT THE ADJACENT TIRE WAS PUNCTURED AS RESULT OF A REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURE. ADDITIONALLY, AN ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLAINT DATA RECEIVED BY ODI FROM FORD REVEALS THE FOLLOWING: THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 553 UNIQUE VEHICLE COMPLAINTS OF COIL SPRING FRACTURE. 30% OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURE RESULTED IN THE ADJACENT TIRE BEING PUNCTURED. AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA06-002) IS BEING OPENED TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE POTENTIAL SAFETY IMPLICATIONS OF THE REAR COIL…
PE05054 · opened Sep 27, 2005 · closed Jan 24, 2006
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTUREClosedLed to recall 04V332000
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…
PE04044 · opened May 24, 2004 · closed Aug 16, 2004
BRAKE/ACCELERATOR PEDAL APPLICATIONClosed
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…
RP03001 · opened Oct 31, 2003 · closed Mar 23, 2004
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILUREClosedLed to recall 04V106000
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…
RQ03008 · opened Oct 23, 2003 · closed Mar 5, 2004
FRONTAL AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT IN CRASHClosed
THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 427 REPORTS ALLEGING NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS.OF THE 427 REPORTS, TWO INCIDENTS (FATAL CRASHES) HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS SEVERE FRONTAL CRASHES IN WHICH THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.A DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.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 TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY REPORT.
EA03010 · opened Jul 2, 2003 · closed Jun 23, 2004
FRONTAL AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT IN CRASHClosed
FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS IDENTIFIED 260 REPORTS ALLEGING FRONTAL AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT FOR ANY (SEVERITY) FRONTAL OR NEAR-FRONTAL CRASH ON MODEL YEAR 2000-2001 FORD TAURUS AND MERCURY SABLE VEHICLES.ADDITIONAL CRASH REPORTS ARE CONTAINED IN NHTSA'S FATALITY ANALYSIS REPORTING SYSTEM (FARS) DATABASE.THE SINGLE ODI REPORT LISTED IN THE REPORT SUMMARY IS NHTSA'S SPECIAL CRASH INVESTIGATION'S CASE NO. CA00-020 THAT INVOLVED A HIGH-SPEED CRASH NON-DEPLOYMENT INVOLVING A DRIVER FATALITY AND FRONT PASSENGER INJURY.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-010) AND ODI WILL COLLECT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON CERTAIN CRASH REPORTS AND CONDUCT FURTHER STUDY OF THIS ISSUE.
PE03002 · opened Jan 6, 2003 · closed Jul 2, 2003
BRAKE/ACCEL PEDAL SEPARATIONClosedLed to recall 02V266000
PE02035 · opened Mar 15, 2002 · closed Oct 22, 2002