Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9824612/07/1998604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( f8az - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals. *yc03/16/1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY
9711109723411/10/199753660Vehicles exhibiting a squeaking or chirping from the blower motor at low blower motor speeds. *yc03/30/1998
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
9922210/18/19996089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt02/11/2000
9624611/18/199650905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements. *tw06/17/1997

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PE91128FORD MOTOR COMPANY09/17/199101/27/1992FIRES IN IGNITION SWITCH
 There is no summary currently available

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10/20/19982001/01/1998
 Every once in awhile the scanner in the car will say brake lamp out then shortly after the battery light will come on and the car will die and not start again.
08/15/1997
 Smelt and saw heavy smoke coming from ignition, turned off car, car started by itself, put emergency brake on to prevent acceleration, fire under steering wheel and the dash board, then car started honking continuously, disconnect battery, this stopped the car from running and honking, total fire.
07/19/1995
 The front seat belts will not stay latched, and the vehicle various electrical options will not work for no apparent reason. tt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
5
 Vehicle has had continuos problems with the alternator. *jg
04/01/20010
 Electrical system: regulator failed. *ak
5
 5 alternators failed. nlm
06/23/1999106/01/1998
 There was not a fire in that i could see flame but fast escaping smoke from the steering column near the ignition and from the far left dash right next to the windsheild, i quickly evacuated two young girls from the car in case it went into flames. the car was purshased from my boyfriend and he knew there was trouble with the heater / but it was intermittent since october 1997. he also told me about the lurching (later determinated) as a motor mount problem but previously diagnosed by a transmission shop as a badly slipping transmission. the problem disappeared after the motor mount was diagnosed and replaced. the car is at young ford in charlotte being repaired for the apparent burned ignition and main wiring harness and then a fruther look into the heating problem and also erratic gas gauge, which somtimes shows full when i can still add 10 gallons of gas
10/28/19971
 Alternator failed.
109/23/1991
 Problems with alternator.
08/01/19961
 Alternator failed.
06/22/1992
 Front brake rotors warped due to being too thin. in addition, motor mounts/automatic climate control module/engine head gasket/alternator/power steering hose/rear window defroster malfunctioned. *ak
606/22/1992
 Replaced front brake rotors; also replaced front motor mounts/head gaskets/power steering hose/automatic climate control module/alternator. *ak
10/10/19961
 Alternator failed.
03/01/1993210/01/1989
 Alternator replaced twice.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY
1
 Battery failed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
06/01/1998999901/01/1995
 Turn signals and blower motor stop working. then starts work again, then stop, then start, fuses are ok, power window passenger's side stops working intermittently, also, power seat doesn't work, intermittently. several othe r electrical problems are evident intermittently. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
02/23/200303/06/2000
 I have a 1989 ford taurus with an ignition switch problem. it has been getting worse for 1 year and yesterday when it wouldn't start, it kept cranking on it's own even after i pulled the key out. it then statred smoking from under the dash and i had to jump out and disconect the battery! ford recalled every other model for 1989 but mine and the explorer for this same problem. why not mine?
07/20/1992111/01/1988
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
05/01/2001702/01/2000
 As i drive my car it shuts off. i can only run it for 15 minutes at a time . ive avoided several accidents what can i do ?*ak
05/11/2001209/01/1995
 The motor mounts are broken, this caused the exhaust converter ass'y to fail an cause a exhaust leak by the engine making the engine run hot. have been having trouble with the engine stalling out in hot weather, replaced fuel pump, fuel enjectors, and ignition module car is still stalling out when the weather gets warm 700f and above. took it to shop and they could not find anything wrong (no codes). let the car sit and will start after a while, some time 1 minute sometimes 1 hour.
08/08/20001207/01/1998
 1) alameda county superior court judge michael ballachey initially ruled that ford must recall as many as 1.7-million vehicles in california. a final decision on the recall is expected in march 2001. if the recall proceeds, ford will notify owners what to do.*ak
10/10/199712
 I have had numerus stalling &/or lack of power while traveling in hot weather! i first started in oct. of 97 when traveling to san diego. we were stranded in l.a. on the way down, and in east l.a. on the way home. upon returning home, i replaced the idle air motor at a cost of over $300. since than, i have had the heat tube to the vacuum switch and the spark plug wiring replaced in an attempt to coorect the problem! i has not stopped the problem. last august, my daughter had to be towed 100 miles (from san luis obispo - santa barbara) due to a complete stopage on the side of the road, after driving 150 miles. i have heard of a class action law suit against ford, involving the t.f.i. module. i have asked my local dealer to replace this module, in hopes to solve the problem of stalling in hot weather. i hope to have the $340 refunded to me, if the class action law suit settles against ford. i have been told to complete this form to document me case. please advise me of any other action i should take. thank you, don mothershead. *ak
 While make a stop at any time vehicle would stall. please provide further information. *ak
2
 While traveling at 55 mph and without any indication vehicle stalled. dealer has been contacted. please provide furhter information.*ak
05/15/20006
 Vehicle will stall suddenly without prior warning, usually stalls on highway. vehicle has been towed to dealer 6 times . dealer cannot not determine defect because by time vehicle arrives at dealers vehicle will restart.*ak the intake gasket was leaking and was replaced. the motor mount was replaced. all heater and coolant hoses were replaced. serpntine belt was cracked. front brake pads and rotors replaced. *yh
 Intermittently vehicle will stall out and die, and will start up immediately after. manufacturer has been notified.*ak
05/09/19990
 While driving in cold weather the car was okay. when the weather got warm, the car went bump bump bump. consumer said it was computer or a ignition control problem. dealer would not fix the problem because was not under warranty. dealer knew the problem but won't tell consumer unless he paid for that information. while driving the car just died. this could have caused an accident. if fan kicks in, the car will not start for about 4 hours. *ak
06/23/1999106/01/1998
 There was not a fire in that i could see flame but fast escaping smoke from the steering column near the ignition and from the far left dash right next to the windsheild, i quickly evacuated two young girls from the car in case it went into flames. the car was purshased from my boyfriend and he knew there was trouble with the heater / but it was intermittent since october 1997. he also told me about the lurching (later determinated) as a motor mount problem but previously diagnosed by a transmission shop as a badly slipping transmission. the problem disappeared after the motor mount was diagnosed and replaced. the car is at young ford in charlotte being repaired for the apparent burned ignition and main wiring harness and then a fruther look into the heating problem and also erratic gas gauge, which somtimes shows full when i can still add 10 gallons of gas
06/22/19971
 Ignition control modulator failed, causing vehicle to stall.
10/16/1998108/01/1996
 The wiring is overheating and is creating a foul smell in my car and the plug for the wire is melting. worried that this failure will cause a fire in the drivers compartment. problem starts when the heater blower is being used. safeguard needs to be put in place to assure drivers that they will not go up in flames. i also own a 87 ford taurus and it has the same problem. this needs to be corrected asap. my transmission has gone bad on both my cars costing me a fee of $2600.00. the dealer has informed me that because you guys did not put a dam in them they overheat and and things start to break.
07/01/1997112/01/1989
 Distributor and attached computer failed.
01/01/199107/15/1989
 When starting the vehicle, the key does not fully enter the ignition.
09/22/1989
 Vehicle sputters, misfires and stalls in hot weather and the air conditioner is on. owner believes that it may be caused by a thick film ignition problem.
07/01/19972
 When traveling at any speed the vehicle will cut off without any prior warning becoming a hazard when traveling in heavy traffic. consumer has contacted the dealer. dealer states the problem is due to the ignition module. *ak the ignition module was replaced. *slc
10/21/19972
 A year ago, the vehicle was started and smoke came through the steering column. today, when the ignition was turned the owner heard a short circuit sound and smoke came from the steering column, the owner then shut ignition off. *ak two wires leading to the emergency brake sending unit and the black ground both originating at the ignition switch coupling had the insulation burnt off them, the wires were replaced and the ground wire again overheated and the insulation was burnt off, a solution was found by disconnecting the ground wire completely. *slc
04/08/1997
 Electrical fire, originating in the ignition wiring harness. *ak
02/02/19951
 While vehicle was parked overnight it caught fire in the steering column area. the fire department said that the fire was electrical. *ak
07/04/1996
 Electronic instrument panel keeps going out due to short in ignition switch.*ak
03/01/1996
 Noticed smoke coming from ignition, caused by an electrical short. *ak
10/20/1995
 When traveling at highway speeds the vehicle dies out. please describe. tt
102/01/1990
 While driving, vehicle will shut down putting driver in jeopardy constantly. dealership unable to track. tt the brakes failed right after the vehicle was purchased. then the vehicle stalled out dangerously. now, the exterior paint was fading. *yh
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
07/28/20031
 I bought my 1989 ford taurus in june of 2001. in the paperwork from the original owners was info. on a recall/extended warranty dated 4/98 regarding problems with seatbelt buckles. i recently had difficulties with my seatbelt buckles and took it to a ford dealership and was consequently told it was way passed the warranty date even before i purchased the vehicle. so my complaint is how do i get them fixed since this can become a serious matter if i or anyone else gets stuck in the car, or has further difficulties even fastening the seatbelt. i also was notified of reimbursement for replacing the ignition module to submit your receipts by 10/02. i however didn't have to replace it until a few months ago, and submitted those receipts anyway without any response what so ever. i've also not long ago had to replace the rear mountings for my rear shocks and springs and the front need to be done as well. does this qualify in the recall of the suspension:front:shock absorber id #94e36000? *ak i'm just curious as to how a person knows to look for these recalls when buying a vehicle. shouldn't the manufacturer notify us?
01/22/20021
 Engine would stall while vehicle was in motion, dealer replaced the electronic control module. *slc
07/01/1997112/01/1989
 Distributor and attached computer failed.
06/22/1997105/01/1992
 Ignition control module failed, causing vehicle to stall.
11/01/19955
 Electronic control module failed, causing intermittent stalling. in addition, transmission failed and throttle stuck, causing vehicle to accelerate out of control. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH
07/16/200601
 Sunday at 11:45 am, i left my house to go to work at wal-mart. at about 4:30 pm, a customer at wal-mart came in the store and told us that a car was on fire. fire department was called. i went outside to see who car it was. it was mine. it caught on fire in the dash. the whole dash is gone. the fire started by electrical in the dash. i have the report from the fire department. i was on in the vehicle. the vehicle is not drivable. *nm
 While traveling and without any indication vehicle stalled. dealer replaced ignition switch. please provide further information.*ak
07/06/20000
 Consumer stopped for a red light and vehicle stalled out, couple of minutes later, vehcile would start. consumer felt there was a problem with stalling.*ak
07/08/1999
 Ignition switch burned. vehicle had been parked for about 1/2 hour. *ak
08/15/19971
 Ignition switch failure causing the vehicle starting on it's own without key in the ignition and resulting in vehicle fire.
01/01/1996101/01/1993
 Ignition switch failure causing directional lights and heater fan to fail.
 When vehicle was running the key could come out of the vehicle . ignition switch was replaced three times. *ak
01/01/199102/27/1989
 Ignition switch allows key to be removed when shift lever is not in park.
02/01/1997208/01/1991
 Ignition switch will turn on and off while driving.
06/15/1997
 When taking the key out of the ignition switch it ignites the starter and burns the wires in the ignition compartment. *ak
06/25/19961
 Ignition switch fire.
 Owner states that when she looked out of the window one day she noticed that her vehicle had been on fire, she also notes that the fire started from the ignition switch; she is aware of recalls that were issused on some taurus models except her's. *ak
12/02/1996102/01/1996
 Ignition switch fire.
12/10/19961
 Tried to start the car and smoke came from the electrical ignition , turned car off, it melted the wire and ignition switch.*jb.
03/12/1996112/03/1992
 Ignition switch had a short which caused battery to be drained while vehicle ignition was in off position/switch had to be replaced. *ak
05/15/19961
 Faulty ignition switch caused battery to discharge, brake indicator light to stay on dash, and smoke to issue from the steering column prior to recall.
03/01/1996101/21/1993
 Ignition switch shorted, causing fire. (attorney for client)
12/09/19921
 Loud grinding noise when engine started, stayed running when ignition switch turned off.
08/20/19961
 An electrical short in the ignition switch caused smoke to come out of the steering column. *ak dealer states problem was with the ignition switch. *slc
08/15/1996
 An electrical short in the ignition, caused smoke to come out of the steering column, after starting the vehicle.*ak
06/20/19961
 An electrical short in the ignition switch, caused smoke to come out of the steering column after starting the vehicle.*ak *slc
07/04/1996
 Electronic instrument panel keeps going out due to short in ignition switch.*ak
07/09/1996111/11/1988
 When parking the car the steering column started smoking. could be related to ignition switch. *ak dealer replaced ignition switch. *slc
06/15/1996109/25/1989
 Went to start car, put key in ignition, turned key, heard pop, inside of car filled w/smoke, fire at steering column, turned car off, took key out, fire stopped. *ak after the incident, consumer received manufacturer's recall 95s28, however ford denies this incident is related to recall. *slc
06/26/1996
 The vehicle caught on fire and the vehicle was parked. the fire started in the steering column near the ignition switch. *ak
08/22/19952
 Ignition switch overheating due to short. *dh
05/25/19962
 Repeated ignition switch failures, causing intermittent stalling. *ak
04/19/19959
 Ignition switch shorted, causing smoke to come out of steering column. *dsh
11/01/19951
 Ignition switch shorted, causing smoke to come from under dash. *dsh
04/03/19963
 Ignition switch smoked. *sd
 Driving vehicle, driver smelled smoke coming from dashboard, pulled over, went to restaurant for fire extinguisher, fire engulfed front area of vehicle. *ak
06/25/1995101/01/1989
 Vehicle in garage, under the hood engine compartment fire, electrical short, causing the home to burn, cat was injured and dog died in fire. *ak consumer states ignition switch was cause of fire. *slc
10/23/1995
 The vehicle caught on fire due to the ignition switch while parked. please describe. *ak
07/07/1995
 Electrical short in the ignition switch, consumer replace the wiring harness in the steering column. *ak
06/01/1994310/01/1988
 Ignition switch fire. *ak consumer stated a puff of smoke from steering column and engine would not start again there was just a clicking noise ignition switch, plug and radiator fan had to be replaced, also had to get a new starter solenoid.*jb
03/01/1996
 Faulty ignition switch, vehicle continue run after vehicle has been turn off, in for repair,
04/19/1995
 The vehicle was parked for 24 hours and the ignition switch was the cause of the fire according to the fire report. please describe. *ak
05/12/1995
 Electrical short in the ignition switch when driving you can take the key out the ignition and the vehicle is still running. *ak
06/25/1995
 Vehicle in garage, under the hood engine compartment fire, electrical short, causing the home to burn . *ak
10/15/1995
 Vehicle parked in front of garage; noticed vehicle was full of smoke; removed battery cables to avoid fire; ignition/ignition switch wire melted. *ak
10/25/1994
 An electrical short or shock caused the ignition switch to burn out. please describe. *ak
 Wires which plug into ignition switch burnt, had to replace ignition switch, no fire. *ak
01/11/1996
 Ext 5721: turned off ignition, motor kept running; dealer checked, found nothing wrong; occurred again, causing underhood fire. *ak
 While parking and leaving vehicle, owner noticed smoke coming from steering column. bills tire & automotive in macon ga., replace ignition switch. *ak
10/30/1995
 While vehicle parked in garage, heard loud noise; investigated; discovered smoke coming from garage door; opened door; vehicle engulfed in underhood flames. *ak
04/17/1996
 Electrical short or shock in the ignition switches, causing the battries to die, placed the ignition switches twice. *ak
04/05/1995
 Smoke came from the dash board area, replace the key switch. *ak
06/25/1995
 Interior vehicle fire caused by the ignition catching fire, owner stated vehicle was totaled and half his house was burnt. *ak
09/01/19951
 Smoke intermittently comes from ignition switch.
03/01/1996
 While parked, ignition switch caught fire. please describe. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY
09/28/1996109/28/1996
 Starter failed.
02/01/1994110/01/1989
 Starter replaced.
03/06/19966
 Starter failed.
05/27/19967
 Vehicle stalled due to short in starter switch. *dh
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY - SOLENOID
06/01/1994310/01/1988
 Ignition switch fire. *ak consumer stated a puff of smoke from steering column and engine would not start again there was just a clicking noise ignition switch, plug and radiator fan had to be replaced, also had to get a new starter solenoid.*jb
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
05/26/2002
 Vehicle had not been driven for a couple of weeks when it caught on fire. fire department determined cause was an electrical short. vehicle was totalled.*ak
 There was a fire in the vehicle due to a short in the electrical wiring. dealer has not seen vehicle. *ak
08/27/1998
 While starting the vehicle the steering column has smoke coming out of it, almost causing a fire. been to dealer, dealer cannot determine problem. cause unknown. please provide details. *ak
09/20/1997
 Electrical: vehicle in repair shop for mounts. mechanic brought car home ,and the car caught fire and was totaled. don't know what caused the fire. *ak
 Consumer was traveling, turned the vehicle off, vehicle started smoking and caught fire in the engine compartment. consumer state the cause of fire was due to an electrical short in the wiring harness. *ak
11/14/1996
 While driving vehicle home and parking in garage vehicle caught on fire after engine was shut off, the fire department came and said it could have been faulty wiring. *ak
09/07/19960
 Wife was driving vehicle to meet husband, noticed smoke coming from underneath hood, parked vehicle, lifted hood and noticed flames coming from backside of engine. *ak
11/15/1990501/01/1989
 While driving, experienced smoke in steering column, causing wiring harness to melt on five occasions, due to short in electrical system. *ak head lights failed on four occasions due to the faulty harness and steering column switch. *slc
02/04/1996
 Burnt wire notice, started in wiring that is in the junction box to the ignition switch. *ak
10/14/1995110/13/1992
 Consumer drove and parked car caught on fire purchase car used. tt consumer drove 13 miles and turned off the vehicle, there were no prior warningof any problems, vehicle was parked.*jb
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD
 After having driven car for approximately 6 miles, and parked it, and within 2-3 minutes afterwards, vehicle caught on fire. consumer was able to put fire out.*ak
12/07/2000
 While making a slow turn at 15 mph, consumer noticed smoke from under hood. also, smoke coming into interior. stopped and opened hood, flames from rear of engine. *ak
08/10/199910/01/1998
 I was driving down the road at about 25 mph and i noticed smoke and then i stopped ad opened the hood and then i saw flames and all that i saw on the ground was antifreeze, but the wiring under the hood was all melted
10/20/19970
 Pulled into driveway; noticed smoke near hood; turned vehicle off & got kids out. attemped to lift hood when flames shot out. fire dept put flames out. fire inspector determined origin of fire was electrical wiring. *ak
12/22/1996
 Under the hood compartment fire, fire started where the windshield was, saw smoke around the engine compartment and spread into the inside of vehicle. *ak
11/19/1996
 While driving vehicle it burst into flames for no reason, owner lifted the hood to find engine on fire. *ak
06/16/1996
 While attempting to turn off ignition, gear in park position, suddenly saw flames coming from underhood in area of steering column, exact cause unknown. *ak
05/26/19961
 After parking and leaving vehicle, noticed smoke coming from under hood, then suddenly engine compartment caught on fire. *ak
04/28/1996
 An electrical short caused the wires under the hood to catch on fire. please describe. *ak
01/26/1996
 Engine compartment fire, source of fire could not be determined. tt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
06/23/1999106/01/1998
 There was not a fire in that i could see flame but fast escaping smoke from the steering column near the ignition and from the far left dash right next to the windsheild, i quickly evacuated two young girls from the car in case it went into flames. the car was purshased from my boyfriend and he knew there was trouble with the heater / but it was intermittent since october 1997. he also told me about the lurching (later determinated) as a motor mount problem but previously diagnosed by a transmission shop as a badly slipping transmission. the problem disappeared after the motor mount was diagnosed and replaced. the car is at young ford in charlotte being repaired for the apparent burned ignition and main wiring harness and then a fruther look into the heating problem and also erratic gas gauge, which somtimes shows full when i can still add 10 gallons of gas
3
 Vehicle is experiencing continued problems with ignition system, recently the wiring under the dash starter to smoke. mjs
03/10/19980
 Consumer's son drove vehicle to school and parked vehicle on the lot, vehicle caught on fire from the hood to dashboard, it was burned more on the driver's side than the passenger's side. *ak
08/30/1996111/01/1992
 While driving smoke started coming from crack of hood right by windshield, turned off ignition, towed to service station, driver warned of fire hazard.*ak
11/15/1990501/01/1989
 While driving, experienced smoke in steering column, causing wiring harness to melt on five occasions, due to short in electrical system. *ak head lights failed on four occasions due to the faulty harness and steering column switch. *slc
05/02/1996102/05/1995
 An electrical short caused the dash to catch on fire while vehicle was parked. . *ak *jb
 Steering column started to catch fire, it started smoking from the dash board so the owner jump out the car and took the battery out had the car worked on. *ak