Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE WARNING
96V016000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 06/01/1995 to 09/01/1995V (Vehicle)7650002/21/1996MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY01/25/199601/30/1996571105
Defect SummaryThe brake system fluid level indicator lamp switch can malfunction. this does not comply with fmvss no. 105, hydraulic brake systems.
Consequence SummaryConsequence of non-compliance: if the switch malfuntions, the brake system warning lamp will either remain illuminated continuously or fail to light as intended when the fluid level falls to a certain level. in either case, the vehicle operator would not be warned of a low brake fluid level condition.
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the brake system fluid level indicator lamp switches.
NotesSystem: brakes; hydraulic; switch; brake warning; fmvss no. 105.vehicle description: passenger vehicles. note: 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. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
984503/02/1998601264Availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment. *yc07/15/1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
985A603/18/1998601004Some vehicles may cycle when brakes are applied on rough roads or on an incline while making a sharp turn. *yc12/14/2000
9521210/01/199546478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes is no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. if petroleum-based grease is used to lubricate any par04/25/1996
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT
BC025197020101/02/199751084Abs indicator illumination with dtc c1095. *jd06/27/1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
9919409/20/19996090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement. *tt03/06/2000
985A1103/18/1998601009Service tip information regarding elimination of sanding rotors and drums. *yc06/17/1998
BC101239702001/02/199751187Residual brake presure on the rear brakes of a 1996-1997 vehicle, make sure to support the rear control arms to remain at the normal ride height position- support during lifting process. *jd06/27/1997
BC014497020101/02/199751044Residual brake pressure on the rear brakes of a 1996-1997 taurus or sable, make sure to support the rear control arms to remain at the normal ride height position. if the rear contral arm on the drivers side is allowed to hang all the way d06/27/1997
9622210/21/199650941Brakes - elimination of sanding rotors and drums - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
985A1303/18/1998601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes is no longer acceptable. *yc06/17/1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
981401/19/1998605562Subject regarding the availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment. *tt07/09/1999
985A503/18/1998601003Hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment from rotunda is now approved for warranty and service use. *yc06/17/1998
BC076296101610/16/199650398Repetitive thumping/knocking noise proportional to wheel speed when braking. *tt04/24/1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE LIGHT
0217609/02/200210008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. *mj08/05/2004

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK
08/20/200008/01/2000
 Abs light comes on intermittently. when abs light is off, brakes work normally. when malfunction occurs, the brakes buzz on application and stopping distance increases dramatically then the abs light will illuminate. i called ford and they will not offer any dealer financial assistance.also the steering gearbox makes a loud groan and vibration when recovering from a right turn. some resistance is felt attemption to turn the wheel back to the left. the vibration is felt in the steering wheel. again ford refuses to assist even though there are multiple similar complaints on both of my complaints in your listings.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
01/22/1999112/28/1996
 Speed sensor binding internally causing speedometer to fail and shifting problems.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - CALIPER
07/01/199812/15/1997
 Brake calipurs continue to stick and rub while driving. check engine light on at all times. radiator/coolant system rusted out. ford recalled this model because of a hose in coolant system was improperly placed. mechanics claim problem with hose has caused major damage to the system.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
07/30/2011120000
 My son was drivinng the vehicle when the brakes completely failed. brake lines to the rear of the car ruptured annd drained system of brake fluid annd car had no brakes at all. it rolled into an intersection and thankfully he wasn't hurt. apparently this is fairly common with older cars. both lines being replaced.
09/15/20081100001
 Brake line failure. lost brakes in parking lot. brake line rotted through. repaired by local mechanic who stated this is a common problem on ford cars. if this doesn't require a recall and repair i don't know what does. *tr
01/18/2008120000
 Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. the contact stated that the vehicle would not start. it cranks, but the ignition does not turn over until she depresses the accelerator pedal. the vehicle would stall at least ten to twelve times before it would start. she took the vehicle to a mechanic and was informed that the fuel injectors and brake switch interlock were the causes of the failure. the vehicle is also stuck in park and will not move. in order to start the vehicle, she has to turn the ignition off and shift into neutral. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 120,000. updated 05/05/09. *lj
03/07/2008130000102/16/2006
 Brakes failed gradually fast..lost pressure in pedal....during snow storm...with kids in car...brakes go all the way to the floor...no service check engine light , or brake light illuminates at all!!! barely got home that night,told not to drive it ,now were snowed in so no one has had a chance to see why this is ... *tr
07/15/20030
 We had problems with our heater core and ended up replacing it. we continually have problems with the rear calipars and hae replaced them twice and repaired them once (they seize). we currently have problems with peeling paint on the roof of the car, and window seals that we have not yet fixed; are there any recalls for these problems? a body shop technician told us that it looks as though the car has already been repainted once; we are not the original owner of the car.
06/15/20030
 This car continually stalls out , the battery light comes on, the engine repair light comes on, the underneath suspension squeeks and groans, the brakes squeak, the wheel doesn't turn when the car stalls out. it has happened numerous times when i am turning a corner, the car stalls out and the wheel will not turn. now the computor systems are not working the air conditioning. i have to restart the car to get the radio and the air conditioning to start up. these things happen but no one can find a problem.
04/09/20021
 Excessive braking & transmission gear use---brakes overheated causing rotor glaze
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
06/21/20000
 When traveling 35mph on highway consumer applied brakes, and they hesitated/ and shook and and vibrated. also, brakes pulsate, and wandered off to the right. dealership has replaced brakes twice within two weeks later. *ak
07/01/200007/01/2000
 After purchasing vehicle, consumer went to his insurance company to have vehicle inspected, at that time consumer was advised that there was no abs because the dash light did not illuminate, consumer contacted dealership where vehicle was purchased and was told that the abs was recently repaired by another dealership consumer's personal mechanic inspected the vehicle and found that the abs harness located under the battery had been disconnected, currently the abs light comes on after driving for a few minutes and sometimes there is a buzzing noise and extended stopping distance when the brake is pressed during the day in normal conditions, consumer contacted dealership that stated they repaired abs and their records indicate that a wheel sensor was changed and they are not offering financial assistance, abs system is currently not functioning light comes on after driving for a minutes.
11/22/2000212/01/1999
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
01/04/2001
 Brakes do not work properly, consumer feels like they are bouncing. engine check light and abs brake light remain on when vehicle is in use. *ak
08/27/2000111/01/1997
 While driving on highway in rain storm, instantly when consumer took foot off gas pedal and put it on brake pedal, engine failed which caused a loss of brakes, resulting in rearend accident. *ak
05/31/2000
 Front brakes are not operable. when he applying brakes pedal goes all the way down to the floor. *ak
 Abs brake pump mechanism obtains water which freezes, causing the brakes to fail. please give any further details. *ak
02/14/20000
 While driving abs light will appear unexpectedly on dashboard, and consumer will need to turn off engine. then, light will disappear. *ak
12/10/199912/01/1997
 Heater core only lasts 12-13 months, dealer can not find prob with abs brakes.. *ak
09/02/1999
 Abs module needs replacement. replacement would cost approximately $587.90. consumer would like to know if this is a safety issue. why? must we pay instead of manufacturer. *ak
11/21/1999
 Brakes work intermittentlyywhen con applies his brakes there is a clinking noise. the dealship has been contacted. *ak
211/01/1995
 Rotors and pads have been replaced with no change to the shaking. very violent at highway speeds.
07/12/1999
 While driving at speed of 10 mph brakes will lock up in rainy conditions, cauing the vehicle to cut off.this happened several times. *ak
03/01/1997
 When driving through water or rain the battery light comes on. brakes make a squeeking noise and the steering locks up. contacted dealer when under warranty. problem went away temporarily, but currently problem reappeared.*ak
04/03/199805/20/1996
 Abs brake failure. in addition, premature wear of brake pads/rotors, causing brakes to pulsate upon application. also radiator is leaking brown fluid due to rust.
12/16/1995612/16/1995
 Rusty water in radiator reservoir. also, vehicle surges at all times; transmission shifts when going down incline, causing vehicle to runaway and brake vibration when driving at 40-45 mph. *ak
05/28/1996
 The defective rear braking system malfunctioned causing more wear and tear to the front braking system which caused extended stopping distance. almost resulted in an accdient. *ak
09/01/19975
 After 8 miles new vehicle needed to turn rotors. after approximately 3000 more miles another set was needed. approximately every 3000 miles new rotors and calpiers. put in new systems , dealership can never fix defect properly. uncontrolable in the steering wheel. this defect can result in an accident. *ak
06/02/1997
 Abs brake failure, when applied the brakes the pedal was very hard, causing extended stopping distance and impact 12:00 position, speed 25mph. *ak
03/15/1996
 Abs brake failure, when driving vehicle at any speed lost effectiveness and pedal went to the floor; also, while driving making a grinding noise. *ak
12/28/1996
 The vehicle lost its abs system. the owner went to apply the brakes and the pedal would not depress and the car would not stop. *ak
 When applying the abs brakes, the brakes are making a loud noise, and brakes failed to stop the vehicle. replaced brakes. *ak
11/16/1995111/16/1995
 Brakes failed.
11/29/1995111/29/1995
 When applying the brakes there is a strong vibration in the steering wheel and the vehicle keeps moving. this happens on normal road condtions. the system has abs. *ak consumer states seat belts lock up before they are put on. steering wheel churns as it is being turned, dealer can not find problem. *slc
 When applying the brake there was no brake, has abs anti-lock brakes. please describe . *ak
03/06/1996
 Abs brake light keeps coming on due to computer sensor failure, need replacing. *ak
10/16/1995
 Abs, brake failure when apllied brakes extended stopping distance impact 12:00 position speed 30 mph. tt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT
03/07/2008130000102/16/2006
 Brakes failed gradually fast..lost pressure in pedal....during snow storm...with kids in car...brakes go all the way to the floor...no service check engine light , or brake light illuminates at all!!! barely got home that night,told not to drive it ,now were snowed in so no one has had a chance to see why this is ... *tr
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FLUID
04/25/1996111/18/1995
 Brake fluid level indicator switch replaced.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
03/12/2002106/08/2000
 Consumer states front disc brake and rear drum brakes were replaced. *tt
103/01/2001
 Consumer states brakes have been replaced. *yd
10/15/2001410/26/1998
 Vehicle stalls at various speeds, dealer has adjusted pcm but this did not remedy the problem, the brakes cause vibration when stopping.*ak *nlm
103/01/2001
 Consumer states brakes have been replaced. *yd
07/24/2001
 Vehicle lost braking power while traveling down hill, causing it to lose control and hit a guardrail. manufacturer was notified. feel free to provide any further details on this matter.*ak
101/22/1997
 Rear brake makes grinding that dealer can't duplicate.*et
05/24/19991
 Vehicle experienced problem with brake system failing completley. vehicle inspected by dealer shop and informed consumer tha t nothing could be found. *ak
1
 Brakes failed.
10/14/1997405/31/1996
 Hydraulic brakes locked up on four different occasions, causing two accidents
12/01/1996310/21/1997
 Rear suspension failure, causing vehicle to pull to the right. also vehicle vibrates upon aplying brakes. *ak
07/12/1997
 Vehicle had no brakes when coming off the interstate, tried pumping the brakes, they woudn't work. vehicle had to be towed. vehicle's electrical system just shut down. *ak
 When applying the hydraulic brakes at hwy speeds, the steering wheel shakes. please describe. *ak
03/26/19966
 Brakes make groaning noise upon releasing brake pedal. *sd
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
05/15/2001109/01/1995
 The brake caliper leaked and lost brake fluid. i refilled and never lost braking. had caliper replaced. this was not discovered during routine replacement of rear brake pads.*ak
06/21/20000
 When traveling 35mph on highway consumer applied brakes, and they hesitated/ and shook and and vibrated. also, brakes pulsate, and wandered off to the right. dealership has replaced brakes twice within two weeks later. *ak
502/01/1997
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
502/01/1998
 I have had problems especially with my heads and transmission since i've gotten the car!
08/09/1998310/01/1996
 The front rotors on this car have been turned twice (8/98 & 6/9/99) and need to be turned or replaced again (9/2000). the rear rotors were turned on 2/28/2000. i feel that having rotors turned once a year is unacceptable and have never had to have brake work done that often on any other vehicle that i have owned. i am concerned that this is indicative of a safety issue regarding the brakes. dealership personnel have been less than helpful regarding my concerns.
04/03/199805/20/1996
 Abs brake failure. in addition, premature wear of brake pads/rotors, causing brakes to pulsate upon application. also radiator is leaking brown fluid due to rust.
 Front brake calipers/pads and rotors malfunctioned. in addition, vehicle idling rough and backfiring. dealer replaced computer/coil and spark plugs and crancase sensor. did not solveproblem. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
04/09/1999
 Consumer was driving approximately 30mph in the rain 3-4 car lengths when he began to apply the brakes, the pedalwas hard, and vehicle slid underneath a pickup truck at 32000 miles. also, the brake pads were replaced. after the accident and the neccessary repairs and replacements made, the dealership recognized that when driving over 50mph and braking, the brakes would be hard, there was no assit, just hard brakes. *ak
05/12/1996405/01/1996
 Brake pads failed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
05/07/199824000305/25/1996
 Steering wheel and automobile wobbles when applying brakes. *ak
04/01/1998412/09/1996
 Warped front brake rotors, causing brakes to vibrate upon application.
05/12/1996405/01/1996
 Brake rotors failed.
09/01/19975
 After 8 miles new vehicle needed to turn rotors. after approximately 3000 more miles another set was needed. approximately every 3000 miles new rotors and calpiers. put in new systems , dealership can never fix defect properly. uncontrolable in the steering wheel. this defect can result in an accident. *ak
 The brake drums/rotors and seat arm rest were replaced, has 800 miles on car . please describe . *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM
11/15/20014
 When starting vehicle, the engine check light would remain on, followed by shaking and vibration. also intermittent stalling would occur when coming to a stop or applying accelerator pedal from a stop position, vehicle was taken to dealer shop, and had some severe repairs done, problem concerning engine is still occurring, also rear brakes were replaced, the coolant overflow bottle contained a leak. *slc
11/06/1997304/01/1997
 The major problem was engine overheating, brown coolant,loss of heater. ford repeated flushed out the heater core,replaced the coollant, flushed out engine, radiator. after about a year of this they finally had to replace the engine with another engine, a rebuilt one of course. they continued to have to flush out the brown coolant. now the heater does not work again. they say that since my warranty is up i must pay for the heater core even though they knew it was going bad and that they had two recalls on brown coolant problems. they say they have not had any problems with engines if they performed the recall. they should have replaced the heater core according to the recall notice 98-b23 and 98b23-s1 but did not. they replaced the steering rack three times to get rid of the noise when turning. then they replaced the spindles which the ends should have been sealed at the factory but were not. they ground down the rotors several times to keep the car from vibrating and replaced them once. they replaced the door lock which wouldn't allow you to open the car on the drivers side and then replaced the hood latch so you could get under the hood. they have replaced the ac knob twice since the plastic inside keeps breaking. this car has been a piece of junk since i got it and continues to have problems especially with the coolent and the heater system.
12/29/1996110/01/1995
 Rear brakes lock up.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - DRUM
 The brake drums/rotors and seat arm rest were replaced, has 800 miles on car . please describe . *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
08/05/20053
 1996 ford taurus lx brake lines have developed a rust problem.***no answer required***. *mr the consumer stated nearly every part of the brake line that was not rubber coated had rusted through. *jb
08/10/200392000002/16/1996
 Total brake failure. brake lines rusted through causing leak. had to use emergency brake to stop.
08/20/20012
 Two weeks ago the right rear metal brake line busted because of it rusting through.the line was replaced and a second metalic line busted because of the same reason. this line is a main line which runs from the master cylinder to the rear of the car . a third line is also ready to rust through that line also runs from the master cylinder to the rear of the car.the car has no other rust just the three brake lines .they are only rusted in a certain area not the whole length , around two to three foot from the rear. when the lines busted there was hardly any brakes just 1 front brake worked this is the second time this has happened the car is a 96 with 109000 miles and no other rust
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
08/20/20012
 Two weeks ago the right rear metal brake line busted because of it rusting through.the line was replaced and a second metalic line busted because of the same reason. this line is a main line which runs from the master cylinder to the rear of the car . a third line is also ready to rust through that line also runs from the master cylinder to the rear of the car.the car has no other rust just the three brake lines .they are only rusted in a certain area not the whole length , around two to three foot from the rear. when the lines busted there was hardly any brakes just 1 front brake worked this is the second time this has happened the car is a 96 with 109000 miles and no other rust
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - PEDALS AND LINKAGES
10/16/1996
 Brakes go the floor and do not stop, transmission slips in first or second gear, grinding noise is heard turning, and vehicle stalls.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST
04/09/1999
 Consumer was driving approximately 30mph in the rain 3-4 car lengths when he began to apply the brakes, the pedalwas hard, and vehicle slid underneath a pickup truck at 32000 miles. also, the brake pads were replaced. after the accident and the neccessary repairs and replacements made, the dealership recognized that when driving over 50mph and braking, the brakes would be hard, there was no assit, just hard brakes. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - HYDRAULIC
08/10/200392000002/16/1996
 Total brake failure. brake lines rusted through causing leak. had to use emergency brake to stop.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE LIGHT
06/17/00048
 When driving at any speed brake light appeared on the dashboard. consumer took vehicle to the dealership, and the problem recurred. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE WARNING
 Brake warning light stays illuminated on the dash panel. dealer has been contacted. *ak
1
 Third brake light was out.