Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
01V230000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 06/01/1996 to 05/31/1998V (Vehicle)34296208/29/2001ODIFORD MOTOR COMPANY07/09/200107/13/2001
Defect SummaryOn certain my 1996-1998 passenger vehicles built at the kansas city, cuautitlan assembly plants or on my 1999 passenger vehcles built at the automotive alliance international assembly plants, the rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades can damage the copper surface of the wiring harness connector. the damage could, over time, cause increased resistance in the connector and, due to subsequent terminal relaxation, result in an open circuit condition.
Consequence SummaryThe open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness. owner notification began august 29, 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.
NotesFord recall no.01s22.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
04151608/09/200410011161Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with diagnostic trouble code(s) p0420 and/or p0430. *tt01/06/2005
0320310/13/2003039810004886Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system. *tt01/14/2004
0318109/15/200310004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips. *tt11/14/2003
1688006/01/200310002598Inoperative shift interlock solenoid or repeat instrument interface module failure. *tt09/08/2003
1153304/01/1998613798Some vehicles built before 2/2/98 at kansas city and 2/16/98 at cuautitlan, mexico may exhibit a no communication with pats-module concern. *tt08/03/2000
584403/01/1999605232Some vehicles built between august 1997 and february 1998 may exhibit an anti-lock brake system (abs) light on and the blower inoperative. *tt06/04/1999
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 - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
1230112/01/1998615546Some 2.5l equipped vehicles may exhibit an inoperative alternator due to rusting / corrosion on the brush path of the slip rings. *tt01/18/2001
514012/01/1998615333Some vehicles may exhibit an inoperative alternator. this concern is under investigation. *tt01/13/2001
98514011/01/1998613276Some vehicles may exhibit an inoperative alternator. *ak06/20/2000
1210511/01/1998613090Some vehicles may exhibit an inoperative alternator. *mjs06/16/2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY
024503/04/2002636065Information regarding discharged battery charging service tips and guidelines. *tt11/05/2002
98269204/01/1998603580Some vehicles may exhibit a discharged battery. *yc02/25/1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
1252003/01/19996091765Subject regarding 60 amp fuse blown. *tt11/14/2000
596305/01/19996091734Information on installing fuses at pre-delivery. *tt11/14/2000
1284606/01/1999606909Subject on installing fuses at pdi (pre-delivery inspection). *tt09/07/1999
1259703/01/1999605320Information on installing fuses at pre-delivery. *tt06/08/1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
1151404/01/1998613776Some vehicles may exhibit an ignition key high removal effort. *tt08/02/2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER
016204/02/2001619266Vehicles equipped with passive anti-theft system (pats) may not start or crank. *tt05/22/2001
98518711/01/1998613318Some vehicles may require key programming issues for the passive anti-theft system (pats). *tt06/21/2000
1214211/01/1998613163Some vehicles may require key programming for the passive anti-theft pats. *mjs06/19/2000
98356601/01/1998607837Information on programming / diagnosing any passive anti-theft system (pats) related issues. *tt10/13/1999
98356601/19/1998607484Information regarding programming / diagnosing passive anti-theft system (pats) related issues. *tt09/23/1999
9811001/19/1998605570Subject regarding passive anti theft system (pats) diagnostic service tips. *tt07/09/1999
1262103/01/1999605341Subject regarding ignition lock service replacement. *tt06/08/1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
1582804/01/2002637571Some vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble code b1213, b1342, b1601, b2431. *tt12/03/2002
981134402/01/1998607513Subject regarding changes to the electronic engine control system. *tt09/24/1999
994903/08/1999604765Conditions with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0460 stored in continuous memory without any driveability concerns. *tt05/12/1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH
98211411/01/1998603677Condition with high effort ignition key insertion/ removal and /or key chimes sound with door open and ignition key removed. *yc03/01/1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY
690609/01/19996090218Exhibiting a starter grinding noise and / or lack of starter drive engagement. *tt03/10/2000
991313708/01/1999609049Concerns with 2.5l engine equipped vehicles and cd4e transaxle exhibiting a starter grinding noise and / or lack of starter drive engagement. *tt12/07/1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
9922210/18/19996089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt02/11/2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
98508911/01/1998613217Some vehicles built prior to 6/16/98 may have a broken / detached instrument panel cluster bezel gaphider. *tt06/19/2000

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
EA01001FORD MOTOR COMPANY01/05/200107/31/2001BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS01V230000
 A
PE00023FORD MOTOR COMPANY06/14/200001/05/2001BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS
 Allege that the blower switch/resistor overheats and starts or could start a fire.
EA01001FORD MOTOR COMPANY01/05/200107/31/2001BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS01I009000
 A

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12/31/20081250001
 I am the 2nd owner of my 1998 mercury mystique. i purchased the vehicle in 2004. it has a computer defect that gives a false reading for the check engine light. this car qualified for the nj lemon law because of this problem with its 1st owner. however, that owner was too kind to do anything about it. the previous owner gave me a file filled with service information from the date he purchased the vehicle, brand new in december 1997. shortly after his purchase he had the vehicle back to the dealer for the check engine light. he had it back a couple more times for the same thing and they always fixed it. obviously, they put a band-aid on a major defect. i noticed the light was on when i first purchased the vehicle. the former owner said he had it checked and was told not to pay attention to it. well, since then i have been told at inspection that it has to be fixed every time. so it goes to my mechanic who wills repair/replace the necessary parts per that day
04/06/2008114708
 Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury mystique. the contact took her vehicle to a mechanic because the blower motor resistor failed. the mechanic stated that her fuse box melted, which caused the blower motor to fail. she called the manufacturer and a representative stated that her vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 01v230000 (electrical system), although the failures were identical. the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. she is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. the failure and current mileages were 114,708.
12/08/200576500301/17/2005
 Vehicle instrument panel went hay-wire, car starting hesitating, and slamming from gear to gear. took to a service center that advised me that it had a bad sensor. paid close to $800.00 to have replaced. car started with more electrical issues within the next couple of days. (ie: lights would not go on, etc) took back to service center that then advised that the wiring harness on the car was malfunctioning and causes the electrical system to short circuit. the wiring harness would have to be replaced and wiring on car would have to be redone costing close to $3000.00. they also advised that this car is not safe to drive, that it would be just a matter of time before this car would catch fire. did not have $$ to make repair, continued to drive car having no other option with a baby, and young child that need to be taken to school, etc. while driving on the interstate days later, the car went from 75 mph to 10 mph like hitting a wall. almost got rear-ended and had to exit, driving home at 10 mph the whole way. *jb
12/01/2005109/01/2005
 Dt: the contact states there is a nhtsa recall campaign #01v230000 concerning the electrical system. this vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to vin. the vehicle has not been repaired because it was too expensive *ak
05/07/2005120000106/15/1998
 Dt: while driving down the road, i noticed smoke coming out of the dash. i pull over to the side of the road, opened the hood and the first thing i saw was fire coming from behind the glove compartment. the car caught fire and burned just five after i pulled over. no warning lights, looked at temp gauge and everything was fine before the fire. called 911 at 5:44 pm, fire dept came and put out the fire. this was on the interstate. *nm *sb
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
07/01/20026
 Horn does not work. vehicle has been checked by dealer several times. horn would work intermittently, but currently it has failed completely.*ak the rear seat belts are inoperative. the power steering, alternator, and front brakes failed. the catalytic converter caught on fire. *jg
01/01/199812/01/1997
 Volt regulater was defective. yh
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY
12/01/2000108/01/1997
 Approx. 3 weeks ago, the original battery in my car was completely dead . it had showed no signs of losing power prior to that day. i bought a new battery and when i hooked it up the engine started turning over. the keys were in my pocket. as a result the starter died. i had the car towed to a local service station. they replaced the starter and a cracked serpantine belt. a few days later i was driving from nj to pa when i heard a strange buzzing sound under my hood and i smelt the faint smell of something burning. i pulled over, turned off the ignition and looked under the hood. i did not see anything out of the ordinary. the car would not start back up. i had it towed to a near bye service station. again the starter had to be replaced along with a burned relay wire and a battery. when i went to pick the car up, the new battery had died and we noticed some more burnt wires near the fuse box. i than had the car towed to haldeman lincoln mercury in allentown, pa 610-797-5005. until this point i was reluctant to take my car to the dealer because they had been extremely unresponsive to past issues i have had with the transmission shifting delayed and hard and also with the check engine light and a engine timing issue. these issues happened right after my warranty expired and despite three seperate letters to ford, the company did nothing to address my situation. i conveyed this entire story to the service advisor, mike siemons, at haldeman lincoln mercury dealership and he gave me the customer service number for ford. on 2/10/01 i spoke with a customer service rep. who stated that he would relay my report to a area account rep. who would help remedy my problem. i was informed the rep. would call me by the end of business today. so far he has not called. the dealership informed me today that i needed to pay $2k+ for a new wire harness and a 3rd starter in as many weeks. they attribute the problem to a battery that leaked acid. this isn't the proble
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY - CABLES
 The engine has gone dead and will not start due to a short in the battery relay cable. the doors will not open electronically , also. dlr has not seen.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
07/05/2002
 Fuse recepticle is melting under dash. dealer and manufacturer have been notified. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
03/08/2002503/01/1998
 Intermittently brake lights shorted out and malfunctioned. dealer has repaired vehicle several times; however, problem still exists. please provide additional information. *ak consumer states that a mechanic told her ford were known to have these problems. ph 09-dec-2002
10/09/2001406/01/1998
 Car is fire and safety hazard as well as child-welfare and safety hazard and ford motor company refuses to talk with me about this auto. no safety defec tlisted. *ak (tiresize: 205/60r15)
08/23/20000
 While driving a/c motor stopped, consumer turned off the a/c switch. then noticed smoke coming from under dash, consumer stopped, and vehicle caught on fire. entire dashboard fell out on consumer .*ak
 Wiring to the headlights had an electrical short which caused the headlights to be non-functional. dealer has replaced the wiring under a recall. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
07/01/2002
 While driving vehicle started smoking. vehicle was checked by dealer, who advised consumer that fuel was leaking from spark plug wires into the catalytic converter which could have caused vehicle to catch on fire.*ak
06/26/2002
 At 15mph vehicle shuts off. this could have caused an accident. cause unknown. dealer notified.*ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
10/19/2001109/01/1997
 The vehicle stalled2 blocks from home in am. it was able to be restarted, but died when put in gear. it was towed to the dealer. they were not able to duplicate the condition, but found a tsb that stated to reprogram the pcm. they said this was not covered by the extended warranty. i contacted ford customer service, but have not received a reply. ford announced the other day that reimbursement for repairs to their vehicles that stalled without warning. this vehicle falls under that condition. i feel this condition is very dangerous, since the vehicle stalls without warning, and all power is lost.*ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY
12/01/2000108/01/1997
 Approx. 3 weeks ago, the original battery in my car was completely dead . it had showed no signs of losing power prior to that day. i bought a new battery and when i hooked it up the engine started turning over. the keys were in my pocket. as a result the starter died. i had the car towed to a local service station. they replaced the starter and a cracked serpantine belt. a few days later i was driving from nj to pa when i heard a strange buzzing sound under my hood and i smelt the faint smell of something burning. i pulled over, turned off the ignition and looked under the hood. i did not see anything out of the ordinary. the car would not start back up. i had it towed to a near bye service station. again the starter had to be replaced along with a burned relay wire and a battery. when i went to pick the car up, the new battery had died and we noticed some more burnt wires near the fuse box. i than had the car towed to haldeman lincoln mercury in allentown, pa 610-797-5005. until this point i was reluctant to take my car to the dealer because they had been extremely unresponsive to past issues i have had with the transmission shifting delayed and hard and also with the check engine light and a engine timing issue. these issues happened right after my warranty expired and despite three seperate letters to ford, the company did nothing to address my situation. i conveyed this entire story to the service advisor, mike siemons, at haldeman lincoln mercury dealership and he gave me the customer service number for ford. on 2/10/01 i spoke with a customer service rep. who stated that he would relay my report to a area account rep. who would help remedy my problem. i was informed the rep. would call me by the end of business today. so far he has not called. the dealership informed me today that i needed to pay $2k+ for a new wire harness and a 3rd starter in as many weeks. they attribute the problem to a battery that leaked acid. this isn't the proble
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY - SOLENOID
08/07/200502/16/2003
 The trans is out not working. it worked fine,and just stop,made a funny noise and just stoped. ipulled in my yard.know it want move.for know reason.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
06/14/200530000110/01/1998
 Dt: the contact was having electrical problems. she said the vehicle would not start. the vehicle would jump while she was driving. she was going about 40 mph. she had it looked at, and was told it was in the wiring. she said when the mechanic looked at the vehicle the windshield wipers came on by themselves. a mechanic told her the wires were bad, and they needed to be replaced. she was told this by two different mechanics. she found out about a recall 01v230000 on the wiring harness. dealer told her the recall has expired. manufacturer said this vehicle was not included in the recall. *ak
07/07/1999404/21/1999
 Shorting out of wiring caused fuse blowing, two times battery died and alternator failed. yh
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD
 Wiring harness burned, causing a small fire. dealer has replaced wiring harness.*ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
07/18/20033
 I came to this site looking for recall information to see if there had been a recall related to my problems with the 1998 mercury mystique. so far nothing too dangerous has happened, but i am feeling very unsafe for obvious reasons. one by one the electrical systems in my car are shorting out. i haven't been able to power down the passenger side window for quite some time. then the radio (always faulty -- they were never able to fix it even by replacing it) shorted out completely on the incident date below. then the interior overhead and floorboard lights shorted out a few days later. i'm concerned that the exterior lights and power steering are next. i can't get an appointment at the dealership to have all this looked at for another couple of weeks. i was checking the site to see if there were any related recalls or complaints. thought i'd add a complaint because maybe it needs to be looked into.*ak
11/26/1999
 Ongoing problem with electrical shortages, causing vehicle to lose power. vehicle has been to dealer's shop on four occasions, and problem continues to occur. also a fire orignated under the hood. feel free to provide further details. *ak