Bulletins

BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN
529012/01/1998615396Some vehicles may exhibit a speedometer pointer wiver concern. *tt01/16/2001
1220912/01/1998615471Some vehicles may exhibit a speedometer pointer waiver concern. *tt01/16/2001
1217811/01/1998613234Information regarding tsb 98-5a-12 (transaxle/transmission/transfer case-vehicles towed behind recreational vehicles-recommended guidelines) does not list towing information for certain model vehicles. *mjs06/19/2000
1296711/01/1998613037Vehicles may exhibit speedometer pointer waver. *mjs06/16/2000
98502711/01/1998613061Vehicles may experience speedometer pointer waver. *tt06/16/2000
9711109723711/10/199753663Concerns with harsh engagements and harsh shifts with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) 628, p0741 and/or p1744. *yc03/30/1998
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
9915207/26/1999608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt01/05/2001
001501/10/2000612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs06/06/2000
988804/27/1998601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart. *yc07/10/1998
9751103/03/199751945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts. *jd07/17/1997
BC10120970201/02/199751184Verify the transaxle installed in the vehicle is the correct model and model year for the vehicle. *jd06/27/1997
BC968396100110/01/199650542Procedure for updating the calibration from r-11 to r-12 for stalling on decel & misfire codes on 3.0l vehicles. *tt05/27/1997
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
0314807/21/200310003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt10/29/2003
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
1481104/01/2001619293Information on additional parts required when replacing transfer case on vehicles equippped with ax4s transaxle. *tt05/23/2001
1261603/01/1999605338Information on transaxle service case replacement with oss (output shaft speed sensor) hole. *tt06/08/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
0118109/17/2001625715Brake shift interlock.*jb11/30/2001
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
9624911/18/199650908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
96261212/16/199650997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
9515707/01/199545937The torque converter identification codes have been revised as of 3/1/95. *sd04/25/1996
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
9517708/01/199545965Transaxle-revised clutch clearances-axode/ax4s. *sd04/25/1996
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL
98267504/01/1998603573A revised forward clutch inner seal for the axod, axode, ax4s & ax4n transaxle is available with improved sealing and reduced chance of the seal rolling during installation. *yc02/25/1999
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
1255903/01/1999605294Concerns with reverse clutch that could become sheared or torn in extremely cold temperatures. *tt06/07/1999
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
980216983805/27/1998600591Transaxles use a new transmission fluid. *yc05/27/1998
BC067896102510/25/199650356Information on aode/4r7w transmission main control & case replacement. *tt04/24/1997

Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
05/15/2003135000
 Ford 3.8l head gasket failure transmission failure
07/25/2002407/01/2002
 Car has stalled since first day when stopping and upon acceleration engine stalls and won't crank,also had broken motor mounts,power windows not working,tachometer not working,windshield wiper was mising when bought. *ak
10/01/1995
 Ongoing problem with defective speedometer. vehicle has had four speedmeter replacements within every 30,000 miles or less. all replacements / repairs were made under warranty. now problem is reoccurring for the fifth time and dealer / mfr. refused to repair unless cost go to consumer. would like nhtsa help in this matter; this is a mfr. defected parts that continually reoccurs.
01/29/19901
 Speedometer broken.
06/21/1996
 Failure on the speedometer when driving 75 mph, the speedometer reading is incorrect, reading 90 mph. please describe in more details. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
01/05/20081819781012/07/2001
 In early january 2008, my mercury sable 3.0 wagon, began to have transmission (ax4s) problems of eradict upshifting and downshifting when accelerating from a stop and climbing a hill. in addition when i checked the fluid level when the motor is hot it appears low in atf fluid, but when the motor has cooled the transmission fluid stick indicates the transmission full at the right level. i have become aware that the ax4s has a history of inadequate internal lubrication of critical parts and a weak forward clutch piston that cracks and leaks pressure that leads to complete failure of the transmission. my car is no longer operational due to transmission failure. the estimated cost on average from transmission repair shops in my area is 2200.00. i would like to keep the car and realize now that this particular transmission has numerous complaints of failure and ford is aware of the factory defects built into the transmission. i would like ford to repair my transmission at there expense since they have been aware of these problem for years yet continued to manufacture and install this transmission into there vehicles being sold to the public. *tr
01/01/200484572104/23/2003
 While driving at 5 mph and without any warning the automatic transmission failed. towed vehicle to the dealer and the technician determined the vehicle needed a new transmission. *ak *jb
12/21/2001109/15/1993
 Antifreeze leak due to blown head gasket. *ak there was a recall on blower head gasket at one time, but the dealer pointed out that the recall time was over. the consumer replaced a motion sensor on the transmission which was also was on recall a long time ago. *yh
108/02/1993
 Whenever vehicle was in overdrive, it would jerk and then stall out when turning corners. this caused power steering to lock up. took vehicle to dealership, and was informed nothing could be done about it. vehicle was not recalled.*ak consumer was informed that his vehicles vin was not included in recall, so consumer had the head gasket and thermostat replaced and paid for repairs. transmission is now going out. right outer tie rod end replaced, was causing a squeaking noise when turning steering wheel. windshield washer pump failed and caused a leak. headlight switch failed. *slc
01/12/2001107/01/1993
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
05/01/20001
 Automatic transmission is jumping and has difficulty shifting into higher gears. consumer was originally informed that this defect was due to broken motor mounts. consumer had motor mounts replaced. however, transmission problems have remained.*ak consumer was advised that problem was a speed sensor, it was repaired .*jb
06/05/1997103/01/1994
 The transmission is just one of the problems we have had with this car.the air conditioning never worked very well. december 1998 the air conditioning quit working completely. the cruise control quit working in 1996. one of the power windows quit working in 1997. the headliner near the back windshield started hanging down in 1998. our latest problem is a blown head gasket. we had the transmission repaired 11/1/98 at a cost to us of $1,788.00. plus it cost us over $100.00 to have the car towed. the ford company hasn't done anything to help us.
04/16/2001
 Vehicle overheated and had to be towed to dealer. anti-freeze had backed up and leaked out. dealer acknowledged they have had some complaints, but no recall was issued. sensor assembly, transmission pan gasket, cylinder head gasket and thermostat had to be replaced. consumer was respondsible for $1700. *ak
03/14/2001101/01/1997
 The starters made for this car are not the right kind i am alwys replacing it, headgaskets blew out at 80000 miles the transmission went out at 103265 this car is poorly built.*ak
07/22/2000
 Engine has blown head gaskets. this happened two hundred miles after transmission repairs. this was noticed by the dealership when vehicle was brought in for recall campaign. manufacturer has been notified about this problem. *ak *ml
09/10/1998404/01/1998
 The problems with the head gaskets and transmissions in the sable/taurus is legendary in the industry. why can't something be done?>ak
02/01/2000
 While driving power steering goes out. consumer was making a left and heard a popping sound. also, transmission jerks & shakes. power windows won't work when in reverse. consumer has had car for 4 days. there is a extended warranty, consumer will take back vehicle to dealer to have checked out. *ak
 When traveling transmission would not engage into gear when attempting to accelerate, causing a slow start condition. consumer has yet to contact the dealer. please provide any further details. *ak
01/06/1999311/01/1992
 Left and right motor mounts and transmission mount broke. this represents the third time the motor mounts have failed. all three repairs used original ford replacement parts. all repairs were done by independent shops.
10/30/1998105/01/1993
 Coolant detected in exhaust at 70000 miles failure at 115000. transmission failure at 65000 miles broken clutch cylinder
07/05/1999111/01/1998
 Many parts have been replaced on my car and after looking at this webiste, they have all been reported before. i am currently unable to drive the car b/c it needs a motor. i am currently paying a car note on it and paying for car repairs and cant drive
07/05/1999111/01/1998
 No summary
09/01/199911/01/1993
 I filed report due to info found on websitemembers.aol.com/mkbradley/index.html; apparently there are a number of issues with taurus/sable transmissions, engines, and headgaskets; ford should be pressured for a recall; feel free to email me with any feedback or additional info at geisy@wdgbt.com
07/07/199911/01/1998
 While driving vehicle jumped out of gear. mechanic replaced motor mounts, but problem got worse. same day took vehicle to transmission shop and had transmission replaced. later received recall notice regarding the sub-frame rear plate nut, which can ruin the transmission or motor if loose or defective. recall repair completed, but owner wants reimbursement for previous repairs.
05/01/1999104/15/1995
 Transmission failed. *yc
07/11/1999
 Was at stop sign, started to take off, and vehicle failed to move. shifted from drive to reverse & then back & nothing happened. vehicle towed to mechanic & was informed the planetary gear/ front and rear, pump assembly needed replacing. had to replace the sunshelf of the transmission. *ak
07/26/1999112/01/1998
 The wiring problem is that the computer chip controlling the transmission burnt out, which resulted in an eventual burn out of the transmission. there was no warning prior to the transmission failing, because the computer chip was malfunctioning.
03/03/199908/01/1995
 Transmission failed suddenly with no warning
108/01/1996
 One morning when i started my car i noticed that it felt funny and when i shifted the transmission to r it made an horrible noise and the car wouldn't move. i ended up paying around $1450 to fix the transmission.
01/01/1997
 Transmission jerks while increasing speed
03/21/1996105/23/1995
 Transmission failed.
10/28/199806/01/1996
 Complete tranmission failure without warning
09/04/19984
 Vehicle has broken down five times in five weeks due to transmission mount breaking. also, enertia switch failure/vehicle pulling and shaking after right front tire changed/ignition switch stuck. *ak
08/01/1993
 Transmission failed.
1
 Vehicle jerks while driving due to transmission failure.
10/19/199710/17/1993
 Transmission failure. *ak
09/30/1994110/07/1993
 Transmission failed.
09/25/1996
 The transmission covering cracked/fell off. *ak
04/01/1996110/20/1992
 Transmission jumps out of gear at low speeds. *aw
05/20/19951
 Transmission failure. *ak
08/01/1994
 Transmission; lock up hesitate when driving on highway. tt
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
03/19/1999105/01/1994
 Cause of transmission failure was due to transmission fluid boiling. *ak
01/01/19964
 Transmission fluid leaked repeatedly over a period of art least four instances.
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT
08/10/200009/01/1994
 This is my mother's car. i purchased it in spruce pine, nc for her. she has given me power of att. for this difficulty. her car lost coolant, she took it to the ford dealer in nj. he checked and told her to drive it and come back in a week. the car overheated due to head gaskets. it engine was ruined- headgaskets, housings, rings, bearings, water pump. paid $3000.00 in repairs, but rings and bearings were not replaced. no oil pressure, uses oil, and rack & pinion then went out. has 80000 on it now. dealer knew 3.8 engines had problems back to '89. no satisfaction- no workable car. ford will pay for new engine up to 1994 even though this problem has been there since 1989. please help. *ak
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
03/09/1998105/01/1997
 The car now when coming to a stop and turning to the right it locks up hard to turn. and has a huming like low oil, in an old fashion car. the noise speeds up and down with the car . what is up with that window though ? i don't know why my brakes were so worn last time that is just so sad.
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
1
 Transmission required rebuilding due to worn piston in the clutch. mjs
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
01/17/19957
 Constant velocity joint failed, causing transmission to lock up. *sd
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
07/11/1999
 Was at stop sign, started to take off, and vehicle failed to move. shifted from drive to reverse & then back & nothing happened. vehicle towed to mechanic & was informed the planetary gear/ front and rear, pump assembly needed replacing. had to replace the sunshelf of the transmission. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
01/17/19967
 Driveshaft failed. *sd
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
1
 Transmission experienced multiple leaks. *slc

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