Recalls

CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
98V288000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 08/03/1998 to 09/17/1998V (Vehicle)180011/25/1998MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY11/09/199811/10/1998
Defect SummaryVehicle description: passenger vehicles equpped with the california emissions package. an incorrect transmission oil cooler line was installed. the line contacts the anti-lock braking system module support bracket and over time, can wear and develop a leak.
Consequence SummaryTransmission fluid leakage onto the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter can result in a fire.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install the appropriate transmission oil cooler line.
NotesOwner notification began november 25, 1998. 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 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins

BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN
1735808/01/20041796310008183Groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector is in park with the vehicle parked on an incline. *tt this bulletin updates previous bulletin 17358, dated 11/01/2003 to include 2005 models. *tt07/22/2004
1667803/01/200310001934Ax4s transaxle may exhibit no reverse engagement condition. *tt *jb07/28/2003
1582004/01/2002637556Some vehicles equipped with an ax4n/4f50n transaxle may exhibit a shudder during a 3-4 shift. *tt12/02/2002
1539211/01/2001630356Some vehicles may exhibit a park pullout clunk noise when shifting from park to another gear position. *tt04/16/2002
1537011/01/2001630351Some vehicles may exhibit a groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector is in park. *tt04/16/2002
1228412/01/1998615533Some vehicle s may exhbit inoperable spped control. *tt01/18/2001
994303/08/1999604751Information regarding reprogramming powertrain control modules (pcms). *tt05/11/1999
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
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
04210712/13/200404241410014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures. *tt04/28/2005
0421711/01/200410013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures. *tt04/15/2005
99E0610/01/19996089637Emissions recall for vehicles with a powertrain control module (pcm) previously programmed with a california service calibration - pcm recalibration. *tt02/09/2000
9914707/12/1999608423Information on using the service bay technical system (sbts) and new generation star (ngs) tester, and to update the powertrain control module (pcm) information charts. *tt11/24/1999
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 - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
99612305/01/1999606980Concerns with buzz or vibration with the gear selector in park. *tt09/09/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
0118109/17/2001625715Brake shift interlock.*jb11/30/2001
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
0312306/23/200310002684Torque converter clutch not engaging when commanded and/or diagnostic trouble codes p0741 or p1744 stored in memory. models from 1996 to 2003. *tt09/10/2003
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
1505907/01/2001621059Concerns with vehicles equipped with a ax4n / 4f50n transaxle exhibiting a shudder during a 3-4 shift. *tt09/06/2001
1422001/01/2000620388Information used to service ax4n transaxle equipped vehicles exhibiting shudder during 3-4 shift. *tt08/07/2001
00B5109/01/2000618604Subject pertaining to rear lube tube and bracket replacement. *jb04/17/2001
00B5111/01/2000616503Owner notification program regarding all vehicles built with ax4s transmission - rear lube tube and bracket replacement. *tt03/01/2001
1315108/01/19996091962Subject regarding a redesigned park system in ax4s and ax4n transaxle. *tt11/17/2000
1422006/01/2000613907Some vehicles equipped with an ax4n transaxle may exhibit a shudder during a 3-4 shift. *tt09/21/2000
831004/01/2000613637Rear lube and differential tube insulator kit. **mr07/26/2000
1396103/01/2000612876Information regarding the ax4s transaxle - rear lube and differential lube tube insulator kit. *tt06/13/2000
831003/01/2000612730Ax4s transaxle - rear lube and differential lube insulator kit. *tt06/12/2000
9815908/03/1998609548Transaxle , prior to repair, orange tag special service instructions was not installed. ak04/03/2000
691809/01/19996090260Information on the redesigned park system in vehicles with ax4s transaxles. *tt03/13/2000
690809/01/19996090222Some vehicles with ax4s transaxle may exhibit a diagnostic trouble code p0734, flashing tcil, no3-4 shift or an overdrive band wear concern. *tt03/10/2000
9918409/06/19996090053Some vehicles equipped with ax4s transaxle, may exhibit a harsh 2-3 downshift may occur when coasting around a corner and then accelerating. *tt03/06/2000
9920210/04/19996089641This bulletin mentions that some vehicles with an ax4s or ax4n transaxles have a new redesigned park system in the transaxle. *tt02/10/2000
991314008/01/1999609053Some vehicles equipped with ax4s transaxle may exhibit any or all of the following symptoms: dtc p0734, flashing tcil, no 3-4 shift or an overdrive band wear concern. *tt12/07/1999
99673508/01/1999608455Some vehicles equipped with the ax4s transaxle may exhibit a harsh 3-2 downshift when coasting around a corner and then stepping into the throttle to accelerate away from the corner. *tt12/01/1999
580603/01/1999605216Some vehicles may exhibit concerns of no reverse or intermittent reverse engagement. *tt06/04/1999
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
1253303/01/19996091781Concerns with the reverse clutch lip seals becoming ripped / torn during reverse engagement resulting in no reverse or intermittent no reverse engagement during extreme cold temperatures. *tt11/14/2000
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - BELL HOUSING
824204/01/2000613625Some vehicles may exhibit transmission fluid at the bell housing area. **mr07/26/2000
1392403/01/2000612914Some vehicles built before november 1999 may exhibit transmission fluid at the bell housing area. *tt06/13/2000
824203/01/2000612678Some vehicles built before november, 1999 may exhibit transmission fluid at the bell housing area. *tt06/12/2000
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
719610/01/19996092090Effective october 15, 1999, the ax4s and ax4n transmission assembly for the certain vehicles are available as a ford quality renewal (fqr) assembly. *tt11/24/2000
1250403/01/1999605271Vehicles built before march 1999 may exhibit concern of no reverse or intermittent reverse engagement. *tt06/07/1999

Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
07/15/2003108000
 Hesitation in transmission. excessive leak in trans fluid, made a large puddle. had a wobble as vehicle accelerated. had front trans seal and axle seals replace, as well as one axle
05/12/2002
 Speedometor keeps going down to 0, sometimes engine races, and vehicle will slow down, like it's in neutral. please provide any further information.*ak
 Intermittant erratic transmission shift concerns, especially in the first tow gears, performed sbds diagnosis and rempved plugged valve body to no avail. transmission fluid looked like coffee grounds in it, also oil leak in the area of the intake manifold that needed to be checked.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
10/03/200612000305/22/2006
 Tl* - the contact has a 1999 mercury sable. the contact stated that when she purchased the vehicle may 22 2006, the vehicle did not have heat. the contact stated that she has had many problems with this vehicle since she purchased it. the vehicle operates with a high temperature reading, and the transmission seems to slip gears when you apply the gas pedal and back fires while switching gears. the dealer has not addressed the failures that the contact has experienced with her vehicle. the contact stated that october of 2006 was the last time she corresponded with the dealer and they still have done nothing to help her.
08/27/2006109/25/2005
 Transmission temporarily fails to shift when accelerating or braking. *jb
09/01/200490000108/20/2001
 Car has always shifted hard. at approximately 90k miles automatic transmission started to fail evidenced by gear slippage and car decellerating while being driven. transmission pump was also knocking. car was taken to transmission shop and they stated that a 10 cent o ring had failed in the transmission pump and that the transmission pump had literally come apart. also, the transmission pan had a smal, shiny indention where the pump was located, further evidence of where the problem possibly originated. they had also stated that they have seen numerous tuarus' and sables with the same problem. transmission was completely rebuilt at a cost of $1700.00 and the pump was replaced with one with a metallic o ring to help eliminate further failures. i personally take great care and pride with my vehicles and on average have checked all fluid levels, including the transmission fluid on a bimonthly bases. the transmission failure was rather sudden with no warning, to include an engine light.
06/15/20031
 While driving at 5 mph consumer heard a noise coming from under the vehicle. consumer put vehicle in reverse and the vehicle would not accelerate. consumer made contact with the dealer. *ak
06/12/2002806/01/1999
 Problems with abs. *mr the vehicle was in two accidents due to the inability to control the vehicle during normal driving conditions, where the abs did not work. the vehicle was in for repair 7 times. the following are repairs and or problems the vehicle experienced: torque converter replaced after transmission fluid was found low, exhaust leak fixed, washer fluid would spray when the turn signal and lights were on, shaking when the brakes were applied/resurfaced rotors, trunk leaked water, replaced multi-function switch to fix washer fluid problem, abs not working when there was a panic stop, left and right spindle assembly was replaced, front end rotors were replaced again, wheel alignment, the abs did not engage and caused an accident, and replaced left side outer tie rod end. *scc *jb
05/20/20031
 Problems with transmission caused vehicle to stop.*mr while driving 60 mph, the vehicle stopped, and failed to accelerated when the pedal was pushed. *ts *jb
11/13/2002210001
 Consumer stated when put in park the vehicle rolled bakwards about 4-6 in. caused damages. ts *tt
06/28/2002
 While driving transmission will slip out of gears, causing the vehicle not to have any power. dealer notified.*ak
07/17/2001207/01/2000
 Transmission had to be replaced twic within 8 month period. *ak
12/26/2001108/01/2000
 Hard upshift and downshift while coming to a stop or pulling away. once vehicle was stopped it would have a tendency at times to lurch forward while brake was on.. upon taking the transmission down, the dealer found clutch material in transmission the ss3 was sticking, the accumulator o-ring was cut the forward drum ck.vall sticint overdrive band burned and needed to exchange the entire transmission. thankfully the trany was under warranty. however, now the repaired assy is only covered for 12000 miles or 12 months whichever comes first and we are naturally concerned that this might be a defect as the ford taures seemed to have trany problems in the 1197 to 1999 range which is why we did not buy one but went with the sable after checking nhtsa reports re: the vehicle itself. *ak
10/01/2000306/01/2000
 Consumer states she attempted to put vehicle in reverse, the engine felt as if it was going to fall out, consumer contacted dealership and vehicle was taken in for a transmission overhaul and repairs on three occassions.*jb
09/22/200008/01/1998
 Almost caused a major accident but avoided fatalties. *ak
01/01/1999
 Note******i did not have any failures!! my reason for writing is to complain about the frequent shifting of the automatic transmission. in addition, the brakes vibrate at high speed usually between 55-70 when braking. to be fair i reported and had the car serviced when the brakes first vibrated. the service manager reported that there were heat marks on the disc's. my principal driving is highway with limited braking. the dealer shaved the rotors (which bothered me given that there was less then 10,000 miles at the time), and the vibration disappeared. i am however once again seeing some slight vibration. tire wear appears to be normal. getting back to the rotors, i am concerned that the life of the rotors having been cut will be short. as for the transmission this has just started, and i haven't yet scheduled a service call. i have spoken to several people who own either taurus's or sables's and the recurring problem seems to be the transmissions. what do you guys say?
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
07/01/2002
 Vehicle had a massive transmission fluid leak and broke down. vehicle checked by dealer, who replaced transmission. two weeks later, leak began again. vehicle was checked again by dealer ,who determined that gasket was is leaking. gasket was replaced. approximately two weeks later, vehicle vehicle had 2 oil leaks.*ak
07/01/2000
 Odor of hot transmission fluid / oil entering interior at vents, vehicle at operating temperature. most noticable at complete stop. no leaks visible, suspect fumes from transmission vent being drawn into air intake for ac system past the opening of the hood hinges at cowl. *ak
11/16/1998
 Consumer experiencing problem with dealer honoring mfr. recall notice # 98s-31 & nhtsa recall 98v-288 000 concerning ford/ transmssion oil cooler line . an incorrect transmission oil cooler line was installed, the line contacts the anti-lock braking system module support bracket and overtime. can wear and develop a leak onto the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter, which can result in a fire. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
07/28/20041
 1999 mercury sable shift cable failed. potentially life threatening accident avoided.*ak
06/08/200202/01/2000
 Transmission shift linkage cable broke at a bend. *ak
01/01/2001112/01/1999
 Transmission shift cable snapped, vehicle would not change gears. *slc
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
03/02/20010
 Vehicle was standing still with park gear on when consumer turned vehicle on, and vehicle went forward without prior warning. *aik
04/30/20001
 Vehicle was parked with keys in ignition. was not able to shift into park. neighbor checked under hood & found transmission wires for shift lever had snapped. wires were unhooked before lever was able to shift into park. contacted dealership & service truck towed vehicle to dealership. *ak *ml
06/11/1999110/01/1998
 When shifting the car into reverse it would hesitate and would eventually shift after repeated attempts. after a couple days the car would not shift into reverse from park but would if it was first put into drive and then reverse. then it would not shift into any gear and would freely coast on an incline. i had to have the car towed on a flatbed from my driveway to a dealership. they had it for 5 days, did not fix it correctly and i had to take it back in for service. the shift cable had to be replaced. *ak
05/28/1999104/24/1999
 Vehicle rolled on a slight incline while in park , resulting in a minor collision. the dealer has been notified. *ak *adj
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
01/16/2007345262
 Tl* - the contact stated that the abs tone rings cracked. the driver felt the abs pump. he took the vehicle in for repair and was told the tone rings are wearing and cracked, and the axle would need to be replaced. the contact has had the vehicle repaired . *ak

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