Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS | ||||||||||||||||
| 04V332000 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | from 03/28/1998 to 08/13/2001 | V (Vehicle) | 899060 | 01/10/2005 | ODI | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 07/15/2004 | 07/15/2004 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | On certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, the front coil springs could fracture due to corrosion associated with salt used on the roadways during the winter. a fractured spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | If this occurs, the tire may rupture resulting in a rapid air loss, which could result in a crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will install protective spring shields. in addition, ford is extending the warranty coverage of the front coil springs in all other states, for fracture only, up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. if the vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until july 31, 2005. if either front coil spring fractures, dealers will replace both front springs at no charge to the owner. an interim notice was sent to owners on august 2, 2004. parts are now available for the 2000-2001 my vehicles and owners were sent a letter on january 10, 2005, advising them to bring in their vehicles for repair parts are expected to be available for the 1999 my vehicles by the end of february 2005 and owners of these vehicles will be notified then. owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Ford recall no. 04s17.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236). | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||||
| 6612 | 07/01/1999 | 610705 | Some vehicles may exhibit front suspension noise due to front strut, front sway bar links or symptoms such as premature rear brake pad wear due to seized rear brake calipers or slides. *tt | 05/11/2000 | |
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - STABILIZER BAR | |||||
| 8199 | 02/01/2000 | 612411 | Some vehicles may exhibit a rattling or clunking noise from the front end (front stabilizer link) under normal driving conditions. | 06/08/2000 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | ||||||
| PE02080 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 10/22/2002 | 04/29/2003 | FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE | ||
| A total of 161 front suspension spring failures are known to odi and ford from all sources, 59 of these leading to tire damage.these failures are concentrated in the corrosion states, where 253,814 subject vehicles were sold.warranty and consumer complaint data show that the subject fleet experienced a spring fracture rate of 0.009% at 30,000 miles and 0.03% at 60,000 miles.these rates are very low when compared to previous investigations of coil spring fracture:recalled '93 taurus (ea97-026): 0.1% at 30,000 miles and 0.34% at 60,000 miles; and recalled '98 windstar (ea00-027): 0.11% at 30,000 miles and 1.25% at 60,000 miles.the subject vehicles also experienced failure rates substantially lower than those of comparable-aged non-recalled windstars subject to ea00-027 (my '95-'97).given these circumstances, further expenditure of agency resources is not justified in this matter.the preliminary evaluation is therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action in the future if circumstances warrant. | ||||||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | ||||||
| PE04044 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 05/24/2004 | 08/16/2004 | FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE | 04V332000 | |
| Odi possesses 130 vehicle owners questionnaires (voq) alleging front suspension coil spring failure in the subject (model year 1999-2000) vehicles.an additional 11 voqs concerning my 2001 vehicles have been found, bringing the total to 141.more than 75% of these reports allege that the broken spring damaged or punctured the adjacent tire.all of these reports originated in the salt belt states located in the northeast quadrant of the united states and canada.ford will conduct a safety recall (04v-332) covering vehicles soldor currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, to install spring shields in my 1999-2001 taurus/sable vehicles to prevent a fractured spring from damaging the nearby tire.ford will additionally notify owners of all my 1999-2001 taurus/sable vehicles that warranty coverage for spring fractures has been extended to 10 years of age or 150,000 miles.odi analyzed ford | ||||||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS | ||||||
| PE02080 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 10/22/2002 | 04/29/2003 | FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE | ||
| A total of 161 front suspension spring failures are known to odi and ford from all sources, 59 of these leading to tire damage.these failures are concentrated in the corrosion states, where 253,814 subject vehicles were sold.warranty and consumer complaint data show that the subject fleet experienced a spring fracture rate of 0.009% at 30,000 miles and 0.03% at 60,000 miles.these rates are very low when compared to previous investigations of coil spring fracture:recalled '93 taurus (ea97-026): 0.1% at 30,000 miles and 0.34% at 60,000 miles; and recalled '98 windstar (ea00-027): 0.11% at 30,000 miles and 1.25% at 60,000 miles.the subject vehicles also experienced failure rates substantially lower than those of comparable-aged non-recalled windstars subject to ea00-027 (my '95-'97).given these circumstances, further expenditure of agency resources is not justified in this matter.the preliminary evaluation is therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action in the future if circumstances warrant. | ||||||
| PE04044 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 05/24/2004 | 08/16/2004 | FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE | 04V332000 | |
| Odi possesses 130 vehicle owners questionnaires (voq) alleging front suspension coil spring failure in the subject (model year 1999-2000) vehicles.an additional 11 voqs concerning my 2001 vehicles have been found, bringing the total to 141.more than 75% of these reports allege that the broken spring damaged or punctured the adjacent tire.all of these reports originated in the salt belt states located in the northeast quadrant of the united states and canada.ford will conduct a safety recall (04v-332) covering vehicles soldor currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, to install spring shields in my 1999-2001 taurus/sable vehicles to prevent a fractured spring from damaging the nearby tire.ford will additionally notify owners of all my 1999-2001 taurus/sable vehicles that warranty coverage for spring fractures has been extended to 10 years of age or 150,000 miles.odi analyzed ford | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 06/12/2002 | 8 | 06/01/1999 | |
| 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 | |||
| 1 | 12/01/1998 | ||
| Vehicle makes a loud clunk when making a right turn. nlm | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| 04/15/2011 | 151000 | ||
| Sub frame rusted through around front lower control arm bolts causing excessive play in steering and possible separation of control arm from sub frame. front mount bolt is recessed 1/2 inch in to the sub frame where water/salt can collect and has no where to drain. | |||
| 08/23/2004 | 1 | 06/08/2000 | |
| Ford safety recall 04s17 letter to me states: we expect that these shields will be available in december 2004. this shield is, in my opinion, a cheap, ineffective rube goldberg, attempt by ford to cover up a life-threatening situation caused by the fracture of front coil springs puncturing the front tires and in ford's own words: ...which could increase the risk of a crash without warning. ford also states it would replace a coil spring which fractures. this is an irresponsible position: replace the coild spring only after the accident. are we owners of 1999 through 2002 sables and tauruses to avoid driving out cars until the non-solution container parts might arrive in december? and then wait until the service department can schedule the non-solution? action by your agency is required to force ford to begin replacement of both front coil springs now! anything less will result in accidents, injuries and deaths on our roads.*ak | |||
| 08/09/2004 | 59000 | 1 | |
| Consumer was backing out of a parking space and when moving forward front suspension crashed to the ground, and the front of the vehicle collapsed, left front ball joints fell to the ground and broke the axle. consumer contacted the manufacturer, and was told that warranty expired and there was nothing they could do. *ak | |||
| 06/01/2000 | 2 | 11/18/1998 | |
| While driving in traffic going downhill vehicle started to shimmer. also, vehicle shook so hard that it pulled steering wheel out of driver's hands. consumer has contacted dealer. dealer refused to provide any assistance.*ak consumer had the rotors replaced and now everything operates as normal, as the rotors would heat up, the pulsation would increase. *slc | |||
| 10/19/1998 | 4 | 10/01/1998 | |
| The car pulls sharply to the right under accelleration. then when it is freewheeling it pulls to the left. the car has been in for repairs 3 times and has been out of service for almost 60 days. the problem has not been corrected and ford refuses to do any more. at a market research meeting 5/21/99 ford. | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - HUB | |||
| 07/01/2003 | 90000 | 1 | 08/20/2001 |
| Car was two years old when purchased, and had 60k miles. i noted that car would shake, especially during braking. i also noted that vehicle pulled to one side during braking. i took car to shop and found that the brake discs had to be turned due to warpage. (i was told that this was common on these vehicles, including tuarus') this eleviated most of the problems, but was told that the tie rods, and tie rod ends were wore out and had to be replaced. i personally looked at the original tie rods after they were replaced and noted that they were wore out. this problem could have possibly resulted in premature braking and lose of control of the vehicle. there was a notable difference in the braking distance and ability to control vehicle at higher speeds. i still have the original tie rods, and ends. | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM | |||
| 06/08/2004 | 73000 | 1 | 08/19/1999 |
| There were no events leading up to the failure. coil spring failed and broke going out of our driveway, puncturing inner side wall of front left tire. we got a replacement strut and coil spring assembly from a salvage yard costing $53.30. new tire costing $59.73. old coil spring showed no signs of abnormal corrosion so it should not have failed. we still have all old parts.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS | |||
| 01/08/2007 | 197456 | 1 | 06/26/2001 |
| Front coil spring on a '99 sable, the recall was only good up to 150 miles and my car already had 197 miles. ford would not pay for the spring because the had a recall limit. i have driven over 1.3 miles never broke a spring. how can ford set a limit for this recall. *jb | |||
| 03/27/2006 | 83000 | 1 | 03/26/2002 |
| Front spring failure, tire damage. *nm | |||
| 05/11/2005 | 1 | ||
| Consumer had coil spring shields installed under safety recall, vehicle would make a loud noise when hitting a dip. *ts the shields that were installed under the recall was causing the noise, so therefore the consumer requested that the dealer remove them. once they were removed, the noise stopped. the dealer did advise the consumer that driving without the shields could be very dangerous. *jb | |||
| 08/22/2005 | 1 | 04/28/2000 | |
| Dt: the consumer received recall 04517 from ford in august 2004. tried last year to have recall repairs done, but ford informed the consumer they did not have the parts in. now, they have the parts and wanted to charge the consumer for the parts that have to be taken off. received another postcard in may 2005 saying that the dealer could now order the parts. took the vehicle to dealer on august 22, 2005 because they just got the parts for the vehicle. contacted manufacturer, they said the linkage were not part of the recall, but had to remove the old coil springs order to put the new ones on. *ak | |||
| 06/09/2005 | 1 | 10/30/2003 | |
| Dt : the front passengers side could hear a noise coming from the tire. took vehicle to the shop, and they said spring broke and the fixed it with a used part. *ak | |||
| 03/14/2005 | 1 | ||
| Nhtsa recall campaign 04v332000; ford issued a front coil spring recall. this vehicle was included in the recall, but had the left front coil break off. ford was not willing to repair the coil since it was a break and not a fracture of the part.*ak | |||
| 02/01/2005 | |||
| 'recall campaign' issued for 1999-2001 taurus and sable, 3 different dealers parts not available and unaware of any recall. *bf recall #04v332000. *sc | |||
| 02/01/2005 | 1 | ||
| 'recall campaign' concerning front coil spring. *bf recall campaign #04v332000. *sc the consumer experienced the failure prior to the recall. the consumer was reimbursed, however the consumer wanted the other coil spring replaced, but was told he would have to wait for the part to become available *jb | |||
| 02/28/2005 | 30000 | 2 | |
| Nhtsa recall campaign 04v332000 concerning coil springs. owner stated that the defect had been repaired. however, the guard covering the coil spring failed to prevent the broken spring from damaging the tire. this defect had occurred twice. *ak | |||
| 11/10/2004 | 173000 | 1 | |
| No parts were available for recall 04s17 concerning coil spring. dave allan 603-434-0341. *ak | |||
| 02/09/2005 | 1 | 08/15/2003 | |
| Consumer received recall campaign 04v332000 concerning front coil spring. no parts were available. service manager magaret. *ak the consumer was told that the problem could not be fixed until it broke. *tc | |||
| 01/28/2005 | 1 | ||
| Consumer received recall campaign notice notice 04v332000 concerning front coil springs. no parts were available. service manager joe. *ak | |||
| 01/13/2005 | 60000 | 1 | |
| The consumer received a recall for the front coil spring. to date no contact has been made as the letter stated and no parts have been received by the dealer. nhtsa recall front coil spring 04v332000. *nm | |||
| 01/12/2005 | 99300 | 1 | |
| Nhtsa recall campaign 04v332000 concerning front coil spring shield. consumer received a recall letter for the front coil spring shield. to date no parts have been made available for the repairs.*ak | |||
| 01/03/2004 | 58500 | 1 | |
| While backing out of the driveway front coil spring broke, damaging the front left tire. consumer received a recall notice for the front coil spring shield.04v332000/front coil spring. currently, the parts needed for repair were unavailable. consumer contacted the manufacturer, who advised consumer to contact the dealership. consumer contacted the dealership, who urged consumer to keep contacting him for availability of parts. *ak | |||
| 08/25/2004 | 1 | ||
| Nhtsa 04v332000 concerning front coil springs. no parts were available.*ak | |||
| 08/24/2004 | 1 | ||
| Nhtsa campaign 04v332000; ford issued a front coil recall. this vehicle was included in the recall, but the dealer did not have the parts available in order to do repairs.*ak | |||
| 08/30/2004 | 1 | ||
| Nhtsa campaign 04v332000; mercury issued a front coil springs recall. this vehicle is included in the recall, but the dealer still does not have the parts available to repair the vehicle. *jb | |||
| 11/22/2004 | 2 | ||
| While waiting to have the front coil spring recall 04v332000 performed, the front left coil spring broke and cut the front left tire. the dealership doesn't know when the recall part will be available to perform the recall. *jb | |||
| 11/28/2003 | 80000 | 1 | |
| While pulling out of the driveway the front driver's side coil spring broke. as a result, the tire was punctured. vehicle had to be towed to the dealer. *ak | |||
| 03/26/2004 | 1 | ||
| The vehicle front coils spring failed 5 months prior to recall notification. *nm the consumer requested reimbursement. recall# 04v332000. *sc | |||
| 03/26/2004 | 1 | ||
| The vehicle front coils spring failed 5 months prior to recall notification. *nm the consumer requested reimbursement. recall# 04v332000. *sc *jb | |||
| 08/23/2004 | 1 | 06/08/2000 | |
| Ford safety recall 04s17 letter to me states: we expect that these shields will be available in december 2004. this shield is, in my opinion, a cheap, ineffective rube goldberg, attempt by ford to cover up a life-threatening situation caused by the fracture of front coil springs puncturing the front tires and in ford's own words: ...which could increase the risk of a crash without warning. ford also states it would replace a coil spring which fractures. this is an irresponsible position: replace the coild spring only after the accident. are we owners of 1999 through 2002 sables and tauruses to avoid driving out cars until the non-solution container parts might arrive in december? and then wait until the service department can schedule the non-solution? action by your agency is required to force ford to begin replacement of both front coil springs now! anything less will result in accidents, injuries and deaths on our roads.*ak | |||
| 08/04/2004 | 114000 | 1 | |
| Consumer called the dealer after finding out about a recall for the front coil spring. consumer was told by the mechanic to bring the vehicle in. after arriving at dealer consumer was advised that vehicle was not recalled, and was turned away. recall letter arrived the next day.*ak | |||
| 06/27/2004 | 114000 | 1 | |
| While backing out of the driveway, the front passenger coil spring broke. as a result, the passenger's tire was punctured. *ak *jb | |||
| 08/13/2004 | 1 | 03/14/2001 | |
| The parts to perform the front coil spring recall 04v332000 repairs won't be available within a reasonable time. *ak *sc | |||
| 08/11/2004 | 1 | 06/02/1999 | |
| The consumer received a recall notice and when the consumer contacted the dealer regarding the recall he was told that the part would not become available until december, 2004. the consumer was concerned because the recall stated it was dangerous to drive the vehicle. but yet there was not solution. until december 2004, the consumer wanted to know if manufacturer would pay for a rental. *ak *sc *jb | |||
| 08/10/2004 | 1 | ||
| Onsumer received recall 04v332000 regarding coil spring. dealership still does not have the parts available to conduct recall repairs. mechanic advised consumer to call in december. *ak | |||
| 02/10/2003 | 64452 | 1 | 06/01/2001 |
| Front coil broke causing it to puncture my tire | |||
| 06/17/2004 | 59960 | 1 | 10/09/2001 |
| I was driving my car when the passenger front spring broke and fell down puncturing the tire causing a blowout, luckily i was able to pull over without crashing. this was a very dangerous thing to happen and i was very lucky to escape without being seriously hurt. *jb | |||
| 05/12/2004 | 72653 | 1 | |
| I own a 1999 ,mercury sable.on may 13, 1999, while backing out of my driveway,i heard a very loud popping sound then a very loud grinding noise. i called my dealership and was told to bring my vehicle in. i then had it towed there. when they called to inform me of the problem, iwas told that the front right coil spring had broke and in the process had ruined my tire also. i wastold it would cost about $300.00 to fix and that it was not covered under my extended warrenty. i gave them the okay to fix it. later that day, i was talking to an individual who told me about two other incidents that he had heard of this happening. being a parent, with small children,i became concerned of their safety. i started looking for this problem came across some other incidents that this had happened but found no recall of this nature.i will have my vehicle back on monday, but have to wonder if i should be responsible for the expense or if the manfacture should be paying the expense. next time the person this happens to may not be as lucky as i was. *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| While backing out from a driveway consumer heard a popping noise coming from the front. the right passenger tire blew out. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the coil spring needed to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 02/06/2004 | 19402 | 1 | 04/24/1999 |
| While driving at 35 mph driver heard a loud noise coming from the left front of the vehicle. consumer pulled over to investigate the noise, and noticed that the left front tire blew out. strut towers/coil spring failed. *ak *nm | |||
| 06/22/2003 | 44000 | 1 | |
| Consumer experienced a flat on the right front tire. the consumer changed tire to an unused spare and attempted to drive to service station. while driving, the spare blew out. upon inspection by dealer, it was discovered the coil spring had broken and pierced both tires, and caused damage. *ak found the rotors out of round. the front brake rotor were machined and the pads half worn. *scc *jb | |||
| 05/27/2003 | 56400 | 1 | 05/05/2000 |
| Front coil spring failure, sliced right front tire while still in driveway after putting in drive. *ak | |||
| 03/27/2003 | 78000 | 1 | |
| The front coil springs ruined the struts. the dealer has been notified. *nlm | |||
| 03/05/2003 | 68000 | 2 | 07/01/1999 |
| Left front suspension coil broke and punctured left front tire.*jb | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING | |||
| 06/01/2001 | |||
| On right side of vehicle wheel bearing has gone bad, vehicle is not making noises, and steering has become harder to control. contacted dealer, and dealer not willing to do anything.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 03/01/2011 | 161504 | ||
| My 99 sable gs has a recall on the front coil springs and ford will not replace them because it has exceeded the time frame. which is rediculous! i never even recieved a recall notice on the car we found the recall online. also the rear coil springs are broken and the tires are messed up and ford won't recall them if salt is going to get in the front coil springs and make them crack then what makes you think that it won't get in the rear? we have small children and are worried about their safety. we will be getting a lawyer and file a complaint through him because this car is not safe for anyone to be in let alone children. i think they should worry about safety and not mass production. | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS | |||
| 11/13/2006 | 96600 | 1 | 04/04/2000 |
| I took my car to the dealer to have a rear suspension squeak diagnosed and repaired. the mechanic discovered that a broken rear coil spring was the cause of the squeak. the part of the spring that rested in the spring seat had fractured several inches from the end of the coil. the mechanic recommended replacing both coil springs to reduce the risk of the unbroken spring fracturing, puncturing the tire and causing an accident. i paid for replacement of both coil springs and had the rear struts replaced at the same time to restore the car's original ride quality. *jb | |||