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 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD | ||||||||||||||||
| 03V087000 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | from 10/29/2001 to 04/27/2002 | V (Vehicle) | 67894 | 03/31/2003 | MFR | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 03/10/2003 | 03/18/2003 | 571 | 212 | |||||
| Defect Summary | Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Potential loss of windshield retention may also reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will replace these windshields. owner notification began on march 31, 2003. 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/mercury at 1-800-392-3673. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Ford recall no.03c03. customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - REAR WINDOW | |||||
| 04189 | 12/13/2004 | 04245 | 10014062 | Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair. *tt | 04/27/2005 |
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - BLOWER | |||||
| 031506 | 08/09/2004 | 04153 | 10011149 | Water in the blower case or on the passenger side floor, an inoperative climate control blower motor, a motor that operates on high speed only, and/or a blower motor resistor failure. vehicles built 5/1/2001 to 12/15/2003. *tt | 01/04/2005 |
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - CONTROLS/WIRING | |||||
| 041514 | 08/09/2004 | 04189 | 10011159 | Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair. *tt | 01/04/2005 |
| 031501 | 07/12/2004 | 04137 | 10009321 | Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns. *tt | 09/23/2004 |
| 02236 | 11/25/2002 | 10008314 | Erratic operation of the cool/warm function of the temperature control system - repair procedure for stratification (secondary) temperature blend door. *tt | 07/27/2004 | |
| VISIBILITY - POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | |||||
| 05227 | 11/14/2005 | 10018742 | Power window concerns - service tip. *tt | 01/12/2006 | |
| 04223 | 11/15/2004 | 10013395 | Grunting noise from front power window glass is powered to the full up position. *eh | 04/18/2005 | |
| 0325 | 02/03/2003 | 10002475 | Grunting noise from front power window after glass is powered to the full-up position. *tt | 09/03/2003 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY | |||
| 11/01/2011 | 16000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. the contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle from the cap above the cabin filter, which caused the blower motor to fail. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 03v087000 (visibility:windshield) but did not confirm if the vehicle was included in the recall. the manufacturer was not notified nor was the vehicle diagnosed or repaired. the current mileage was 17,000. the approximate failure mileage was 16,000. kmj | |||
| 11/01/2011 | 16000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. the contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle from the cap above the cabin filter which caused the blower motor to fail similar to nhtsa campaign id number: 03v087000 (visibility:windshield). the dealer did not offer any assistance. the manufacturer had not been notified nor was the vehicle diagnosed or repaired. the current mileage was 17,000. the approximate failure mileage was 16,000. bw | |||
| 12/16/2008 | 75000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. after severe rainy conditions, the front passenger side floor exhibited an excessive accumulation of water. there were no prior warnings. the contact discovered nhtsa campaign id number 03v087000 (visibility, windshield) which identifies the water leakage. the vehicle experienced the failures identical to the recall; however, it has not been determined if the vehicle identification number is included in the recall defect. the vehicle will be taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. the failure and current mileages were 75,000. | |||
| 11/24/2008 | 17800 | 1 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. while driving 25 mph in sleeting conditions, coming to a stop light the contact noticed that the heater was getting colder. the heater was set at 78 degrees at the time of the failure and, as a result, the front and rear glass fogged. the contact was unable to see through the glass and the defroster would not clear the glass. the contact had to drive and clean the windshield with a cloth in order to view the road. the vehicle was taken to a local repair shop for inspection and they stated that the coil was filled with water, which caused the heater to fail. they further stated that it was due to a manufacturer defect. the vehicle is currently being repaired by a local repair shop at the cost of $500. the dealer has not been notified. the contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 17,800 and current mileage was 18,175. updated 12/17/08. *lj | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM | |||
| 10/09/2012 | 3 | ||
| Heater/ac fan continuously stops working. i first replaced the motor resistor in august 2012. it worked for 2 weeks when it broke for the 2nd time. i went to fix it again, only to find out it stops working again after 2 more weeks.it is now october and the motor resistor broke 2x and now the motor blower is completely gone. no ac/heater. the temperature in ny in october is not compliant with no heater. this is ridiculous. broke 3xs in a span of 6 weeks or so. *tr | |||
| 12/10/2009 | 19000 | 1 | |
| I have a 2003 mercury sable with 19k miles on it. we had heavy rains tuesday evening through wednesday morning, followed by sub freezing temperatures throughout wednesday into thursday. thursday morning, (12-10-09) the blower motor for the heating/ac system would only work on it's highest setting, and continues to do so. a few times throughout the last couple of weeks, my wife and i thought we heard water rushing around somewhere in the vicinity of the passenger side area. i read over 150 complaints on topix.com for the very same problem with several different model years of both sables and taurus'. it was recommended by several folks that people with the same issues should file a complaint here. it seems that the problem with the blower motor/resistor assembly is caused by water entering the blower housing itself. i have read that ford is well aware of the problem, as they have issued a service bulletin for it. my concern is that since winter is upon us, a possible unsafe condition could arise should the blower motor quit working completely, thus preventing the windows from defrosting. additionally, i feel strongly that this problem should be repaired at no cost to me by ford. *tr | |||
| 04/02/2007 | 26825 | 2 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. in april of 2007, the climate control module was replaced, which cost $613. on july 26, 2007, the air conditioner compressor was replaced, totaling $886. the contact stated that the vehicle is currently making a loud noise. the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage was 32,000 and failure mileage was 26,825. | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - BLOWER | |||
| 04/01/2005 | 60000 | 20 | 11/01/2003 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. the vehicle was leaking water through the windshield. the dealer stated that the water leaking through the windshield was leaking and staying on the passenger side floorboard. the leaking caused the blower motor in the cooling system to fail. he also stated that there was a related recall; however, the vin was not included. the vehicle is currently being repaired at the owners expense. the failure mileage was 30,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. | |||
| 04/15/2006 | 1 | 11/01/2003 | |
| Mercury sable 2003 leaks water onto the passenger floor board also causing my ac blower motor to short out. *tr | |||
| 03/17/2007 | 10/21/2003 | ||
| 2003 mercury sable blower motor failure due to water leakage. ford issued a tsb on this in 2004. defroster and heater will not work. my vehicle id #1mehm55s13a615068 it has 27,000 miles and the dealer is charging $400.00 for the repair. there is a similar bulletin 03v087000. not having defrost in the north east is extremely dangerous. thank you | |||
| 01/15/2007 | 62000 | 1 | 04/27/2004 |
| Heater blower motor on 2003 sable took on water from leak in wiper cowl and ceased to function. extended warranty did not cover water leaks so dealer wanted $400 to seal leak and fix motor. *jb | |||
| 03/20/2006 | 58300 | 1 | 07/30/2003 |
| On a 2003 mercury sable the blower motor quit working. for several months prior to the failure, water could be heard sloshing around under the dashboard and the carpeting became wet. the fan motor and resistor had to be replaced because of water damage. the mechanic who repaired it told me that this is a common problem and that ford is aware of it. the fan motor literally sits in a puddle of water. fortunately there was no sparking which could have led to a fire. it cost over $300 to repair. ford motor co. is aware of this design defect and should pay for the repairs.*jb | |||
| 02/04/2005 | 1 | ||
| 2003 mercury sable has problems with heater fan equipment.*mr the dealer told the consumer water leaked into the blower motor and destroyed it. water also leaked into the compartment cabin filter. a newly designed cowl piece was installed that would prevent water from leaking into the fan. *jb | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - CONTROLS/WIRING | |||
| 04/15/2006 | 1 | 11/01/2003 | |
| Mercury sable 2003 leaks water onto the passenger floor board also causing my ac blower motor to short out. *tr | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - HEATER CORE | |||
| 12/28/2007 | 44000 | 1 | 02/21/2004 |
| Ford taurus and the mercury sable's have a problem with water leaking into the heater core box which eventually causes the heater motor and stop working. i understand from reading post on the internet that is apparently a design flaw. my car had 44,000 miles at the point where the motor quit working. the bill to repair the car was $471.28. the warranty had obviously expired but i felt like ford motor co should re-imburse the cost of the repair since it is a very common problem. they declined to help with the cost of the repair. *tr | |||
| VISIBILITY - POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | |||
| 03/26/2003 | 25 | 100 | 03/25/2003 |
| Grunting noise from driver side power window when in the full up position. *la | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD | |||
| 10/01/2009 | 60000 | 1 | |
| Heater blower motor not working in 2003 mercury sable. mechanic stated that there is a leak in the firewall. i noticed online that this happens to a lot of ford taurus and mercury sable owners. another ford owner is tracking all the complaints he can ( ford recall number 03v087000 and his complaint 10184014). dealer wants $300 to fix leak. *tr | |||
| 10/26/2007 | 32000 | 1 | 10/24/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. when it rained, the windshield leaked water above the driver side top corner. the repair shop stated that the windshield was very loose and improperly sealed. the windshield was replaced. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 03v087000 (visibility: windshield). the current and failure mileages were 32,000. updated 3/4/08 *cn | |||
| 04/01/2005 | 60000 | 20 | 11/01/2003 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. the vehicle was leaking water through the windshield. the dealer stated that the water leaking through the windshield was leaking and staying on the passenger side floorboard. the leaking caused the blower motor in the cooling system to fail. he also stated that there was a related recall; however, the vin was not included. the vehicle is currently being repaired at the owners expense. the failure mileage was 30,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. | |||
| 02/09/2007 | 40500 | 1 | 11/15/2003 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. the contact stated that the windows fogged up and the defogger failed to activate. the driving visibility was reduced as a result. prior to the defogger failing the contact noticed water on the driver's side floor. the vehicle was still having this failure, and vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer. there was recall # 03v087000 concerning visibility:windshield, but the contacts vehicle was not included. the current mileage is 42,000, and failure mileage was 40,500. *ak the consumer stated the fan motor caused by consistent water intrusion into the vent. the consumer provided a copy of the repair invoice and receipt. updated 07/06/07 *tr | |||
| 04/01/2003 | 2 | 3 | 03/25/2003 |
| I recently purchased a 2003 mercury sable ls and prior to leaving the dealership in philadelphia i noticed the front windshield did not have the factory tint glass which was stated on the window sticker and windshield as having tinted glass. i returned to the dealership and spoke with the sales person,sales manager & service manager and after comparing other sables of 2003 in the lot, all stated in the front windshield as having the tint but some did not appear as having the darker band running across the top of the front windshield. no one could address this as to why some did or did not other than they were different supply vendors ford used that day. it appears that whomever ford supplier are at this point has a process error in the manufacturing application of the tint process since ford dealership management could not answer or willing to find out the answers to the problem. *nlm | |||
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | |||
| 05/11/2011 | 175000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable wagon. the contact stated the rear liftgate hinge fractured which caused the driver's side window glass to separate. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 175,000. | |||
| 05/11/2011 | 175000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable wagon. the contact stated the rear liftgate hinge fractured which caused the driver's side window glass to separate. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 175,000. kmj | |||
| 05/11/2011 | 175000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable wagon. the contact stated the rear liftgate hinge fractured which caused the driver's side window glass to separate. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 175,000. js | |||