NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Buckle Assembly
10828.7%
Switch
5514.6%
Frame AND Members
5013.3%
Engine
4812.8%
Automatic Transmission
3910.4%
Gasoline
3810.1%
Ignition
256.6%
Rotor
133.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
15.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
526.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
736.8%
150,000+ miles
631.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 32Mar 2017
NHTSA investigations into the 1989 Ford Taurus
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP95004Opened 8 Aug 1995Closed 30 Aug 1995UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS
PE93100Opened 2 Dec 1993Closed 30 Jun 1994SUSPENSION
POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKS
PE93099Opened 30 Nov 1993Closed 28 Mar 1994STEERING
STEERING LCK-UP/IMPEDIMENT
PE93065Opened 15 Jul 1993Closed 30 Nov 1993VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
UNDERBODY FUEL LINE FAILS
PE93058Opened 15 Jun 1993Closed 16 Feb 1994STEERING
BROKEN TIE RODS
EA92040Opened 30 Nov 1992Closed 30 Jun 1993STRUCTURE
SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL
PE92056Opened 1 Jul 1992Closed 30 Nov 1992STRUCTURE
SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL
PE92044Opened 27 Apr 1992Closed 31 Aug 1992STEERING
POWER STEERING LEAKS/FIRES
Recalls on the 1989 Ford Taurus
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
98V323000
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
Risk: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
97I003000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. FORD IS INITIATING AN OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM THAT WILL PROVIDE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, 12 YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILEAGE, FOR ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES WITH FUNCTIONAL CONCERNS.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THE OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.
94E036000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
THE ARC WELDS ON THE SWAY BAR BRACKET, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE STRUT RESERVE TUBE, DID NOT FUSE PROPERLY.
Risk: OVER TIME, A PORTION OF THE BRACKET CAN TEAR AWAY FROM THE STRUT, FALLING INTO AND PUNCTURING THE TIRE OR CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
92V113000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES ARE DEFECTIVE IN THREE WAYS. FIRST, A FASTENED SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. THIS RESULTS FROM INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE BUCKLE EJECTOR FINGER AND THE BUCKLE TONGUE WINDOW. THE SECOND DEFECT IS THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT LATCH. THE THIRD POSSIBLE DEFECT IS THAT THE TONGUE MAY BE RETAINED BY THE BUCKLE, BUT IT MAY NOT BE LATCHED SUFFICIENTLY TO PROVIDE OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
Risk: AN INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED OR UNLATCHED SAFETY BELTINCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT. IF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH, IT WILL NOT ALLOW THEOCCUPANT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
92V065000
WHEELS
CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
Risk: THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.
91V134000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.
Risk: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
91V036000
SEATS
THE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING IS ROUTED OVER RATHER THAN UNDER THE FRONT SEAT SUPPORT BRACE, ALLOWING DAMAGE BY SEAT CUSHION SPRING ENDS WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED.
Risk: POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING INSULATION MAY BECOME ABRADED,OR PUNCTURED, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR THAT COULD RESULT IN A FIREIN THE SEAT CUSHION MATERIAL.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1998250251,032 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles located in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador, the lower sub frame mount plate nut may corrode and fail due to exposure to road salt. This could result in loss of structural integrity of the subframe mount attachment. Detachment of the body mounts at the rear corners of the sub frame which supports the engine and transmission, allows the rear corners of the sub frame to drop. Should both rear corners drop, steering control would be adversely affected. Correction: Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plate and plate nuts.
Recall 1992166157,101 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles with 3.0 Litre and 3.8 Litre engines, the body mounts on the rear corners of the subframe which supports the engine and transmission may become detached due to corrosion of the rear lower mount retaining plates, allowing the rear corners of the subframe to drop. Should this occur, steering could become very difficult, thereby adversely affecting vehicle control. Correction: modified lower body mounts and attaching bolts will be installed on affected vehicles.
Recall 199212036,066 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
SEAT BELT BUCKLES ON THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE CONDITIONS WHEREBY THE BUCKLE MAY NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED OR MAY NOT LATCH, OR IN SOME CASES, MAY LATCH PARTIALLY BUT NOT SUFFICIENTLY TO PROVIDE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. NOTE: ONLY END-RELEASE BUCKLES ON "RIGID" MOUNTINGS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO THIS MALFUNCTION. CORRECTION: FACTORY INSTALLED END-RELEASE SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL BE REPLACED WITH REDESIGNED BUCKLES.
Recall 199209916,233 units in Canada
Emissions
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 1105 - EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS. CORRECTION: PURGE VALVE AND HOSE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recall 199206048,330 units in Canada
Structure
Note: Station wagon vehicles only. Young children left unattended in the vehicle could lock themselves in the footwell area of the rear-facing third seat (or the underfloor storage compartment in station wagons not equipped with the optional third seat). Once the compartment is closed, it cannot be opened from the inside, and there is the danger of air deprivation, excessive body heat and panic response to a child who may have closed himself or herself in the compartment. Correction: A modified latch will be installed which does not have a self-latching feature and allows the compartment cover to be pushed open from the inside.
Recall 19910557,442 units in Canada
Electrical
IMPROPER ROUTING OF THE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING WILL ALLOW THE WIRING TO BE CONTACTED AND POTENTIALLY DAMAGED BY THE SEAT CUSHION SPRING ENDS WHEN THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED. THIS COULD ABRADE OR PUNCTURE THE WIRING AND CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH COULD IN TURN RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING WILL BE REROUTED AND DAMAGED WIRING WILL BE REPLACED.
Recall 1991021113,833 units in Canada
Engine
THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES RECALL 90-27 FOR VEHICLES IN THE MARITIMES. THE THROTTLE MAY STICK IN AN OPEN POSITION DUE TO LINKAGE BINDING CAUSED BY CORROSION. THIS WOULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO RUN AT HIGHER THAN IDLE SPEED WHEN THE THROTTLE IS RELEASED AND COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT DRIVER CONTROL RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH. CORRECTION: A STAINLESS STEEL SLEEVE, WHICH WILL BE PLACED OVER THE HUB ON THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY, AND A SECONDARY THROTTLE LEVER TO FIT THE SLEEVE, ALONG WITH OTHER MOUNTING PARTS, WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recall 1990193127,161 units in Canada
Brakes
THE COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY CORRODE, WEAKEN AND FRACTURE, RESULTING IN A REDUCTION OF BRAKING PERFORMANCE. SUCH A FRACTURE WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING AT THE CORRESPONDING FRONT WHEEL WHICH COULD IN TURN RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE AND A POSSIBLE CRASH. CORRECTION: FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WILL BE REPLACED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 150,000 milesAnacortes, WACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE DRIVER ACCIDENTLY STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND UNEXPECTEDLY, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO BOTH THE BRAKE AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS BEING POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10300317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Childress, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
SUNDAY AT 11:45 AM, I LEFT MY HOUSE TO GO TO WORK AT WAL-MART. AT ABOUT 4:30 PM, A CUSTOMER AT WAL-MART CAME IN THE STORE AND TOLD US THAT A CAR WAS ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. I WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE WHO CAR IT WAS. IT WAS MINE. IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE DASH. THE WHOLE DASH IS GONE. THE FIRE STARTED BY ELECTRICAL IN THE DASH. I HAVE THE REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I WAS ON IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10164591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Pierce, FLCrash4 injured
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
CAR TRAVELING 50 MPH DOWN A DRY DIRT ROAD, WITH NO REASON CAR ENDED UP SPINNING 5 TIMES AND BEING STOPPED BY A TREE. A LOUD THUMP WAS HEARD JUST PRIOR TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR. INVESTIGATION DONE. ENGINE HAD DROPPED, COULD HAVE BEEN AT TIME OF IMPACT. I WONDER IF THIS AUTO EVEN THOUGH IT WASN'T INCLUDED IN AN EARLIER RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN ATLANTA SUFFERS FROM THE SAME PROBLEMS AS OTHERS FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY. RECALL SAID SNOW SALTS CAUSED DETERIOTION OF SUBMOUNT BOLTS, FLORIDA SEACOAST WEATHER RUSTS BOLTS TOO.
NHTSA complaint #10088712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesWashington, DCFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
VEHICLES' ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10022407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesWashington, DCFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *NLM WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA complaint #10015538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DCFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10004717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 190,000 milesJeffersonville, IN
SUSPENSION
THE BALL END BROKE OFF THE TIE ROD.
NHTSA complaint #10966121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 215,000 milesMurrieta, CA
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HE ATTEMPTED TO SECURE THE SEATBELT, THE ENTIRE SEATBELT BECAME DETACHED FROM THE ANCHORAGE CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 215,000.
NHTSA complaint #10350035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesMooresville, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, HE NOTICED THAT WHEN HE TRIED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, HE WAS UNABLE TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL USING THE BRAKE PEDAL. HE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN USING THE BRAKES BUT HAD TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL BY PUSHING THE OFF BUTTON ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10326978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesCharlotteville, VA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1989 FORD TAURUS GLS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TRIED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UP TO 85 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF AS THE SPEED INCREASED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND THEY NEVER WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE DUPLICATE FAILURE 2 YEARS LATER. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT REPORTED THE CRASH TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE ANOTHER INCIDENT BEFORE HER STATE CONSIDERED THE VEHICLE FAILURES UNDER THE LEMON LAW. THE CONTACT GAVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #10316194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAnacortes, WACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE DRIVER ACCIDENTLY STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND UNEXPECTEDLY, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO BOTH THE BRAKE AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS BEING POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10300317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
SUSPENSION
HAVING TO MANY PROBLEMS WITH TIRE, HEATING, BRAKES, SUSPENSION I CHANGE THIS PARTS LIKE 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10233327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
TIRES
HAVING TO MANY PROBLEMS WITH TIRE, HEATING, BRAKES, SUSPENSION I CHANGE THIS PARTS LIKE 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10233327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HAVING TO MANY PROBLEMS WITH TIRE, HEATING, BRAKES, SUSPENSION I CHANGE THIS PARTS LIKE 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10233327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
HAVING TO MANY PROBLEMS WITH TIRE, HEATING, BRAKES, SUSPENSION I CHANGE THIS PARTS LIKE 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10233327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
HAVING TO MANY PROBLEMS WITH TIRE, HEATING, BRAKES, SUSPENSION I CHANGE THIS PARTS LIKE 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10233327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesCouncil Bluffs, IA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THIS WAS ON A 1989 FORD TAURUS L . AFTER REAR BRAKE REPAIRS THE BRAKE LINE FROM THE PROPORTIONING VALVE TO THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE HOSE SPRUNG A LEAK AND ALL BRAKING WAS LOST. DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE THIS BRAKE LINE LIKELY BROKE DUE TO YEARS OF CORROSION FROM ROAD SALTS AND OTHER SOURCES DURING BAD WEATHER. DUE TO SO MUCH POSSIBLE DAMAGE FROM CORROSION I HAVE DECIDED TO JUNK THE CAR. BUT IT WAS LIKELY THAT OTHER FORD TAURUS OWNERS MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.
NHTSA complaint #10196769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Childress, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
SUNDAY AT 11:45 AM, I LEFT MY HOUSE TO GO TO WORK AT WAL-MART. AT ABOUT 4:30 PM, A CUSTOMER AT WAL-MART CAME IN THE STORE AND TOLD US THAT A CAR WAS ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. I WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE WHO CAR IT WAS. IT WAS MINE. IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE DASH. THE WHOLE DASH IS GONE. THE FIRE STARTED BY ELECTRICAL IN THE DASH. I HAVE THE REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I WAS ON IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10164591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,746 milesWexford, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
WHILE DRIVING MY 1989 FORD TAURUS SEDAN AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2005 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30 PM I EXPERIENCED AN APPARENT BLOWOUT OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. IN THE DARK, MY 13 YEAR OLD SON AND I CHANGED THE TIRE PUTTING ON THE TEMPORARY SPARE AND WE DROVE DIRECTLY TO THE LOCAL TIRE SHOP. THERE, OBSERVING THAT THE ORIGINAL TIRE WAS INCAPABLE OF BEING REPAIRED, I ORDERED A REPLACEMENT TIRE. AFTER MOUNTING THE NEW TIRE TO THE WHEEL, THE SHOP WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THE WHEEL ONTO THE VEHICLE. THEY DISCOVERED A FRACTURED COIL SPRING ALONG WITH A DAMAGED STRUT AND OUTER TIE ROD. EVEN AFTER REPLACING THESE ITEMS (THEY DID BOTH SIDES SINCE THE OTHER EQUIPMENT WAS OF THE SAME VINTAGE) THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO PLACE THE FRONT END FULLY INTO ALIGNMENT DUE TO FURTHER DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE FAILURE OF THE COIL SPRING. REPAIRS TO DATE HAVE COST ME $660.88. THE OLD PARTS (SPRINGS, STRUTS AND TIRE) ARE AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10110008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,389 milesAustin, TX
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
WHILE DRIVING MY 1989 FORD TAURUS, THERE WAS A LOUD BANG, AND THE CAR BECAME ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT NEAR ANY OTHER CARS, AND ONLY 1 BLOCK FROM HOME, SO WITH BRUTE FORCE I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR BACK TO MY DRIVEWAY. INSPECTION FOUND THAT BOTH REAR CORNERS OF THE SUB FRAME THAT THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND SUSPENSION HAD DROPPED DOWN, SEPERATED FROM MAIN CAR CHASSIS. I THOUGHT THIS WAS UNUSUAL, SO I SEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND OUT THAT FORD HAD ISSUED RECALL NOTICE 98S36 THAT DESCRIBED EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR. EVEN THOUGH I NOW LIVE IN TEXAS, I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 1990 IN NEW YORK, AND OWNED SINCE. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN IN NEW YORK FOR THE 1ST 4 YEARS I OWNED IT. THE RECALL DESCRIBES A SUBFRAME RUST PROBLEM FOR CARS DRIVEN IN STATES THAT USE SALT IN THE ROADS IN WINTER. I CONTACTED MY FORD DEALER REQUESTING MY CAR BE REPAIRED WITH A KIT OF PARTS THE IS SUPPLIED IN THE 98S36 RECALL. I EVEN OFFERED TO PAY. I WAS TOLD MY VIN IS NOT ON THE LIST FOR THIS RECALL, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I THEN CALL FORD DIRECTLY AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. I ARGUED THAT MY CAR HAD THE EXACT FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL NOTICE LETTER, AND IN SAME CONDITIONS, SO MY CAR MUST BE ON THE LIST. BUT FORD SAID NO, VIN IS NOT ON LIST, AND THERE NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THEY REFUSED TO GIVE ME A TECHICAL REASON FOR THAT POSITION. MY ISSUES ARE; 1. IF FORD MISSED MY CAR IN IN RECALL NOTICE, THERE MUST STILL BE MANY FORD TAURUS'S DRIVING AT RISK OF AN ACCIDENT DUE THIS PROBLEM. 2. I WANT THE KIT OF PARTS THE COMES IN THE RECALL TO FIX MY CAR, SINCE THE CAR RUNS FINE AND IS GOOD CONDITION. THE VIN NUMBER OF THIS CAR IS: [XXX]. *AK UPDATED 07/24/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10096398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Pierce, FLCrash4 injured
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
CAR TRAVELING 50 MPH DOWN A DRY DIRT ROAD, WITH NO REASON CAR ENDED UP SPINNING 5 TIMES AND BEING STOPPED BY A TREE. A LOUD THUMP WAS HEARD JUST PRIOR TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR. INVESTIGATION DONE. ENGINE HAD DROPPED, COULD HAVE BEEN AT TIME OF IMPACT. I WONDER IF THIS AUTO EVEN THOUGH IT WASN'T INCLUDED IN AN EARLIER RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN ATLANTA SUFFERS FROM THE SAME PROBLEMS AS OTHERS FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY. RECALL SAID SNOW SALTS CAUSED DETERIOTION OF SUBMOUNT BOLTS, FLORIDA SEACOAST WEATHER RUSTS BOLTS TOO.
NHTSA complaint #10088712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCincinnati, OH
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WE HAVE A 1989 TAURUS W/OD TRANSMISSION THAT SHIFTS HARD AND ROUGH, ALSO THE FRONT AND REAR RATTLES AND SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL OFF. WE WERE NOT AWARE OF THE RECALLS FOR THIS ON OUR VEHICLE. THE PAINT IS BLISTERING WITH ORANGE RUST COMING THROUGH, AND THE STEARING (POWER W/TILT) HAS A JERK IN IT. CAN YOU OR WILL YOU HELP ME WITH THESE DEFECTS?
NHTSA complaint #10086192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCincinnati, OH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
WE HAVE A 1989 TAURUS W/OD TRANSMISSION THAT SHIFTS HARD AND ROUGH, ALSO THE FRONT AND REAR RATTLES AND SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL OFF. WE WERE NOT AWARE OF THE RECALLS FOR THIS ON OUR VEHICLE. THE PAINT IS BLISTERING WITH ORANGE RUST COMING THROUGH, AND THE STEARING (POWER W/TILT) HAS A JERK IN IT. CAN YOU OR WILL YOU HELP ME WITH THESE DEFECTS?
NHTSA complaint #10086192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCincinnati, OH
STEERING
WE HAVE A 1989 TAURUS W/OD TRANSMISSION THAT SHIFTS HARD AND ROUGH, ALSO THE FRONT AND REAR RATTLES AND SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL OFF. WE WERE NOT AWARE OF THE RECALLS FOR THIS ON OUR VEHICLE. THE PAINT IS BLISTERING WITH ORANGE RUST COMING THROUGH, AND THE STEARING (POWER W/TILT) HAS A JERK IN IT. CAN YOU OR WILL YOU HELP ME WITH THESE DEFECTS?
NHTSA complaint #10086192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCincinnati, OH
SUSPENSION
WE HAVE A 1989 TAURUS W/OD TRANSMISSION THAT SHIFTS HARD AND ROUGH, ALSO THE FRONT AND REAR RATTLES AND SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL OFF. WE WERE NOT AWARE OF THE RECALLS FOR THIS ON OUR VEHICLE. THE PAINT IS BLISTERING WITH ORANGE RUST COMING THROUGH, AND THE STEARING (POWER W/TILT) HAS A JERK IN IT. CAN YOU OR WILL YOU HELP ME WITH THESE DEFECTS?
NHTSA complaint #10086192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Altmar, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE THEN THE LEFT FRONT DROPPED TO THE GROUND. CONSUMER GOT OUT TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE, AND NOTICED THE TIRE WAS WRAPPED AROUND THE RIM. VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE, AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO A SHOP. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN OFF. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE COIL SPRING BROKE.
NHTSA complaint #10072145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesLong Beach, CA
SEAT BELTS
THE FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT RETRACT BACK TO THE LOCKING POSITION. TH DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED BUT THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED.
NHTSA complaint #10059331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesApple Valley, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT ANCHORING CABLE BROKE FROM ITS ANCHOR. DEALER CLAIMED THAT THE CABLE BROKE DUE TO EXTENSIVE WEAR AND TEAR. MANUFACTURER WOULD BE INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10042819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,090 milesYeadon, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
I OWN VIN#[XXX] AND WENT FOR INSPECTION ON 8/8/03 AND FAILED EMISSION CONTROL#92E30 DUE TO A RECALL ON CATALYST#93E47 WHICH I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED .FORD NEVER NOTIFIED ME OF THIS BY LETTER EVER ! ALSO THIS HAS NEVER COME UP ON ANY OF MY PRIOR INSPECTIONS THEIR FOR I WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS SINCE YOU NEVER SENT ANY INFORMATION OR RECEIVED A CALL FROM ANY ONE ON THIS MATTER AND NOW THIS HAS COME ABOUT AND I SHOULD NOT BE HELD LIABLE THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT I DID MYSELF .I SHOULD HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND GIVEN THE SAME OPPORTUNITY AS OTHERS TO CORRECT THIS MATTER. PLEASE RESPONSE TO THIS MATTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS AND TELL ME HOW CAN I CORRECT THIS MATTER WITHOUT ANY FURTHER PROBLEM FOR ME OR YOUR COMPANY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION [XXX]. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10037298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
SEAT BELTS
CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT LATCH. DEALER NOTIFIED
NHTSA complaint #10031531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
I BOUGHT MY 1989 FORD TAURUS IN JUNE OF 2001. IN THE PAPERWORK FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNERS WAS INFO. ON A RECALL/EXTENDED WARRANTY DATED 4/98 REGARDING PROBLEMS WITH SEATBELT BUCKLES. I RECENTLY HAD DIFFICULTIES WITH MY SEATBELT BUCKLES AND TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS CONSEQUENTLY TOLD IT WAS WAY PASSED THE WARRANTY DATE EVEN BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. SO MY COMPLAINT IS HOW DO I GET THEM FIXED SINCE THIS CAN BECOME A SERIOUS MATTER IF I OR ANYONE ELSE GETS STUCK IN THE CAR, OR HAS FURTHER DIFFICULTIES EVEN FASTENING THE SEATBELT. I ALSO WAS NOTIFIED OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACING THE IGNITION MODULE TO SUBMIT YOUR RECEIPTS BY 10/02. I HOWEVER DIDN'T HAVE TO REPLACE IT UNTIL A FEW MONTHS AGO, AND SUBMITTED THOSE RECEIPTS ANYWAY WITHOUT ANY RESPONSE WHAT SO EVER. I'VE ALSO NOT LONG AGO HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR MOUNTINGS FOR MY REAR SHOCKS AND SPRINGS AND THE FRONT NEED TO BE DONE AS WELL. DOES THIS QUALIFY IN THE RECALL OF THE SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER ID #94E36000? *AK I'M JUST CURIOUS AS TO HOW A PERSON KNOWS TO LOOK FOR THESE RECALLS WHEN BUYING A VEHICLE. SHOULDN'T THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFY US?
NHTSA complaint #10030328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.