FaultScore

FaultScore report

2000 Ford Taurus problems

Owners have filed 1,497 complaints about the 2000 Ford Taurus with NHTSA between 1999 and 2024. The largest single group is the suspension. Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 27 worst.

F

FaultScore 81/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Taurus.

How this is worked out

The numbers

1,497

Complaints

136

Crashes reported

40

Fires reported

79

Injuries reported

1 complaint reports a death.

70,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

13%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 100 vs 50 Severity 88 vs 50 Early failure 22 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Ford Taurus. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 88
17.1% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 22
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2000 compares with every other Ford Taurus

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2000 Ford Taurus

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Suspension 483 32.3%

6 crashes, 0 fires · median 74,186 mi

Brakes 120 8.0%

20 crashes, 1 fires · median 45,750 mi

Engine & Cooling 115 7.7%

4 crashes, 9 fires · median 74,000 mi

6 crashes, 1 fires · median 53,363 mi

Lights 98 6.5%

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 53,000 mi

18 crashes, 4 fires · median 100,000 mi

Airbags 90 6.0%

57 crashes, 1 fires · median 65,000 mi

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 63,942 mi

3 crashes, 15 fires · median 87,270 mi

Tires 58 3.9%

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 70,000 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 95,000 mi

Seat Belts 39 2.6%

5 crashes, 0 fires · median 65,500 mi

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 86,000 mi

Steering 29 1.9%

6 crashes, 1 fires · median 68,500 mi

Median failure at 75,000 miles

Median failure at 74,000 miles

Seats 8 0.5%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 46,000 mi

Equipment & Accessories 7 0.5%

Median failure at 43,126 miles

Wheels 7 0.5%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 47,140 mi

Child Seats 2 0.1%
Stability & Traction Control 1 0.1%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 100,000 mi

Exactly what failed

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.

Coil Springs 157 28.1%
Coil Springs 145 26.0%
Automatic Transmission 59 10.6%
Rear 51 9.1%
Gasoline 40 7.2%
Frontal 38 6.8%
Front 35 6.3%
Springs 33 5.9%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 5 0.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 6 0.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 30 4.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 155 21.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 202 27.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 149 20.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 152 20.7%
150,000+ miles 37 5.0%

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.

Dec 1999 peak 46 May 2024

NHTSA investigations into the 2000 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.

PE12033 Opened 24 Oct 2012 Closed 26 Jun 2013 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

Speed control cable damage

On June 21, 2013, Ford initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 13B04 to address a concern with Speed Control Cable damage in certain model year (MY) 2000 through 2003 Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with 3.0L 4V Duratec engines and built at the Chicago assembly plant.In the dealer letter for the program, Ford indicates that the Speed Control Cables on affected vehicles may be susceptible to damage or becoming partially disconnected during under hood vehicle maintenance (e.g., replacing a battery or changing the air filter) and that a damaged Speed Control Cable could interfere with the thro...

EA06002 Opened 24 Jan 2006 Closed 5 Feb 2007 SUSPENSION:REAR

REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURE

ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED A HIGH COMPLAINT RATE FOR THE REAR COIL SPRINGS IN THE SALT BELT STATES (APPROXIMATELY 250 PER 100,000 VEHICLES).APPROXIMATELY 59 PERCENT OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT THE COIL SPRING FAILURE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ADJACENT REAR TIRE, WITH ABOUT HALF OF THESE (30 PERCENT OF TOTAL COMPLAINTS) ALLEGING THAT THE DAMAGE RESULTED IN AIR LOSS.BECAUSE AIR LOSS FROM A REAR TIRE CAN RESULT IN CHANGES IN VEHICLE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS, ODI EXAMINED FIELD DATA, TEST DATA AND INTERVIEWED CONSUMERS TO ASSESS THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATI...

PE05054 Opened 27 Sep 2005 Closed 24 Jan 2006 SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURE

THE OFFICE OF DEFECT INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION, PE05-054, BASED ON 131 VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRES RELATED TO ALLEGED REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURES.SINCE OPENING THE INVESTIGATION THERE HAVE BEEN AN ADDITIONAL SIXTY-THREE (63) COMPLAINTS ALLEGING REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURE.AN ANALYSIS OF THE VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQS) SUBMITTED TO ODI REVEALS THAT 42% OF THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE THAT THE ADJACENT TIRE WAS PUNCTURED AS RESULT OF A REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURE. ADDITIONALLY, AN ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLAINT DATA RECEIVED BY ODI FROM FORD REVEALS THE FOLLOWING: THERE WERE A...

PE04044 Opened 24 May 2004 Closed 16 Aug 2004 SUSPENSION:FRONT

FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE

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, IOW...

RP03001 Opened 31 Oct 2003 Closed 23 Mar 2004 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

BRAKE/ACCELERATOR PEDAL APPLICATION

MS. RODMAN REPORTED THAT AFTER HER VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR THE RECALL, HER MOTHER EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND CRASHED THE SABLE INTO A LIGHT POLE.PREVIOUSLY NHTSA HAD CONDUCTED AN INVESTIGATION FOR THIS ISSUE (PE02-035) THAT RESULTED IN THE RECALL (02V-266) OF 369,000 MY 2000-2002 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO INSURE THAT THE SEPARATION BETWEEN THE PEDALS WAS AT LEAST 50MM..A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATABASE FOR COMPLAINTS REGARDING RECALL 02V-266 DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY RECALL REMEDY COMPLAINTS OTHER THAN THE PETITIONER'S.MS. RODMAN?S VEHI...

RQ03008 Opened 23 Oct 2003 Closed 5 Mar 2004 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE

FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-078, AND FAILURES IN MY 2000 VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME INCLUDES ALL CRASHES AND I...

EA03010 Opened 2 Jul 2003 Closed 23 Jun 2004 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

FRONTAL AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT IN CRASH

THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 427 REPORTS ALLEGING NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS.OF THE 427 REPORTS, TWO INCIDENTS (FATAL CRASHES) HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS SEVERE FRONTAL CRASHES IN WHICH THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.A DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED...

PE03002 Opened 6 Jan 2003 Closed 2 Jul 2003 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

FRONTAL AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT IN CRASH

FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS IDENTIFIED 260 REPORTS ALLEGING FRONTAL AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT FOR ANY (SEVERITY) FRONTAL OR NEAR-FRONTAL CRASH ON MODEL YEAR 2000-2001 FORD TAURUS AND MERCURY SABLE VEHICLES.ADDITIONAL CRASH REPORTS ARE CONTAINED IN NHTSA'S FATALITY ANALYSIS REPORTING SYSTEM (FARS) DATABASE.THE SINGLE ODI REPORT LISTED IN THE REPORT SUMMARY IS NHTSA'S SPECIAL CRASH INVESTIGATION'S CASE NO. CA00-020 THAT INVOLVED A HIGH-SPEED CRASH NON-DEPLOYMENT INVOLVING A DRIVER FATALITY AND FRONT PASSENGER INJURY.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-010) AND...

Recalls on the 2000 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

04V332000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

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.

Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE TIRE MAY RUPTURE RESULTING IN A RAPID AIR LOSS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

04V106000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS MALFUNCTIONING COULD RENDER THE STOP LAMPS INOPERABLE OR CAUSE THEM TO STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION TO A FOLLOWING DRIVER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Risk: IN ADDITION, IF THE SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING FAIL IN THE OPEN POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ACTUATE AND THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF "PARK" IF THEY FAIL IN THE CLOSED POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL REMAIN ON, WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW THE SPEED CONTROL TO BE ACTIVATED. THIS COULD ALSO CAUSE THE BATTERY TO DISCHARGE.

02V266000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PADELS ARE BEING RECALLED IN ORDER TO ADJUST THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO A MINIMUM OF 50 MM OF LATERAL SEPARATION. SIMULTANEOUS APPLICATION OF BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM.

Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING AN "UNINTENDED VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE" OR A PERCEIVED "UNABLE TO STOP" CONDITION.

01V258000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.

Risk: LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

01V078000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS. IF THE GREASE FROM THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY ENTERS THE STOP LAMP SWITCH, IT CAN CONTAMINATE THE CONTACTS LEADING TO CARBON BUILD UP, AND POTENTIALLY, A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Risk: A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO EITHER THE BRAKE LAMPS STAYING ON, OR TO A LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

01V075000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO THE USE OF INCORRECT MATERIAL BY A SUPPLIER, THE HEADLAMP SWITCH KNOB CAN FRACTURE AND SEPARATE FROM THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.

Risk: THIS WOULD CAUSE DIFFICULTY FOR THE DRIVER TO ACTIVATE THE HEADLAMPS, WHICH COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

01V048000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER SEDANS WITH FACTORY OR DEALER-INSTALLED DECK LID SPOILERS WITH LED CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMPS (CHMSL). VEHICLES PRODUCED WITH SPOILERS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 1 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2000; AND VEHICLES WITH SPOILERS INSTALLED BY DEALERS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1 THOROUGH DECEMBER 30, 2000. WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE START OR RUN POSITIONS AND THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS OPERATING, THE CHMSL CAN ILLUMINATE (AT REDUCED INTENSITY) EVEN THOUGH THE SERVICE BRAKES HAVE NOT BEEN APPLIED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ALSO, IN SOME CASES THE VEHICLE BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, ALLOWING THE SHIFT LEVER TO BE MOVED FROM PARK WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE.

Risk: UNDER THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD, THE CHMSL SHALL BE ACTIVATED ONLY UPON APPPLICATION OF THE SERVICE BRAKES. ALSO, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, IF THE SHIFT LEVER CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL.

00V242000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE "VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT" AND "DESIGNATED SEATING CAPACITY" INFORMATION WAS NOT PRINTED ON THE SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABELS AFFIXED TO THESE VEHICLES. ON AFFECTED SABLE SEDAN VEHICLES, THE "VEHICLES CAPACITY WEIGHT" (AND ALSO THE LUGGAGE LOAD) INFORMATION PRINTED ON THIS LABEL IS INCORRECT - SABLE WAGON LUGGAGE LOAD WAS INCORRECTLY USED FOR THE SABLE SEDAN. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE LABEL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

Risk: EXCESSIVE LOADING CAN CAUSE TIRE AND VEHICLE DAMAGE THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2004252 59,758 units in Canada

Suspension

On certain vehicles, the front coil springs may fracture when operated in high corrosion areas (where salt is used on the roadways in winter). The potential for corrosion causing a spring to fracture increases with the number of kilometres and years in service on the vehicle. A fractured spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire causing a rupture resulting in a rapid air loss. Correction: For vehicles sold in or are currently registered in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, dealers will install protective spring shields as specified in recall campaign 04S17. In addition, Ford will notify nationwide all 1999 to 2001 Taurus and Sable owners of a Customer Satisfaction Program 04M04 in which Ford will provide additional repair coverage for replacement of fractured front coil springs for a period of 10 years from the original date of sale of the vehicle, or up to 240 000 kilometres, whichever occurs first.

Recall 2004092 70,813 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

On certain vehicles, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch and/or associated wiring may render the stop lamps inoperable or cause them to stay on all the time. If the switch and/or wiring fail in the open position, the brake lights will not activate and the driver will not be able to shift the vehicle out of park. If they fail in the closed position, the brake lights will remain on, which will not allow the speed control to be activated. This could also cause the battery to discharge. Correction: Dealer will install a newly designed stop lamp switch and wire assembly.

Recall 2002187 40,145 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals, the manufacturing process of the subject Taurus adjustable pedal assembly resulted in variability in lateral pedal spacing ranging from 41mm to 85mm. Discussions with drivers of vehicles with adjustable pedals disclosed that some were unfamiliar with the feature. Decreased brake to accelerator pedal spacing may increase the risk of simultaneous application of the brake and accelerator pedals which may cause a collision, injuries or death. Correction: Owners will be instructed as to the proper way to set the position of the pedals and to take their vehicles to a dealer to have the spacing between the brake and accelerator pedal measured. If the spacing is found to be less than 50mm, the dealer will adjust the pedals to increase the distance between them to greater than 50mm.

Recall 2001204 83,005 units in Canada

Other

Certain passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, smoke or, potentially, ignition of the plastic cover material. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced.

Recall 2001068 5,235 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

On certain vehicles, the headlamp switch knob may have been molded from a plastic material that is more brittle than the intended material. This material may be overstressed when the knob is installed on the switch, leading to a later fracture, and in some cases, separation of the knob from the headlamp switch. If this should occur, it may be difficult for the driver to activate the headlamps. Correction: Headlamp switch knob will be replaced with one made of the intended material.

Recall 2001067 23,561 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain vehicles, the adjustable pedal assembly may have excess grease that could potentially enter the stop lamp switch and contaminate the contacts. This could lead to a build up of carbon, and potentially a short circuit. A short circuit could either cause the stop lamps to remain on, or cause a loss of stop lamp function. Correction: Brake lamp switch will be replaced and excess grease will be wiped off the adjustable pedal assembly.

Recall 2001044 3,853 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

Certain vehicles equipped with deck lid mounted rear spoilers do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. With the ignition key in the run or start positions, and the hazard lights turned on, the spoiler mounted centre high mounted stop lamp is activated at a reduced intensity without depressing the brake pedal. In addition, under these same circumstances, the brake-shift interlock can be circumvented. Correction: Dealers will install a jumper/resistor assembly at the spoiler.

Recall 2000280 3,357 units in Canada

Other

Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS. 110 - Tire Selection and Rims. The "vehicle capacity mass " and "designated seating capacity" information was not printed on the safety certification labels. Correction: Owners will be provided with a supplemental label, along with instructions for affixing the label adjacent to the vehicle certification label.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Jasper, IN Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Someone pulled out in front of me as I was slowing down to make a left turn. I T-boned their vehicle while going 35mph, resulting in a total loss for my 2000 Ford Taurus. (This was in 2018 so it was not a new car). My driver steering wheel airbag DID NOT deploy. I was wearing my seat belt. I still have chest pains when I sneeze and cough, even 4 years later (in November 2022, at time of writing), and in the last year (2021) received a cortisone shot in my left shoulder. I was offered a neck brace in the ambulance and was prescribed an arm sling in the hospital. I was diagnosed with whiplash. I believe I was given pain medication. Someone from the NHTSA in Indiana contacted me and we spoke briefly about it that week, so this may have been previously reported to this agency. I only found out this week that the 2000 Ford Taurus had a history of airbag issues, which is why I bring this up now. I think the car has already been scrapped, so no chance of examination unfortunately. As above, my safety was in jeopardy. Had I been going faster, I could have died. (Apparently someone DID die from a faulty Taurus front airbag.) I, to this day, have chest pain down to my elbows when I sneeze or cough. My doctor says it's a musculoskeletal strain. Ford has not issued recalls for airbags. The vehicle was declared totaled on scene by the police officer and then towed by a towing service. The towing service said the undeployed airbag was "a ticking time bomb" and really unsafe to attempt to repair. I sent pictures to the at-fault driver's insurance, so it was also inspected by insurance. I do not remember any seeing warning messages. I would have checked any unfamiliar warnings or dash lights. Side note: For number of injured, I think I was the only one to take an ambulance. At-fault driver first hesitated to call 911, but eventually did. There were two people in his car, including himself: driver, and passenger in front seat.

NHTSA complaint #11494852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,270 miles Lancaster, CA Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

PART OF THE ENGINE, TOP PORTION CLOSEST TO THE FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET NEAR MY RESIDENCE IN LANCASTER, CA. I NOTICED THE SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT THE STOP LIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #11174555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,270 miles Lancaster, CA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PART OF THE ENGINE, TOP PORTION CLOSEST TO THE FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET NEAR MY RESIDENCE IN LANCASTER, CA. I NOTICED THE SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT THE STOP LIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #11174555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,270 miles Lancaster, CA Fire

ENGINE

PART OF THE ENGINE, TOP PORTION CLOSEST TO THE FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET NEAR MY RESIDENCE IN LANCASTER, CA. I NOTICED THE SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT THE STOP LIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #11174555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Bettendorf, IA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I CONTACTED FORD IN 2011 BECAUSE MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT AND EXPLODED. THEY WROTE ME A LETTER ASKING FOR RECEIPTS FOR OIL CHANGES AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. I HAD BOUGHT IT USED FROM REYNOLDS FORD IT HAD 1 OWNER. I DID HAVE IT FIXED BY PEOPLE NOT AT FORD AND OIL CHANGES NOT AT FORD . I BOUGTH A NEW CAR BUT THE FIRE WAS SCARY AND MY LIABILTY DOES NOT PAY FOR IT. I RECENTLY SAW ANOTHER CAR ON FACEBOOK IT LOOKED LIKE MY CAR IA SKED WHAT KIND OF CAR IS THAT THEY SAID A 2000 FORD TAURUS. I BLEIVE THAT THIS SHOULD OF BEEN RECALLED WHEN I TOLD THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO ME. I WAS LUCKY I JUMPED OUT RIGHT AWAY OR I WOULD HAVE BURNED AND THANK GOD I HAD NO CHILDREN WITH ME. I AM REPORTING THIS TO YOU. PLEASE LET ALL OTHER FORD TAURUS OWNERS KNOW MY CAR HAD JUST HIT 200,000 MILES. I HOPE NO ONE GETS HURT. FORD SHOULD HAVE THE RECORDS OF THE PICTURES I SENT TO THEM. I WAS NOT GOING VERY FAST ON A LOCAL STREET WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE DASH BOARD I OULLED OVER FAST UNDID MY SEAT BELT AND GRAB MY PURSE AS SOON AS I DID THAT THE MOTOR EXPLODED AND WAS ON FIRE. WITNESS SAID THAT I WAS VERY LUCKY THE FIREMAN WERE THERE PRETTY FAST AND THEY BELIEVED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. IF I CAN HELP IN ANY WAY PLEASE LET ME KNOW AT [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10881694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Forth Worth, TX Fire

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE CAR BURNT TO THE GROUND OUT OF NO WHERE.

NHTSA complaint #10818974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Orlando, FL

STEERING

Vehicle Has A Heavy Power Steering Fluid Leak!!! Will Be Taking It To The Shop To Diagnose The Concern!!! I Was Checking To See If There Were Any Campaigns Or Recalls Reported!!!

NHTSA complaint #11587282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jasper, IN Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Someone pulled out in front of me as I was slowing down to make a left turn. I T-boned their vehicle while going 35mph, resulting in a total loss for my 2000 Ford Taurus. (This was in 2018 so it was not a new car). My driver steering wheel airbag DID NOT deploy. I was wearing my seat belt. I still have chest pains when I sneeze and cough, even 4 years later (in November 2022, at time of writing), and in the last year (2021) received a cortisone shot in my left shoulder. I was offered a neck brace in the ambulance and was prescribed an arm sling in the hospital. I was diagnosed with whiplash. I believe I was given pain medication. Someone from the NHTSA in Indiana contacted me and we spoke briefly about it that week, so this may have been previously reported to this agency. I only found out this week that the 2000 Ford Taurus had a history of airbag issues, which is why I bring this up now. I think the car has already been scrapped, so no chance of examination unfortunately. As above, my safety was in jeopardy. Had I been going faster, I could have died. (Apparently someone DID die from a faulty Taurus front airbag.) I, to this day, have chest pain down to my elbows when I sneeze or cough. My doctor says it's a musculoskeletal strain. Ford has not issued recalls for airbags. The vehicle was declared totaled on scene by the police officer and then towed by a towing service. The towing service said the undeployed airbag was "a ticking time bomb" and really unsafe to attempt to repair. I sent pictures to the at-fault driver's insurance, so it was also inspected by insurance. I do not remember any seeing warning messages. I would have checked any unfamiliar warnings or dash lights. Side note: For number of injured, I think I was the only one to take an ambulance. At-fault driver first hesitated to call 911, but eventually did. There were two people in his car, including himself: driver, and passenger in front seat.

NHTSA complaint #11494852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 210,000 miles LAS Vegas, NV

POWER TRAIN

WHEN I MAKE A LEFT TURN, MY TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES & MY ENGINE RPM'S INCREASE UNTIL I RECOVER FROM THE TURN.

NHTSA complaint #11341971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles West Park, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

IT PRESENTED A SERIES OF MISSED FIRED AND OVER HEATING ON THE ROAD , AFTER DRIVING AROUND 150 MILES , THE ENGINE LEAKING OIL AND IT LOSS POWER MAKE IT ON SAFE TO DRIVE . THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS ICED UP LIKE A FRIDGE AND LESS COOLING IN AN OVER WHOLE LOOK THE CAR NEED SAFETY CONTROL AND ALL OF THIS CAN CLEARLY SEEN ON THE CITY ROAD WAY .

NHTSA complaint #11322524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles West Park, FL

ENGINE

IT PRESENTED A SERIES OF MISSED FIRED AND OVER HEATING ON THE ROAD , AFTER DRIVING AROUND 150 MILES , THE ENGINE LEAKING OIL AND IT LOSS POWER MAKE IT ON SAFE TO DRIVE . THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS ICED UP LIKE A FRIDGE AND LESS COOLING IN AN OVER WHOLE LOOK THE CAR NEED SAFETY CONTROL AND ALL OF THIS CAN CLEARLY SEEN ON THE CITY ROAD WAY .

NHTSA complaint #11322524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles West Park, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

IT PRESENTED A SERIES OF MISSED FIRED AND OVER HEATING ON THE ROAD , AFTER DRIVING AROUND 150 MILES , THE ENGINE LEAKING OIL AND IT LOSS POWER MAKE IT ON SAFE TO DRIVE . THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS ICED UP LIKE A FRIDGE AND LESS COOLING IN AN OVER WHOLE LOOK THE CAR NEED SAFETY CONTROL AND ALL OF THIS CAN CLEARLY SEEN ON THE CITY ROAD WAY .

NHTSA complaint #11322524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Bethel, NC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO SHUT OFF, WHICH REQUIRED THE BATTERY CABLE TO BE DISCONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THE EVENT THAT THE DAY TIME RUNNING LAMPS, HIGH BEAMS, AND FOG LIGHTS SHORT OUT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11233778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Bethel, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO SHUT OFF, WHICH REQUIRED THE BATTERY CABLE TO BE DISCONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THE EVENT THAT THE DAY TIME RUNNING LAMPS, HIGH BEAMS, AND FOG LIGHTS SHORT OUT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11233778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 91,000 miles Billings, MT

AIR BAGS

JUNE 2018 PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON A CITY STREET BY MY GRANDDAUGHTER, NO THERE NO SIGNS OF A COLLISION. IT WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC.

NHTSA complaint #11220843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,270 miles Lancaster, CA Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

PART OF THE ENGINE, TOP PORTION CLOSEST TO THE FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET NEAR MY RESIDENCE IN LANCASTER, CA. I NOTICED THE SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT THE STOP LIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #11174555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,270 miles Lancaster, CA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PART OF THE ENGINE, TOP PORTION CLOSEST TO THE FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET NEAR MY RESIDENCE IN LANCASTER, CA. I NOTICED THE SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT THE STOP LIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #11174555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,270 miles Lancaster, CA Fire

ENGINE

PART OF THE ENGINE, TOP PORTION CLOSEST TO THE FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET NEAR MY RESIDENCE IN LANCASTER, CA. I NOTICED THE SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT THE STOP LIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #11174555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Conroe, TX

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE UNSAFE AIRBAGS AND THEY SEEMED TO FEEL AS IF IT WAS NO BIG DEAL AND TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX MY AIRBAGS.

NHTSA complaint #11040129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Norfolk, VA

SUSPENSION

TAKATA RECALL, I HAVE A BAD NOIZ IN THE MOTOR AND MY SUSPENSION IS BAD

NHTSA complaint #11012990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Norfolk, VA

ENGINE

TAKATA RECALL, I HAVE A BAD NOIZ IN THE MOTOR AND MY SUSPENSION IS BAD

NHTSA complaint #11012990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 127,500 miles Brooklyn, NY

ENGINE

RETURNING FROM LAKE GEORGE WE EXPERIENCED A LOUD RATTLING ,SHAKING NOISE. WITHIN SECONDS THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE PULLED OVER TO A SAFE SPOT AND WERE TOWED TO SUPERIOR AUTO ON 19TH ST. IN BROOKLYN. AWAITING PART SEARCH!?!

NHTSA complaint #10992250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Laurel, MD

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V332000 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRUTS WERE BENT WITH EXTENSIVE CORROSION ON THE SPRING COILS AND STRUTS. THE DEALER FAILED TO INDICATE IF THEY WOULD PROVIDE THE RECALL REPAIR FOR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #10984452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 198,023 miles Newark, OH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD TAURUS. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL ODOR HAD BEEN PRESENT SINCE 2012. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 05/09/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH AT TIMES. ALSO THE TIRES SPIN WHEN STARTING AND STOPPING THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 08/30/2017

NHTSA complaint #10949003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 202,000 miles Holland, OH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

CAR FAILS TO ACCELERATE AT TIMES. GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED BUT ENGINE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE GETTING FUEL. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS -- HITTING ACCELERATOR -- ENGINE WILL SUDDENLY "CATCH" AND LURCH FORWARD. SEEMS TO BE A THROTTLE PROBLEM, BUT FORD DEALER WILL NOT ADDRESS. EVEN THOUGH CAR FALLS IN RECALL RANGE FOR 2000-2003 TAURUSES WITH "STICKY" THROTTLES (RECALL WAS ISSUED IN 2013), DEALER SAYS IT IS "NOT ON RECALL LIST." OVER 450,000 VEHICLES ARE -- BUT APPARENTLY MINE IS NOT ONE OF THEM. SEEMS LIKE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO ME. YOU'RE DRIVING IN A 55 MPH ZONE AN SUDDENLY YOUR CAR SLOWS TO 20 MPH NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL. THEN AFTER 20 SECONDS IT SUDDENLY TAKES OFF? NOT GOOD.

NHTSA complaint #10919874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 202,000 miles Holland, OH

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CAR FAILS TO ACCELERATE AT TIMES. GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED BUT ENGINE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE GETTING FUEL. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS -- HITTING ACCELERATOR -- ENGINE WILL SUDDENLY "CATCH" AND LURCH FORWARD. SEEMS TO BE A THROTTLE PROBLEM, BUT FORD DEALER WILL NOT ADDRESS. EVEN THOUGH CAR FALLS IN RECALL RANGE FOR 2000-2003 TAURUSES WITH "STICKY" THROTTLES (RECALL WAS ISSUED IN 2013), DEALER SAYS IT IS "NOT ON RECALL LIST." OVER 450,000 VEHICLES ARE -- BUT APPARENTLY MINE IS NOT ONE OF THEM. SEEMS LIKE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO ME. YOU'RE DRIVING IN A 55 MPH ZONE AN SUDDENLY YOUR CAR SLOWS TO 20 MPH NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL. THEN AFTER 20 SECONDS IT SUDDENLY TAKES OFF? NOT GOOD.

NHTSA complaint #10919874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mckeesport, PA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35MPH AND I LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND NOTICED THE CAR WAS GAINING SPEED. I THEN SHIFTED IN TO NEUTRAL AND THE MOTOR BEGAN TO REV TO 4K RPMS. MY THROTTLE HAD GOT STUCK. I TAPPED THE PEDAL AND GOT IT TO STOP. TURNED AROUND AND PROCEEDED TO TAKE IT HOME AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN THIS TIME PUSHING ME THROUGH A REDLIGHT.

NHTSA complaint #10916187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Bettendorf, IA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I CONTACTED FORD IN 2011 BECAUSE MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT AND EXPLODED. THEY WROTE ME A LETTER ASKING FOR RECEIPTS FOR OIL CHANGES AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. I HAD BOUGHT IT USED FROM REYNOLDS FORD IT HAD 1 OWNER. I DID HAVE IT FIXED BY PEOPLE NOT AT FORD AND OIL CHANGES NOT AT FORD . I BOUGTH A NEW CAR BUT THE FIRE WAS SCARY AND MY LIABILTY DOES NOT PAY FOR IT. I RECENTLY SAW ANOTHER CAR ON FACEBOOK IT LOOKED LIKE MY CAR IA SKED WHAT KIND OF CAR IS THAT THEY SAID A 2000 FORD TAURUS. I BLEIVE THAT THIS SHOULD OF BEEN RECALLED WHEN I TOLD THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO ME. I WAS LUCKY I JUMPED OUT RIGHT AWAY OR I WOULD HAVE BURNED AND THANK GOD I HAD NO CHILDREN WITH ME. I AM REPORTING THIS TO YOU. PLEASE LET ALL OTHER FORD TAURUS OWNERS KNOW MY CAR HAD JUST HIT 200,000 MILES. I HOPE NO ONE GETS HURT. FORD SHOULD HAVE THE RECORDS OF THE PICTURES I SENT TO THEM. I WAS NOT GOING VERY FAST ON A LOCAL STREET WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE DASH BOARD I OULLED OVER FAST UNDID MY SEAT BELT AND GRAB MY PURSE AS SOON AS I DID THAT THE MOTOR EXPLODED AND WAS ON FIRE. WITNESS SAID THAT I WAS VERY LUCKY THE FIREMAN WERE THERE PRETTY FAST AND THEY BELIEVED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. IF I CAN HELP IN ANY WAY PLEASE LET ME KNOW AT [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10881694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 300,000 miles Ewing, NJ

SUSPENSION:REAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND THE SUBFRAME THAT HELD THE TWO REAR TIRES WAS ALSO RUSTED AND FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO CHANGE THE REAR TIRES MORE FREQUENTLY. THE CHECK ENGINE AND ABS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300,000.

NHTSA complaint #10876090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 300,000 miles Ewing, NJ

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND THE SUBFRAME THAT HELD THE TWO REAR TIRES WAS ALSO RUSTED AND FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO CHANGE THE REAR TIRES MORE FREQUENTLY. THE CHECK ENGINE AND ABS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300,000.

NHTSA complaint #10876090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 76,000 miles Aurora, CO

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

BROKEN SPEED CONTROL CABLE. BROKEN IN THE SAME PLACE AS PICTURED IN MANY ONLINE PHOTOS AS BEING RECALLED YET THE FORD DEALER SAYS THIS CAR IS NOT COVERED. SAME THING HAPPENED WITH A 1997 FORD EXPLORER WITH BROKEN SWAY BAR LINK. DOES ANYONE RESEARCH THE RECALLS, THEY ARE NOT COMPLETE. THE NHTSA IS NO BETTER THAN THE BBB. JUST A COMPLAINT BLOG.

NHTSA complaint #10870094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.