1998 MERCURY TRACER

1 recalls — 50 complaints

04E048000 Jul 12, 2004
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09AAC. THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT A NO-LOCK CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.
Remedy: TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.
388 vehicles affected
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Feb 18, 2010
SPEEDS UP ON ITS OWN WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHTS. OCCURS EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. MOST OF ALL IN THE WINTER TIME. TRIED TO REPAIRED IT AT STATION BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. *TR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION May 11, 2007
WHILE I AM ON THE FOOT BRAKE SLOWING DOWN, CAR SUDDENLY REVS, SHIFTS INTO GEAR AND ACCELERATES. I AM UNABLE TO HOLD BACK THE VEHICLE EVEN WHEN PUSHING AS HARD AS I CAN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HAVE TO KNOCK THE SHIFT LEVER INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP.*AK
SUSPENSION:REAR Dec 1, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE, AND THE DEALER DISCOVERED THE REAR PASSENGER STRUT BROKE. INSIDE THE STRUT WAS A PIECE OF RUBBER. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK Jul 19, 2005
DT : TRUNK LATCH WAS FAULTY. TRUCK LATCH HAD A SENSOR IN IT THAT WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE NOT TO RUN. THE PART THEY REPLACED WAS CALLED A TRUNK LATCH. IT WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE TO DECELERATE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE TRUNK LID WAS CLOSED BUT THE SENSOR INSIDE OF IT WAS FAULTY BECAUSE IT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL EVEN THOUGH THE LID WAS CLOSED. THE SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE.*AK *NM
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS Jun 10, 2005
REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURED, WITHOUT PROVOCATION, IN MY 1998 MERCURY TRACER SEDAN. AFTER SPEAKING TO 3 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT SHOPS AND 2 DIFFERENT FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENTS, IT WAS ABSOLUTELY CLEAR THAT FORD/MERCURY HAS A KNOWN MATERIAL DEFECT THAT THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO IGNORE. EVERYONE CONCEDES THAT THESE SPRINGS ARE FAILING AT ABSURD RATES BUT FOMO CO POLICY IS TO DENY EVERYTHING (DESPITE WHAT THEIR OWN SERVICE TECHNICIANS ARE ADMITTING) CATASTROPHIC FAILURES WHILE DRIVING FREQUENTLY RESULT IN TIRE BLOWOUTS... THIS PROBLEM OCCURS THROUGHOUT THE TAURUS/SABLE, ESCORT/TRACER, AND TOPAZ/CONTOUR CAR LINES... I STILL HAVE THE SHATTERED SPRING IN MY POSSESSION, FOMOCO EXPRESSED ZERO INTEREST WHEN I CONTACTED THEM...
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Mar 18, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF HER 1998 MERCURY TRACER AND COLLIDED HEAD ON INTO A GUARDRAIL. NEITHER OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *NM THE ENTIRE FRONT END WAS SMASHED INTO THE ENGINE. *SC *JB
Crash 1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY Dec 14, 2004
ON DECEMBER 11, 2004 I WAS OUT SHOPPING AND I GOT IN THE CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START I LEFT IT SIT THERE OVER NIGHT AND WENT BACK THE NEXT DAY AND IT STARTED. I HAVE HAD 3 MACHANICKS LOOK AT IT AND NONE OF THEM KNOW WHY IT DID IT.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN Dec 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THE HORN STARTED BLOWING AND I HAD TO TAKE THE FUES OUT TO STOP IT. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 22, 2004
HOLE IN MY BLOCK WITH OIL LEAK AND VALVE GASKETS SO BAD I TURNED THE CAR IN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Feb 19, 2004
THE REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE ON MY 1998 MERCURY TRACER. WHEN SEEKING A REPAIR, I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH FORD/MERCURY MODELS OF THIS SIZE (ESCORT/TRACER/TEMPO). WITH REAR SPRINGS BROKEN, ONE CAN OBSERVE THE REAR TIRES OF A CAR WITH THESE SPRINGS BROKEN COME OFF THE ROAD. WITH FORD WELL AWARE OF THIS DESIGN FLAW IN THESE AUTOS, THERE OUGHT TO BE A RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE ONLY 47,700 MILES ON THIS CAR; I HAVE NOW REPLACED A BUSTED CRANKSHAFT PULLEY AND THE RESISTOR ASSOCIATED WITH CIRCULATION SYSTEM WHICH COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE. ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED AND FORD SHOULD ADDRESS THESE FLAWS.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT Feb 19, 2004
THE REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE ON MY 1998 MERCURY TRACER. WHEN SEEKING A REPAIR, I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH FORD/MERCURY MODELS OF THIS SIZE (ESCORT/TRACER/TEMPO). WITH REAR SPRINGS BROKEN, ONE CAN OBSERVE THE REAR TIRES OF A CAR WITH THESE SPRINGS BROKEN COME OFF THE ROAD. WITH FORD WELL AWARE OF THIS DESIGN FLAW IN THESE AUTOS, THERE OUGHT TO BE A RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE ONLY 47,700 MILES ON THIS CAR; I HAVE NOW REPLACED A BUSTED CRANKSHAFT PULLEY AND THE RESISTOR ASSOCIATED WITH CIRCULATION SYSTEM WHICH COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE. ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED AND FORD SHOULD ADDRESS THESE FLAWS.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS Feb 19, 2004
THE REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE ON MY 1998 MERCURY TRACER. WHEN SEEKING A REPAIR, I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH FORD/MERCURY MODELS OF THIS SIZE (ESCORT/TRACER/TEMPO). WITH REAR SPRINGS BROKEN, ONE CAN OBSERVE THE REAR TIRES OF A CAR WITH THESE SPRINGS BROKEN COME OFF THE ROAD. WITH FORD WELL AWARE OF THIS DESIGN FLAW IN THESE AUTOS, THERE OUGHT TO BE A RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE ONLY 47,700 MILES ON THIS CAR; I HAVE NOW REPLACED A BUSTED CRANKSHAFT PULLEY AND THE RESISTOR ASSOCIATED WITH CIRCULATION SYSTEM WHICH COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE. ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED AND FORD SHOULD ADDRESS THESE FLAWS.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS Sep 22, 2003
DURING A VEHICLE INSPECTION REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE AND WERE REPLACED. *AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS Sep 5, 2003
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A RIGHT TIE ROD AND A RIGHT COIL SPRING. HE HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS REAL DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVEN. MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REPLACED THE DAMAGED PARTS WITH THE WARRANTY. VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 30000 MILES. *AK
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY Sep 5, 2003
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A RIGHT TIE ROD AND A RIGHT COIL SPRING. HE HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS REAL DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVEN. MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REPLACED THE DAMAGED PARTS WITH THE WARRANTY. VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 30000 MILES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN Feb 21, 2003
THE HORN STARTED BLOWING ON ITS ON.*JB
SUSPENSION:FRONT May 14, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THAT FIRST TIME 2 NEW TIRES WERE NEEDED AT 19,022 MILES, MECHANIC SAID NO PROBLEM WITH REAR SUSPENSION, PROBLEM DUE TO LACK OF ROTATION, SECOND TIME 4 NEW TIRES WERE NEEDED AT 26,851 MILES MECHANIC SAID PROBLEM WITH STRUTS AND COILS FOR EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. REPEATED COMPLAINTS TO FORD DEALER IGNORED. *YD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE May 14, 2002
ENGINE FAILED AFTER COMPLETE TUNEUP. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE May 14, 2002
ENGINE FAILED AFTER COMPLETE TUNEUP. *YH
SUSPENSION:FRONT Mar 7, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THAT FIRST TIME 2 NEW TIRES WERE NEEDED AT 19,022 MILES, MECHANIC SAID NO PROBLEM WITH REAR SUSPENSION, PROBLEM DUE TO LACK OF ROTATION, SECOND TIME 4 NEW TIRES WERE NEEDED AT 26,851 MILES MECHANIC SAID PROBLEM WITH STRUTS AND COILS FOR EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. REPEATED COMPLAINTS TO FORD DEALER IGNORED. *YD
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Mar 4, 2002
WHILE STOPPING AT SPOT LIGHT AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE SURGED WHILE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED.*AK CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO HAVE THE COMPUTER AND TRANSMISSION FUNCTIONS CHECKED. TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED AND ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE. *JG
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 4, 2002
WHILE STOPPING AT SPOT LIGHT AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE SURGED WHILE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED.*AK CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO HAVE THE COMPUTER AND TRANSMISSION FUNCTIONS CHECKED. TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED AND ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE. *JG
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS Feb 5, 2002
BROKEN REAR COIL SPRINGS AT VERY LOW MILEAGE, COULD HAVE CAUSED BLOWOUTS, SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *AK
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS Feb 5, 2002
BROKEN REAR COIL SPRINGS AT VERY LOW MILEAGE,COULD HAVE CAUSED TIRE BLOWOUTS,SERIOUS ACCIDENT.*AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Jan 28, 2002
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A 20-25 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK *SLC
Crash 1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Jan 10, 2002
ENGINE FAILED AFTER COMPLETE TUNEUP. *YH
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER Nov 14, 2001
INTERMITTENT LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FUNCTION, WILL WORK IN MEDIUM/HIGH MODE. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AK *JB
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Oct 25, 2001
TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT PROPERLY INTO GEARS, THIS CAUSES VEHICLE TO JERK AND SHIFT HARD INTO GEARS, SOMETIMES WOULD FLUTTER WHEN DRIVING AT 50-55MPH.*AK CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO NUMEROUS DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.*SLC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 25, 2001
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND REMAIN, HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER. MECHANIC EITHER WOULD REPLACE OR RESET THE SENSORS ACCORDING TO WHATEVER CODE APPEARS. *AK *SLC
STRUCTURE:BODY Jul 17, 2001
A HOLE IN FIREWALL HAS CAUSED EXHAUST FUMES TO ESCAPE INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *AK DEALER TOLD CONSUMER TO PUT A PIECE OF TAPE OVER THE HOLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, CONSUMER STATES THIS IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE REMEDY, LETTER WRITTEN BY SCOTT ROGERS, HE IS THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Mar 7, 2001
OIL DIPSTICK KEPT 'POPPING' UP AND SQUIRTING OIL ON ENGINE. *AK
TIRES Mar 6, 2001
TIRE SIZE P18565R14, ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WITH 14,900 MILES. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON SUPER HIGHWAY WITH NO SHOULDER WHEN HEARD A THUMPING NOISE, CONSUMER NOTICED LEFT REAR/OUTER, AND TOP PORTION TIRE WAS COMPLETELY SHREADED, CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON RIM BEFORE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP.*AK UNIROYAL TIGER PAW TIRE, P18565R14, DOT AP7JJK7U188. *SLC
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD Mar 1, 2001
MANY TIMES CAR IN SHOP FOR SQUEALING STEERING WHEEL NOISE WHEN TURNING A FAR RIGHT, RATTLING NOISE, GRINDING NOISE FROM ENGINE, RALLTING NOISE FROM DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR JAM, GAS-PIL/EXHAUST SMELL COMING THRU WHEN AC/DEFROST ON, BRAKES SQUEALING EVEN AFTER NEW BRAKE PADS, MANY TIMES I WAS TOLD THAT SOMETHING MAYBE COMING LOOSE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT BREAKS BEFORE THEY CAN FIX IT. JUST RECENTLY AS OF 2-6-01 FORD FACTORY GUY TOLD ME I WAS IMAGINING THINGS. HE ALONG WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM, AND WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT BREAKS BEFORE THEY CAN FIX. WARRANTY EXPIRES APRIL 6, 2001. I CAN'T AFFORD TO WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING BREAKS, THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. SOMETIMES THE RATTLING NOISE ISN'T CONSTANT, OR VERY LOUD, BUT SOMETIMES IT IS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING THAT THEY CAN'T HEAR IT. MAYBE BEING AROUND ENGINES ALL THE TIME IT HAS AFFECTED THEIR HEARING. I DO KNOW THAT I AM NOT IMAGINING THINGS. JUST YESTERDAY THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE IN PARK, IT TOOK ME SEVERAL MINUTES TRYING TO MOVE TO THE STEERING WHEEL SO THAT I COULD TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THIS ISN'T CONSTANT BUT OCCASIONALLY, IT DOES HAPPEN HOWEVER. DURING OUR SUMMER, WITH TRIPLE DIGIT HEAT AND HEAT INDEX, KEY IN IGNITION GOT SO HOT THAT I BURNT MY HAND, THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING RUBBER SMELL. NO DEALER/REPAIR SHOPS WERE OPEN ON A SATURDAY, THE ONE PLACE I ATTEMPTED TO TAKE THE CAR TOO (FORD'S QUALITY CONTROL SHOP) TOLD ME THAT SINCE ITS UNDER WARRANTY, & THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN WORKING ON IT TO TAKE IT BACK THERE. WHICH I DID A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, OF COURSE THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS ALOT COOLER, SO THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. JUST RECENTLY I NOTICED DIFFERENCES IN THE TRANSMISSION. CAR NOT ALWAYS MOVING WHEN PRESS ON GAS PEDAL, SOMETIMES A JERKING MOTION WHEN SHIFT FROM PARK INTO REVERSE. A CRACKING SOUND FRONT DRIVERSIDE TIRE, I MADE A HARD LEFT TURN TO GET OUT OF PARKING SPOT. FORD DISPUTE BOARD CONTACTED
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC Mar 1, 2001
MANY TIMES CAR IN SHOP FOR SQUEALING STEERING WHEEL NOISE WHEN TURNING A FAR RIGHT, RATTLING NOISE, GRINDING NOISE FROM ENGINE, RALLTING NOISE FROM DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR JAM, GAS-PIL/EXHAUST SMELL COMING THRU WHEN AC/DEFROST ON, BRAKES SQUEALING EVEN AFTER NEW BRAKE PADS, MANY TIMES I WAS TOLD THAT SOMETHING MAYBE COMING LOOSE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT BREAKS BEFORE THEY CAN FIX IT. JUST RECENTLY AS OF 2-6-01 FORD FACTORY GUY TOLD ME I WAS IMAGINING THINGS. HE ALONG WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM, AND WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT BREAKS BEFORE THEY CAN FIX. WARRANTY EXPIRES APRIL 6, 2001. I CAN'T AFFORD TO WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING BREAKS, THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. SOMETIMES THE RATTLING NOISE ISN'T CONSTANT, OR VERY LOUD, BUT SOMETIMES IT IS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING THAT THEY CAN'T HEAR IT. MAYBE BEING AROUND ENGINES ALL THE TIME IT HAS AFFECTED THEIR HEARING. I DO KNOW THAT I AM NOT IMAGINING THINGS. JUST YESTERDAY THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE IN PARK, IT TOOK ME SEVERAL MINUTES TRYING TO MOVE TO THE STEERING WHEEL SO THAT I COULD TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THIS ISN'T CONSTANT BUT OCCASIONALLY, IT DOES HAPPEN HOWEVER. DURING OUR SUMMER, WITH TRIPLE DIGIT HEAT AND HEAT INDEX, KEY IN IGNITION GOT SO HOT THAT I BURNT MY HAND, THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING RUBBER SMELL. NO DEALER/REPAIR SHOPS WERE OPEN ON A SATURDAY, THE ONE PLACE I ATTEMPTED TO TAKE THE CAR TOO (FORD'S QUALITY CONTROL SHOP) TOLD ME THAT SINCE ITS UNDER WARRANTY, & THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN WORKING ON IT TO TAKE IT BACK THERE. WHICH I DID A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, OF COURSE THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS ALOT COOLER, SO THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. JUST RECENTLY I NOTICED DIFFERENCES IN THE TRANSMISSION. CAR NOT ALWAYS MOVING WHEN PRESS ON GAS PEDAL, SOMETIMES A JERKING MOTION WHEN SHIFT FROM PARK INTO REVERSE. A CRACKING SOUND FRONT DRIVERSIDE TIRE, I MADE A HARD LEFT TURN TO GET OUT OF PARKING SPOT. FORD DISPUTE BOARD CONTACTED
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Mar 1, 2001
MANY TIMES CAR IN SHOP FOR SQUEALING STEERING WHEEL NOISE WHEN TURNING A FAR RIGHT, RATTLING NOISE, GRINDING NOISE FROM ENGINE, RALLTING NOISE FROM DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR JAM, GAS-PIL/EXHAUST SMELL COMING THRU WHEN AC/DEFROST ON, BRAKES SQUEALING EVEN AFTER NEW BRAKE PADS, MANY TIMES I WAS TOLD THAT SOMETHING MAYBE COMING LOOSE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT BREAKS BEFORE THEY CAN FIX IT. JUST RECENTLY AS OF 2-6-01 FORD FACTORY GUY TOLD ME I WAS IMAGINING THINGS. HE ALONG WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM, AND WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT BREAKS BEFORE THEY CAN FIX. WARRANTY EXPIRES APRIL 6, 2001. I CAN'T AFFORD TO WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING BREAKS, THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. SOMETIMES THE RATTLING NOISE ISN'T CONSTANT, OR VERY LOUD, BUT SOMETIMES IT IS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING THAT THEY CAN'T HEAR IT. MAYBE BEING AROUND ENGINES ALL THE TIME IT HAS AFFECTED THEIR HEARING. I DO KNOW THAT I AM NOT IMAGINING THINGS. JUST YESTERDAY THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE IN PARK, IT TOOK ME SEVERAL MINUTES TRYING TO MOVE TO THE STEERING WHEEL SO THAT I COULD TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THIS ISN'T CONSTANT BUT OCCASIONALLY, IT DOES HAPPEN HOWEVER. DURING OUR SUMMER, WITH TRIPLE DIGIT HEAT AND HEAT INDEX, KEY IN IGNITION GOT SO HOT THAT I BURNT MY HAND, THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING RUBBER SMELL. NO DEALER/REPAIR SHOPS WERE OPEN ON A SATURDAY, THE ONE PLACE I ATTEMPTED TO TAKE THE CAR TOO (FORD'S QUALITY CONTROL SHOP) TOLD ME THAT SINCE ITS UNDER WARRANTY, & THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN WORKING ON IT TO TAKE IT BACK THERE. WHICH I DID A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, OF COURSE THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS ALOT COOLER, SO THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. JUST RECENTLY I NOTICED DIFFERENCES IN THE TRANSMISSION. CAR NOT ALWAYS MOVING WHEN PRESS ON GAS PEDAL, SOMETIMES A JERKING MOTION WHEN SHIFT FROM PARK INTO REVERSE. A CRACKING SOUND FRONT DRIVERSIDE TIRE, I MADE A HARD LEFT TURN TO GET OUT OF PARKING SPOT. FORD DISPUTE BOARD CONTACTED
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Mar 1, 2001
MANY TIMES CAR IN SHOP FOR SQUEALING STEERING WHEEL NOISE WHEN TURNING A FAR RIGHT, RATTLING NOISE, GRINDING NOISE FROM ENGINE, RALLTING NOISE FROM DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR JAM, GAS-PIL/EXHAUST SMELL COMING THRU WHEN AC/DEFROST ON, BRAKES SQUEALING EVEN AFTER NEW BRAKE PADS, MANY TIMES I WAS TOLD THAT SOMETHING MAYBE COMING LOOSE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT BREAKS BEFORE THEY CAN FIX IT. JUST RECENTLY AS OF 2-6-01 FORD FACTORY GUY TOLD ME I WAS IMAGINING THINGS. HE ALONG WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM, AND WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT BREAKS BEFORE THEY CAN FIX. WARRANTY EXPIRES APRIL 6, 2001. I CAN'T AFFORD TO WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING BREAKS, THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. SOMETIMES THE RATTLING NOISE ISN'T CONSTANT, OR VERY LOUD, BUT SOMETIMES IT IS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING THAT THEY CAN'T HEAR IT. MAYBE BEING AROUND ENGINES ALL THE TIME IT HAS AFFECTED THEIR HEARING. I DO KNOW THAT I AM NOT IMAGINING THINGS. JUST YESTERDAY THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE IN PARK, IT TOOK ME SEVERAL MINUTES TRYING TO MOVE TO THE STEERING WHEEL SO THAT I COULD TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THIS ISN'T CONSTANT BUT OCCASIONALLY, IT DOES HAPPEN HOWEVER. DURING OUR SUMMER, WITH TRIPLE DIGIT HEAT AND HEAT INDEX, KEY IN IGNITION GOT SO HOT THAT I BURNT MY HAND, THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING RUBBER SMELL. NO DEALER/REPAIR SHOPS WERE OPEN ON A SATURDAY, THE ONE PLACE I ATTEMPTED TO TAKE THE CAR TOO (FORD'S QUALITY CONTROL SHOP) TOLD ME THAT SINCE ITS UNDER WARRANTY, & THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN WORKING ON IT TO TAKE IT BACK THERE. WHICH I DID A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, OF COURSE THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS ALOT COOLER, SO THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. JUST RECENTLY I NOTICED DIFFERENCES IN THE TRANSMISSION. CAR NOT ALWAYS MOVING WHEN PRESS ON GAS PEDAL, SOMETIMES A JERKING MOTION WHEN SHIFT FROM PARK INTO REVERSE. A CRACKING SOUND FRONT DRIVERSIDE TIRE, I MADE A HARD LEFT TURN TO GET OUT OF PARKING SPOT. FORD DISPUTE BOARD CONTACTED
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR Mar 1, 2001
MANY TIMES CAR IN SHOP FOR SQUEALING STEERING WHEEL NOISE WHEN TURNING A FAR RIGHT, RATTLING NOISE, GRINDING NOISE FROM ENGINE, RALLTING NOISE FROM DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR JAM, GAS-PIL/EXHAUST SMELL COMING THRU WHEN AC/DEFROST ON, BRAKES SQUEALING EVEN AFTER NEW BRAKE PADS, MANY TIMES I WAS TOLD THAT SOMETHING MAYBE COMING LOOSE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT BREAKS BEFORE THEY CAN FIX IT. JUST RECENTLY AS OF 2-6-01 FORD FACTORY GUY TOLD ME I WAS IMAGINING THINGS. HE ALONG WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM, AND WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT BREAKS BEFORE THEY CAN FIX. WARRANTY EXPIRES APRIL 6, 2001. I CAN'T AFFORD TO WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING BREAKS, THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. SOMETIMES THE RATTLING NOISE ISN'T CONSTANT, OR VERY LOUD, BUT SOMETIMES IT IS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING THAT THEY CAN'T HEAR IT. MAYBE BEING AROUND ENGINES ALL THE TIME IT HAS AFFECTED THEIR HEARING. I DO KNOW THAT I AM NOT IMAGINING THINGS. JUST YESTERDAY THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE IN PARK, IT TOOK ME SEVERAL MINUTES TRYING TO MOVE TO THE STEERING WHEEL SO THAT I COULD TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THIS ISN'T CONSTANT BUT OCCASIONALLY, IT DOES HAPPEN HOWEVER. DURING OUR SUMMER, WITH TRIPLE DIGIT HEAT AND HEAT INDEX, KEY IN IGNITION GOT SO HOT THAT I BURNT MY HAND, THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING RUBBER SMELL. NO DEALER/REPAIR SHOPS WERE OPEN ON A SATURDAY, THE ONE PLACE I ATTEMPTED TO TAKE THE CAR TOO (FORD'S QUALITY CONTROL SHOP) TOLD ME THAT SINCE ITS UNDER WARRANTY, & THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN WORKING ON IT TO TAKE IT BACK THERE. WHICH I DID A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, OF COURSE THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS ALOT COOLER, SO THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. JUST RECENTLY I NOTICED DIFFERENCES IN THE TRANSMISSION. CAR NOT ALWAYS MOVING WHEN PRESS ON GAS PEDAL, SOMETIMES A JERKING MOTION WHEN SHIFT FROM PARK INTO REVERSE. A CRACKING SOUND FRONT DRIVERSIDE TIRE, I MADE A HARD LEFT TURN TO GET OUT OF PARKING SPOT. FORD DISPUTE BOARD CONTACTED
STRUCTURE:BODY Dec 19, 2000
SUNVISOR IS DESIGNED TOO SHORT AND DOES NOT BLOCK THE SUN SUFFICIENTLY. *MJS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Oct 3, 2000
ENGINE STALLS AT SLOW SPEEDS AND WHILE TAKING CORNERS WITH THE CLUTCH ENGAGED. NLM
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM Jul 28, 2000
BALL JOINTS WITHOUT OILING GREASE ZERK FITTINGS WHICH CAUSED THE BALL JOINTS TO CRACK/BREAK DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE RUBBER BOOTS AROUND THE BALL JOINTS ARE DEFLATED WITH NO ZERKS TO INSERT GREASE. *YH
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Jun 20, 2000
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES. *AK *ML
Crash 1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY Apr 7, 2000
TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER ONCE READ ABOVE NORMAL, WAS TRAVELING, HEARD A NOISE IN ENGINE, SLOWED DOWN AND VECHICLE SHUT DOWN. I BELIEVE THERMOSTAT MAY BE DEFECTIVE, THERE WAS ALSO DAMAGE TO THE CYLINDER HEAD. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM WHEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE IT WAS FULL OF COOLANT AND OIL WAS FULL AND HAD JUST BEEN CHANGED. I HAVE ALWAY HAD ALL MAINTANANCE DONE ON TIME, THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN AT 45,000 MILES ON ANY VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Apr 7, 2000
TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER ONCE READ ABOVE NORMAL, WAS TRAVELING, HEARD A NOISE IN ENGINE, SLOWED DOWN AND VECHICLE SHUT DOWN. I BELIEVE THERMOSTAT MAY BE DEFECTIVE, THERE WAS ALSO DAMAGE TO THE CYLINDER HEAD. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM WHEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE IT WAS FULL OF COOLANT AND OIL WAS FULL AND HAD JUST BEEN CHANGED. I HAVE ALWAY HAD ALL MAINTANANCE DONE ON TIME, THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN AT 45,000 MILES ON ANY VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 7, 2000
TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER ONCE READ ABOVE NORMAL, WAS TRAVELING, HEARD A NOISE IN ENGINE, SLOWED DOWN AND VECHICLE SHUT DOWN. I BELIEVE THERMOSTAT MAY BE DEFECTIVE, THERE WAS ALSO DAMAGE TO THE CYLINDER HEAD. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM WHEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE IT WAS FULL OF COOLANT AND OIL WAS FULL AND HAD JUST BEEN CHANGED. I HAVE ALWAY HAD ALL MAINTANANCE DONE ON TIME, THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN AT 45,000 MILES ON ANY VEHICLE. *AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Oct 21, 1999
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 55MPH AND HIT A TREE, AND THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AT ALL. *AK
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) Sep 17, 1999
WHEN TURNING OR CHANGING GEARS, THE CAR MAKES A POPPING AND RATTLING NOISE. DEALER SAYS SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE STEERING GEAR BOX. *AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Sep 3, 1999
DRIVER'S AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AT ALL WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Aug 30, 1999
AT 2,795 MILES THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. AT 4,162 MILES VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION ON TWO OCCASIONS. ONE INCIDENT RESULTED IN HITTING A LIGHT POLE. *YC
SUSPENSION May 27, 1999
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE VIBRATES WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN AND IN THE ENGINE. *AK
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE Apr 19, 1999
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED PULLING TO THE RIGHT AFTER SEVERAL ALIGNMENTS HAD BEEN DONE AND SET OF TIRES HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *AK