Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 276 of 381 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
91 complaint records6 fire reports
"ON TWO OCCASIONS THE ENGINE MOUNTS FAILED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO MOVE UP WHEN ACCELERATING AND UPWARD WHEN IN REVERSE. *ET..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Body & structure
70 complaint records1 crash report
"SUBFRAME BOLT BROKE CAUSING SUBFRAME TO DROP AND DIFFICULT STEERING, DEALER REFUSED RECALL REPAIR DUE TO VIN. 98V-323 NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →
Steering
57 complaint records5 fire reports3 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVINHG ON THE HIGHWAY AND TURNING TO THE LEFT, STEERING BECOMES STIFF AND STICKS. DEALER CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP96014 opened Nov 1996 | OPEN | Air Bags | DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR CFAS SENT A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON DECEMBER 12, 1996, TO CHANGE THE INTENT OF THE PETITION TO AIRBAG AGGRESSIVITY AND DEPLOYMENT VARIABILITY.NHTSA RECEIVED THE LETTER ON 12/12/96; ACCORDINGLY, THE PETITION DUE DAY WAS CHANGED TO APRIL 12, 1997.CFAS PETITIONED... |
| DP95004 opened Aug 1995 | closed Aug 1995 | Unknown Or Other | ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS |
| EA94008 opened Feb 1994 | closed Feb 1995 | Steering | BROKEN TIE RODS There is no summary currently available |
| PE93100 opened Dec 1993 | closed Jun 1994 | Suspension | POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKS There is no summary currently available |
| PE93065 opened Jul 1993 | closed Nov 1993 | Vehicle Speed Control | UNDERBODY FUEL LINE FAILS There is no summary currently available |
Show 10 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE93058 opened Jun 1993 | closed Feb 1994 | Steering | BROKEN TIE RODS There is no summary currently available |
| EA92040 opened Nov 1992 | closed Jun 1993 | Structure | SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL - led to recall 93V106002 There is no summary currently available |
| PE92044 opened Apr 1992 | closed Aug 1992 | Steering | POWER STEERING LEAKS/FIRES There is no summary currently available |
| PE92014 opened Feb 1992 | closed Jun 1992 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE MOUNT FAILURE There is no summary currently available |
| EA91042 opened Oct 1991 | closed May 1992 | Structure | STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATION - led to recall 92V065000 === |
| PE91108 opened Aug 1991 | closed Oct 1991 | Structure | STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATION There is no summary currently available |
| EA91011 opened Dec 1990 | closed Aug 1992 | Seat Belts | SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE - led to recall 92V113000 There is no summary currently available |
| EA90045 opened Sep 1990 | closed Sep 1991 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | BRAKE DISC HUB SEPARATIONS - led to recall 91V134002 === |
| PE90113 opened Aug 1990 | closed Dec 1990 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT BUCKLE LOCKING There is no summary currently available |
| PE90104 opened Aug 1990 | closed Aug 1990 | Wheels | WHEEL SEPARATION - led to recall 90V159000 There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98V323000 | Structure | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN,... | Normally free |
| 92V113000 | Seat Belts | 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. | Normally free |
| 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. | Normally free |
| 91V134000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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. | Normally free |
| 90V159000 | Wheels | WHEELS MAY CONTAIN CRACKS THAT COULD PROPOGATE IN RAISED PORTION OF WHEEL CENTER. | Normally free |
| 89V171000 | Exterior Lighting | AN INCORRECT TRANSISTOR MAY CAUSE AUTOLAMP SYSTEM LIGHT SENSOR MODULE MALFUNCTION. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998250 1998-12-22 | Steering | 251,032 | 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. |
| 1995038 1995-02-27 | Emissions | 19,200 | COMPLIANCE TESTING INDICATES THAT THESE VEHICLES MAY BE RELEASING CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) EMISSIONS WHICH EXCEED THE REQUIREMENTS OF C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. CORRECTION: CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. |
| 1995027 1995-02-16 | Emissions | 19,195 | NOTE: SUPERSEDED BY 95038. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. CATALYSTS MAY BE RELEASING EMISSIONS IN EXCESS OF THE STANDARD. CORRECTION: EXHAUST SYSTEM CATALYSTS WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. |
| 1992166 1992-12-30 | Structure | 157,101 | 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,... |
| 1992120 1992-09-29 | Seats And Restraints | 36,066 | 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... |
Show 7 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992099 1992-08-21 | Emissions | 16,233 | 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. |
| 1992077 1992-06-30 | Lights And Instruments | 464,543 | NOTE: ALSO INCLUDES SOME MEDIUM AND HEAVY TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING. |
| 1992060 1992-05-20 | Structure | 48,330 | 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... |
| 1990193 1990-12-07 | Brakes | 127,161 | THE COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY CORRODE, WEAKEN AND FRACTURE, RESULTING IN A REDUCTION OF BRAKING PERFORMANCE. |
| 1990182 1990-11-21 | Seats And Restraints | 11,394 | ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DRIVER SIDE SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG, THE CENTRE POST THREADS OF THE AIR BAG MODULE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY. |
| 1990137 1990-09-11 | Suspension | 40 | NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POLICE VEHICLE OPTION PACKAGE. WHEELS MAY CONTAIN FORMING CRACKS IN THE RAISED PORTION OF THE WHEEL CENTRE (SPIDER) BETWEEN THE LUG HOLES AND THE ATTACHMENT TO THE RIM. |
| 1989150 1989-10-26 | Lights And Instruments | 235 | AN INCORRECT TRANSISTOR IN THE AUTOLAMP HEADLAMP CONTROL SYSTEM MODULE MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE THE HEADLAMPS TO TURN OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. THIS COULD CAUSE IMPAIRED DRIVER VISION AND A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02107 May 2002 | Visibility | TRANSFER SERVICE TIPS FOR THE FRONT WIPER MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET AND DEPRESSED PARK OUTPUT ARM. *TT | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 011201 Jun 2001 | Visibility | THIS INFORMATION IS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WIPER SYSTEM SERVICE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE WORKSHOP MANUALS. THIS SERVICE INFORMATION IS INTENDED AS AN AID TO ASSIST IN DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR OF ERRATIC WIPER SYSTEM CONDITIONS. *TT | |
| 01124 Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ON SOME VEHICLES, ENGINE OIL MAY CONTINUE TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET AREA AFTER AN ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 99196 Sep 1999 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 99183 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SERVICE TIP INFORMATION ON REVISED OIL PAN GASKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 99152 Jul 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT | |
| 99129 Jun 1999 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT | |
| 99816 May 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT | |
| 5897 Mar 1999 | Steering | EXPERIENCING A SQUEAKING AND / OR POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT OUTER TIRE RODS. *TT | |
| 12559 Mar 1999 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH REVERSE CLUTCH THAT COULD BECOME SHEARED OR TORN IN EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. *TT | |
| 12570 Mar 1999 | Steering | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT FRONT OUTER TIE RODS SQUEAK AND / OR POP NOISE OVER BUMPS AND / OR TURNING. *TT | |
| 98246 Dec 1998 | Electrical System | FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC | |
| 982310 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK | |
| 12178 Nov 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING TSB 98-5A-12 (TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION/TRANSFER CASE-VEHICLES TOWED BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES-RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES) DOES NOT LIST TOWING INFORMATION FOR CERTAIN MODEL VEHICLES. *MJS | |
| 9802169838 May 1998 | Power Train | TRANSAXLES USE A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID. *YC | |
| 9888 Apr 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC | |
| 9852 Apr 1998 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC | |
| 9873 Apr 1998 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINING / BUZZING NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO. *TT | |
| 9874 Apr 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC | |
| 982675 Apr 1998 | Power Train | A REVISED FORWARD CLUTCH INNER SEAL FOR THE AXOD, AXODE, AX4S & AX4N TRANSAXLE IS AVAILABLE WITH IMPROVED SEALING AND REDUCED CHANCE OF THE SEAL ROLLING DURING INSTALLATION. *YC | |
| 9864 Mar 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 985A13 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC | |
| 985A6 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY CYCLE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED ON ROUGH ROADS OR ON AN INCLINE WHILE MAKING A SHARP TURN. *YC | |
| 985A12 Mar 1998 | Equipment | RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR TOWING BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 9848 Mar 1998 | Equipment | ANNOUNCING THE FORD OEM AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT KIT AVAILABILITY. *YC | |
| 9849 Mar 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONCERNS WITH COOLANT MAY LEAK FROM THE HEAD GASKETS AND / OR THE VEHICLE MAY OVERHEAT. *YC | |
| 9811329 Feb 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING THE THE AVAILABILITY OF THE REVISED HEADGASKET FOR COOLANT LOSS CONDITIONS ON SOME ENGINES. *TT | |
| 97111097234 Nov 1997 | Electrical System | VEHICLES EXHIBITING A "SQUEAKING" OR "CHIRPING" FROM THE BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW BLOWER MOTOR SPEEDS. *YC | |
| 9768 Mar 1997 | Unknown Or Other | FUEL ECONOMY- CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS VERSUS VEHICLE USAGE. *JD | |
| 97610 Mar 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BLOWER MOTOR- "CHIRPING" OR "SQUEAKING" FROM BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SPEEDS. *JD | |
| 97511 Mar 1997 | Power Train | FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD | |
| 9743 Feb 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BLOWER MOTOR- "CHIRP" OR "SQUEAK" FROM BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SPEEDS. *JD | |
| BC101209702 Jan 1997 | Power Train | VERIFY THE TRANSAXLE INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE IS THE CORRECT MODEL AND MODEL YEAR FOR THE VEHICLE. *JD | |
| 9716 Jan 1997 | Steering | SOME POWER STEERING HOSES HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN AND SHOULD NO LONGER BE USED FOR SERVICE. *JD | |
| 962612 Dec 1996 | Power Train | TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 96246 Nov 1996 | Electrical System | WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW | |
| 96249 Nov 1996 | Power Train | TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| BC7235961101 Nov 1996 | Power Train | VEHICLE MAY EXHIBIT A CHATTER WHEN RELEASING THE CLUTCH IN REVERSE GEAR. *TW | |
| 96221 Oct 1996 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW | |
| BC9584961001 Oct 1996 | Steering | INFORMATION FOR CONCERNS OF GRUNT OR GROAN DURING WHEEL RETURN FROM FULL RIGHT TURN. *TT | |
| BC9683961001 Oct 1996 | Power Train | PROCEDURE FOR UPDATING THE CALIBRATION FROM R-11 TO R-12 FOR STALLING ON DECEL & MISFIRE CODES ON 3.0L VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 95203 Oct 1995 | Visibility | A 'GROANING' NOISE MAY COME FROM THE FRONT POWER WINDOWS AFTER THE GLASS IS POWERED FULL UP. THIS NOISE IS CAUSED BY IMPROPER LUBRICATION ON THE WINDOW REGULATOR MECHANISM SLIDING SURFACES. THE GREASE GETS WIPED OFF FROM SLIDING SURFACES DURING NORMAL OPERATION. | |
| 95212 Oct 1995 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IT MAY BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE RUBBER MATERIAL USED IN THE DISC BRAKE SYSTEM. | |
| 95191 Sep 1995 | Steering | THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM MAY HAVE A 'GRUNT' AND/OR 'GROAN' NOISE. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY HYDRAULIC FLUID MOVEMENT WITHIN THE POWER STEERING RACK. | |
| 95153 Jul 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TEMPERATURE GAUGE - FLUCTUATING AND /OR INACCURATE HIGH READINGS. *SD | |
| 95157 Jul 1995 | Power Train | THE TORQUE CONVERTER IDENTIFICATION CODES HAVE BEEN REVISED AS OF 3/1/95. *SD | |
| FD950526 May 1995 | Seat Belts | UNKNOWN | |
| 9592 May 1995 | Visibility | UNKNOWN | |
| 9582 Apr 1995 | Visibility | A REVISED SERVICE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR IS NOW AVAILABLE. *TW | |
| 9556 Mar 1995 | Suspension | PREMATURE WEAR ON INNER EDGES OF REAR TIRES MAY BE CAUSED BY REAR CAMBER AND TOE SETTINGS THAT ARE NOT WITHIN SPECIFICATION. *TW | |
| 9559 Mar 1995 | Electrical System | REVISED CALIBRATION IN POWER CONTROL MODULE. *TW | |
| 95511 Mar 1995 | Visibility | CHIRP OR SQUEAK FROM BLOWER MOTOR. *TW | |
| 9562 Mar 1995 | Service Brakes | ROUGHNESS CONCERN DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. *TW | |
| 9566 Mar 1995 | Visibility | CHIRP OR SQUEAK NOISE FROM BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SPEEDS. *TW | |
| RCL/94E55 Mar 1995 | Visibility | UNKNOWN | |
| 9534 Feb 1995 | Suspension | RATTLING OR CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE FRON SUSPENSION. *TW |
Showing 60 of 67 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Taurus →