Engine
3.8L 6-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 491 of 602 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 50 of 602 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
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
410 complaint records21 fire reports1 crash report
"WHEN PLUGGING IN AIR FLOW SENSOR UNIT VEHICLE WILL REV UP TO ABOUT 3000 RPMS. DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*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 engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Power train
62 complaint records1 fire report5 crash reports
"VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY WHILE DRIVING. DRIVER FEELS THIS IS NOT SAFE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *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 power train parts in the directory →
Electrical system
39 complaint records9 fire reports
"IGNITION SWITCH OUTER RING ROTATES WITHOUT KEY INSERTION. WILL LET DOOR CHIME CONTINUOUSLY RING AND MAKES KEY INSERTION DIFFICULT.*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 electrical system 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA98013 opened May 1998 | closed Oct 2000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | PARKING BRAKE - led to recall 00V349000 There is no summary currently available |
| PE97051 opened Dec 1997 | closed May 1998 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | PARKING BRAKE FAILURE THE NUMBER OF CRASHES REPORTED TOT HE MANUFACTURER WARRANTS FURTHER THIS INVESTIGATION |
| EA97018 opened Sep 1997 | closed Oct 1997 | Structure | OUTER HOOD PANEL DETACHMENT - led to recall 97V180000 There is no summary currently available |
| PE97011 opened Mar 1997 | closed Sep 1997 | Structure | OUTER HOOD PANEL DETACHMENT THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED 6 REPORTS INDICATING THE OUTER HOOD PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLES AS THEY WERE BEING DRIVEN.FORD HAS PROVIDE 39 ADDITIONAL REPORTS THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH ODI REPORTS.FORD INDICATES THAT THE LIKELY CAUSE... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01V390000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.8L ENGINES AND MUSTANG VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 5.0L ENGINES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BEARING TO SEIZE. | Normally free |
| 01V318000 | Air Bags | EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE REPLACED AFTER APRIL 5, 2000. | Normally free |
| 00V349000 | Parking Brake | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. IF A VEHICLE IS PARKED WITH THE PARKING BRAKE NOT FULLY APPLIED AND NOT IN FIRST GEAR, AS DIRECTED IN THE OWNER GUIDE, AND THE SELF ADJUSTMENT... | Normally free |
| 97V180000 | Structure | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS. TEARING OF THE BOND BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS DURING MINOR FRONT END COLLISIONS CAN RESULT IN A GAP AT THE LEADING EDGE OF THE HOOD. | Normally free |
| 95V134000 | Steering | THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WITH INCORRECT TAPER BALL STUDS. THE INCORRECT TAPERED BALL STUDS CAN FRACTURE WITHIN 50,000 MILES. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001290 2001-12-11 | Electrical | 38,835 | Certain Taurus and Sable vehicles with 3.0 liter and 3.8 liter engines and 1995 model year Mustang vehicles with 3.8 liter and 5.0 liter engines. |
| 2000282 2000-11-28 | Brakes | 18,700 | On certain vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, if parked with the parking brake not fully applied and not in first gear, as directed in the Owner Guide, and the self adjustment pawl subsequently skips one or two teeth, the vehicle... |
| 1997183 1997-10-22 | Structure | 62,645 | UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE BOND BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER HOOD PANELS CAN BEGIN TO SEPARATE. HIGHWAY DRIVING CAN CAUSE AIR TO ENTER BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER PANELS WHICH CAN FORCE THE OUTER PANEL UPWARD, AND COULD RESULT IN TOTAL... |
| 1995149 1995-08-11 | Steering | 208 | DEFECT: THE OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH INCORRECTLY TAPERED BALL STUDS THAT COULD FRACTURE DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IF THE OUTER TIE ROD END FRACTURES, STEERING CONTROL COULD POTENTIALLY BE AFFECTED. |
| 1995032 1995-02-21 | Seats And Restraints | 398 | THE PASSENGER SIDE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG) MAY HAVE A CRACKED INFLATOR BODY. IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A DEPLOYMENT LEVEL CRASH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT INFLATE PROPERLY WHICH COULD RESULT IN REDUCED OCCUPANT... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 03261 Jan 2003 | Power Train | NEW SERVICE PART - NUMBER 5 NEEDLE BEARING AND RACE KIT - 4R70W TRANSMISSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 02208 Oct 2002 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 15702 Mar 2002 | Vehicle Speed Control | SUBJECT REGARDING SPEED CONTROL LAMP. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0214 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT | |
| 01246 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 01M09 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM 01S30 REGARDING ADDITIONAL COVERAGE FOR ENGINE COOLING FAN CIRCUIT BREAKER INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 15205 Sep 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT THE DOOR GLASS COMING OFF OF THE WINDOW TRACK. *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 | |
| 15178 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES EXHIBIT THE DOOR GLASS POPPING OFF TRACK. *YH | |
| 15067 Jul 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT A POWERTRAIN NOISE DESCRIBED AS A BRIEF ROAR, HOOT OR GROAN BETWEN 2500 - 3500 RPM WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS HALF WAY DOWN, DURING SHIFTING OR WHEN DEPRESSING AND RELEASING THE CLUTCH. *TT | |
| 14149 Mar 2001 | Suspension | INFORMATION ON CASTER ADJUSTMENT WHEN PERFORMING A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. *TT | |
| 00M09 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINE REPLACEMENTS WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM. *YH | |
| 00M10 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINE REPLACEMENTS WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM. *YH | |
| 00S37S1 Dec 2000 | Parking Brake | SUBJECT REGARDING PARKING BRAKE CONTROL ASSEMBLY MODIFICATION. *TT | |
| 00241 Nov 2000 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION THAT MAY BE HEARD OF FELT AT THE CLUTCH PEDAL BETWEEN IDLE AND 2300 RPM, AND GOES AWAY WHEN DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH AT LEAST 25MM. *TT | |
| 002310 Nov 2000 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 00M10S2 Nov 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE HEAD GASKET(S). THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN ENGINE COOLANT LEAKAGE, WHICH, IF NOT DETECTED, CAN CAUSE ENGINE OVERHEATING. *TT | |
| 00212 Oct 2000 | Structure | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HOOD THAT IS HARD TO CLOSE. *JB | |
| 00M10 Jun 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT #1 3.8L ENGINE HEAD GASKETS. *TT | |
| 8485 Apr 2000 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING FREE FLOOR MAT EXCHANGE. **MR | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 7854 Jan 2000 | Service Brakes | ABS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES(DTCS) CAN ONLY BE RETRIEVED USING SUPER STARII TESTER OR THE FLASH OUT PROCEDURE BY GROUNDING OUT DIAGNOSTIC CIRCUIT AT TEST CONNECTOR. | |
| 99225 Nov 1999 | Structure | CONCERNS WITH THE CONVERTIBLE TOP BOOT MAY FIT IMPROPERLY OR BE DIFFICULT TO INSTALL ON SOME VEHICLES DUE TO THE TOP NOT FOLDING DOWN ALL THE WAY INTO THE WELL. *TT | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 13428 Oct 1999 | Structure | SOME CONVERTIBLES MAY EXHIBIT A RATTLE NOISE FROMTHE DOOR WEDGE WHEN DRIVING ON ROUGH ROADS. *TT | |
| 99194 Sep 1999 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 99195 Sep 1999 | Equipment | SERVICE INFORMATION FOR MUSTY AND MILDEW TYPE ODORS COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING / HEATING SYSTEM. *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 | |
| 6997 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME SERVICE MANUALS MAY LIST THE INCORRECT CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL FOR VEHICLES WITH VARIOUS ENGINE SIZES. *TT | |
| 13180 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL CHART. *MJS | |
| 99152 Jul 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT | |
| 6512 Jul 1999 | Seats | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT SOME NORMAL SERVICE CONCERNS WITH POWER SEAT OPERATION. *TT | |
| 99139 Jun 1999 | Exterior Lighting | CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *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 | |
| 99111 Jun 1999 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION DESIGNED TO AID IN THE DIAGNOSIS, TESTING AND REPAIR OF NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 12899 Jun 1999 | Seats | INFORMATION ON POWER SEAT SWITCH REPLACEMENT. *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 | |
| 99-8-15 May 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING DOOR TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 9943 Mar 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING REPROGRAMMING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES (PCMS). *TT | |
| 98253 Dec 1998 | Visibility | CONCERNS WITH THE FRONT WINDOW MAY TRAVEL BEYOND THE UPSTOP AND EXIT THE GLASS RUN ON SOME VEHICLES. *YC | |
| 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 | |
| 98222 Nov 1998 | Power Train | EXPERIENCING VIBRATION/ NOISE FELT IN CLUTCH PEDAL WHEN LIGHTLY TOUCHING CLUTCH PEDAL. *YC | |
| 12073 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLES WITH FEDERAL EMISSION EQUIPPED 1998, MAY EXHIBIT A FUEL SMELL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AT TIMES. *MJS | |
| 5031 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES AND CERTAIN FEDERAL EMISSION EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FUEL SMELL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AT TIMES. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 982010 Oct 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING A " BUZZING " OR " RATTLING " NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *YC | |
| 4696 Aug 1998 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING THE SUBWOOFER ENCLOSURE ON COUPES WITH THE MACH 460 AUDIO SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 11804 Aug 1998 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING THE SUBWOOFER ENCLOSURE ON COUPES WITH THE MACH 460 AUDIO SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 9887 Apr 1998 | Power Train | EXPERIENCING A TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SHUDDER OR VIBRATION. *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 | |
| 9864 Mar 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 985A5 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT FROM ROTUNDA IS NOW APPROVED FOR WARRANTY AND SERVICE USE. *YC |
Showing 60 of 122 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.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 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 Mustang →