Engine
3.0L 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 741 of 874 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 333 of 874 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.
Suspension
187 complaint records4 crash reports
"DRIVER STARTED THE VEHICLE, PLACED IT IN REVERSE AND DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING PUNCTURED THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE.*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 suspension parts in the directory →
Brakes
116 complaint records1 fire report10 crash reports
"WARPED BRAKE ROTORS, SEVERE VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING, ESPECIALLY DOWN HILL, ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED, PROBLEM REOCCURRED.*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 brakes parts in the directory →
Steering
115 complaint records2 crash reports
"INTIALLY DIAGNOSED AS POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK - TURNS OUT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A LEAK IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING...."- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE04044 opened May 2004 | closed Aug 2004 | Suspension | FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE - led to recall 04V332000 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... |
| PE02080 opened Oct 2002 | closed Apr 2003 | Suspension | FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE A TOTAL OF 161 FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING FAILURES ARE KNOWN TO ODI AND FORD FROM ALL SOURCES, 59 OF THESE LEADING TO TIRE DAMAGE.THESE FAILURES ARE CONCENTRATED IN THE CORROSION STATES, WHERE 253,814 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD.WARRANTY AND CONSUMER COMPLAINT... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V332000 | Suspension | 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... | Normally free |
| 99V250000 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE A PIN SHAFT IN THE SWITCHABLE ELR/ALR MECHANISM THAT IS INCORRECTLY FORMED. | Normally free |
| 98V288000 | Power Train | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUPPED WITH THE "CALIFORNIA" EMISSIONS PACKAGE. AN INCORRECT TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE WAS INSTALLED. | Normally free |
| 98V204000 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DASH INSULATOR RETAINER CLIP WAS NOT FULLY ASSEMBLED TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE DASH FITTING. | Normally free |
| 98V198000 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEAT TRACKS. THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHING STUD MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004252 2004-07-19 | Suspension | 59,758 | On certain vehicles, the front coil springs may fracture when operated in high corrosion areas (where salt is used on the roadways in winter). |
| 1999176 1999-10-19 | Seats And Restraints | 1,889 | On certain vehicles, the seat belt retractor in certain seating positions may have a pin shaft in the switchable ELR/ALR(emergency locking retractor/automatic locking retractor) mechanism that is incorrectly formed. |
| 1998182 1998-09-18 | Structure | 32 | THE DASH INSULATOR RETAINER MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY ENGAGED. THE RETAINER MAY DISENGAGE, AND IN SOME CASES IT COULD BECOME LODGED ABOVE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL PIVOT. THIS COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM FULLY RETURNING TO IDLE. |
| 1998173 1998-08-28 | Seats And Restraints | 308 | THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHING STUD THAT MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS HEAT TREATING MAY HAVE RESULTED IN CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE STUD. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-0068 Apr 2016 | Suspension | For 1999-2001 Taurus or Sable vehicles Safety Recall 04S17 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the front coil springs could potentially fracture. | |
| TSB160068 Apr 2016 | Suspension | Safety recall 04S17 - Front coil springs - requests for recall service action | |
| TSB-14-0165 Sep 2014 | Suspension | MERCURY/FORD: SAFETY RECALL REGARDING FRONT COIL SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE ON VEHICLES OPERATING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS. MODEL 1999-01 TAURUS, SABLE. *PE | |
| TSB-14-0149 Aug 2014 | Suspension | MERCURY/FORD: FRONT COIL SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE, AFTER OPERATING, FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, MOVE MOVE PAST SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT RUPTURE FRONT TIRE, RESULTING RAPID AIR LOSS. MODEL 1999-2001 TAURUS, SABLE. *PE | |
| CSP-08B01 May 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD: CERTAIN 1999-2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN NEW YORK AND CERTAIN 2001 VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF MAINE, CERTIFIED FOR SALE IN CALIFORNIA-FEDERAL EMISSION WARRANTY REFUND. *PE |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 041601 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT | |
| 18614 May 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SURGE, IDLE ROLL, ROUGH IDLE ONLY WHEN THE ENGINE COOLING FANS ARE OPERATING. *TT | |
| 04189 Dec 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 031404 Aug 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. TO INCLUDE VARIOUS 2005 MODELS. * AR THIS ARTICLE 04161 SUPERSEDES TSB 03-14-04. | |
| 041514 Aug 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 17358 Aug 2004 | Power Train | GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED ON AN INCLINE. *TT THIS BULLETIN UPDATES PREVIOUS BULLETIN 17358, DATED 11/01/2003 TO INCLUDE 2005 MODELS. *TT | |
| 031501 Jul 2004 | Visibility | INOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 04M04 Jul 2004 | Suspension | FRONT COIL SPRING EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04M04. | |
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 03141 Jul 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | IN VEHICLE LOCTITE SERVICE PROCEDURE FOR CAMSHAFT TUBE AND GEAR. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 03123 Jun 2003 | Power Train | TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH NOT ENGAGING WHEN COMMANDED AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0741 OR P1744 STORED IN MEMORY. MODELS FROM 1996 TO 2003. *TT | |
| 0398 May 2003 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT | |
| 16678 Mar 2003 | Power Train | AX4S TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT NO REVERSE ENGAGEMENT CONDITION. *TT *JB | |
| 02236 Nov 2002 | Visibility | ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE COOL/WARM FUNCTION OF THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM - REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR STRATIFICATION (SECONDARY) TEMPERATURE BLEND DOOR. *TT | |
| 02221 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ | |
| 870197 Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *TT | |
| 02208 Oct 2002 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH | |
| 16315 Oct 2002 | Structure | HEADLINER GRAB HANDLES LOOSEN. *TT | |
| 02183 Sep 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHAUST SYSTEM Y-PIPE CRACK AT THE NOISE VIBRATION HARNESS BRACKET. *MJ | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 02153 Aug 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 3.0L 4V DURATEC ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1518, INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL. *TT | |
| 02107 May 2002 | Visibility | TRANSFER SERVICE TIPS FOR THE FRONT WIPER MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET AND DEPRESSED PARK OUTPUT ARM. *TT | |
| 15879 May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME SHO VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A TICKING NOISE ORIGINATING FROM THE VALVE COVER AREA. *TT | |
| 15820 Apr 2002 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AX4N/4F50N TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT A SHUDDER DURING A 3-4 SHIFT. *TT | |
| 0245 Mar 2002 | Electrical System | INFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 15370 Nov 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK. *TT | |
| 15392 Nov 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A PARK PULLOUT CLUNK NOISE WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO ANOTHER GEAR POSITION. *TT | |
| 15390 Nov 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND/OR EGR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES 332, P0401, P1407 (LACKOF EGR FLOW). *TT | |
| 012113 Oct 2001 | Electrical System | SOME IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES MAY EXHIBIT ROUGNESS AND / OR EXCESS EFFORT IN TURNING, KEY DOES NOT FULLY RETURN FROM START, A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE WITH P0500, P1502 AND U1039 STORED IN POWERTRIAN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). *TT | |
| 01205 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT | |
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 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 | |
| 15059 Jul 2001 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A AX4N / 4F50N TRANSAXLE EXHIBITING A SHUDDER DURING A 3-4 SHIFT. *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 | |
| 01116 Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT COOLING SYSTEM CONDITIONS SUCH CONTAMINATED / CORRODED COOLANT; LEAKING / DISCOLORED COOLANT OVERFLOW BOTTLES; VIBRATION FROM ENGINE; LEAKING HEATER CORE; COOLANT OVERFLOW; HIGH TEMPERATURE GAUGE READINGS, ETC. *TT | |
| 0162 Apr 2001 | Electrical System | VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) MAY NOT START OR CRANK. *TT | |
| 14856 Apr 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUPPED WITH 3.0L 2V VULCAN OR 4V DURATEC ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST RUST-THRU, WELD FATIGUE CONDITION BETWEEN THE TWO TOEBOARD CATALYSTS WHERE A TIE-IN BRACKET IS WELDED TO THE FORMED INLET PIPE OF THE REAR BANK TOEBOARD CATALYST. *TT | |
| 0147 Mar 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE IN 2001 VEHICLES - SAE 5W-20 MOTOR OIL. *TT | |
| 13802 Mar 2001 | Interior Lighting | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT LOSS OF INTEGRATED CONTROL PANEL (ICP) ILLUMINATION. AUDIO AND CLIMATE CONTROLS CONTINUE TO OPERATE DURING THE ICP'S LOSS OF ILLUMINATION CONDITION. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A FAULTY INTERNAL RIBBON CABLE CONNECTION IN THE ICP. *TT | |
| 14584 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING FLEX FUEL VECHICLE OIL AND FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS. *JB | |
| 00263 Dec 2000 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A POWER WINDOW THAT WILL NOT OPERATE DOWNWARD BECAUSE IT'S STUCK / BOUND TO THE WEATHERSHIP HEADER. *TT | |
| 00B51 Nov 2000 | Power Train | OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM REGARDING ALL VEHICLES BUILT WITH AX4S TRANSMISSION - REAR LUBE TUBE AND BRACKET REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 00203 Oct 2000 | Unknown Or Other | A SEPARATION BETWEEN LAYERS OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.*JB | |
| 00191 Sep 2000 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION BETWEEN LAYERS OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *JB | |
| 00B51 Sep 2000 | Power Train | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO REAR LUBE TUBE AND BRACKET REPLACEMENT. *JB | |
| 14355 Sep 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION PERTAINING TO DURATEC OIL PAN INVESTIGATION. *JB | |
| 0061 Jun 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ISSUE OF A PERCEIVED LACK OF ENGINE BRAKING AND MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH A FALSE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1138 STORED IN MEMORY MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES . *MJS | |
| 14220 Jun 2000 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AX4N TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT A SHUDDER DURING A 3-4 SHIFT. *TT | |
| 98164 Apr 2000 | Structure | A TRANSEAL COATING IS ON THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS. THIS COATING MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE DELIVERY TO THE CUSTOMER. YD | |
| 8016 Apr 2000 | Electrical System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT LOSS OF INTEGRATED CONTROL PANEL (ICP) ILLUMINATION. **MR** |
Showing 60 of 177 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.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- 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 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 Taurus →