Investigation PE02080: 1999 Ford Taurus

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Oct 22, 2002

Closed

Apr 29, 2003

Model years

1999

Subject

Front suspension coil spring fracture

Component: Suspension

Summary

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 data show that the subject fleet experienced a spring fracture rate of 0.009% at 30,000 miles and 0.03% at 60,000 miles.these rates are very low when compared to previous investigations of coil spring fracture:recalled '93 taurus (ea97-026): 0.1% at 30,000 miles and 0.34% at 60,000 miles; and recalled '98 windstar (ea00-027): 0.11% at 30,000 miles and 1.25% at 60,000 miles.the subject vehicles also experienced failure rates substantially lower than those of comparable-aged non-recalled windstars subject to ea00-027 (my '95-'97).given these circumstances, further expenditure of agency resources is not justified in this matter.the preliminary evaluation is therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action in the future if circumstances warrant.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1999 Ford Taurus874 complaints