Problems with 2001 Ford Taurus SUSPENSION

Driving at normal speed right rear spring on 2001 ford taurus broke and cut inside sidewall of tire causing blowout, went to dealer for repair and found that the left rear spring was broken and was cutting the inside sidewall on that tire,resulting in repairs of $775 dealer knows about it but ford won't help with cost. *jb

One winter morning i pulled my 2001 ford taurus out of my garage to do some errands. because i had some snow build-up on the back passenger side rear wheel, i figured the light grinding noise was from the buildup. when i pulled unto the street and reached higher speeds (about 45), the noise stopped leading me to believe that the snow had fallen off. after about 4 miles of driving, i reached the location i was going to. i got out of my car and noticed the back end sagging. i kept walking around my car to get my 22 month old son out when i realized i had a flat tire. after taking the tire off to replace it with the spare, i took a closer look at the tire. a grove had formed perfectly around the lower wall of the tire. i took the tire in to be replaced and asked that they check out the cause. after being reassured that it was okay but should be looked at more closely, i drove 2 miles home. once at home the tire was removed again only to again see the deep grove in a brand new tire. closer inspection of the car resulted in finding a broken coil spring the had been rubbing on the tire and had cause rapid air deflation after no more than 4 miles of driving. needless to say, the tire, the coil springs, and the rear struts had to be replaced at the tune of nearly $700. i was thankful that i had forgot to take out all the warm winter clothes out of my car that we had used the night before to go sledding; i was able to keep my son warm on a cold and fridged day where i was trapped with a flat. *jb

Took 2001 ford taurus in for routine maintenance check and oil change. mechanic found the two rear spring coils were broken and could pose a danger if they puncture the rear tire(s). we will have to pay out of pocket to replace the rear spring coils as i refuse to drive with the broken coils with my infant in the car and risk the possibility of a tire blowout and crash. we had the recall work done on the front spring coils to have the shield put in. why didn't ford also have a recall done to have shields put on the rear spring coils? *jb

Tl* - the contact stated that on january 5, 2007 the contact was traveling in reverse when she heard a noise. the contact noticed the left front tire was flat. the contact stated on january 4, 2007 heard a loud noise coming from the garage, he went to investigate and found nothing. the contact believed that the noise he heard was the front tire spring rupturing. the contact stated he had heard squeaking noises coming from the front of the vehicle when it would go over bumps, but did not know what it was. the contact had the mechanic take a look at it, but he did not find anything. the vehicle had to be towed to a repair shop. where they ordered two new front springs. *ak updated 02/22/07. *jb

Tl* - the contact took the 2001 ford taurus to dealer for service on 01/05/07. the dealer stated that both rear coil springs broke, and that it was a safety hazard because they could possibly puncture a tire and cause an accident. the contact stated that she notified ford, but they stated that there wasn't any recall on the rear coils at this time. *ak update 4/9 *tr

Tl* - while driving the 2001 ford taurus at 50 mph the contact heard a rubbing sound and the tire blew. the contact maintained control of the vehicle and pulled it to the side of the road. the contact used the spare tire, and drove the vehicle home. two days later, the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the vehicle was repaired. the contact believed that the rear coil springs should be included in the recall number 04v332000. *ak updated 02/22/07. *jb

Driving down the high way and the back coil spring broke and punctured my tire. i called ford dealership to see if on recall like the front coil springs and they are not. i had to pay to get replaced along with the tire. *jb

At 50,000 miles, the drivers' side rear coil spring broke and punctured rear tire. i replaced both rear coil springs as well as worn struts and bought two new tires. i did not keep the old parts. *jb

Tl* - the contact's vehicle was in a crash due to the strut failure. the contact said that she was driving 40 mph under dry conditions when the failure accurred. the contact's vehicle spun and then hit a tree. she stated that she had a mechanic look at the vehicle. and mechanictold her that the coil spring was the cause of the failure. she also stated that she had the crashed car in driveway.*ak update (june 17, 2008): ms. edward said that she was driving around a curve when she suddenly lost control of her 2001 ford taurus and struck a tree. the mechanical told her that it was a rear (not front) suspension spring had failed. the crashed vehicle was towed back to her house and sat there since (not repaired).

The rear springs of my ford taurus have fractured without any accident or collision. the cost of repair was upwards of $300. in addition to that the rear tires have undergone excessive wear due to broken springs. currently the recall is only applicable to front springs, but i strongly recommend that it should be extended to rear springs also. *nm

On 12-14-06 i was sitting in my 2001 ford taurus when both springs broke i took the car to dealer where they replaced both rear springs struts and mounts. luckily, i was not driving the car at that time. dealer said these were not covered on the recall only the front springs. *jb

2001 ford taurus (48302 odometer) rear coil spring broke replaced springs with rear struts. *nm

2001 ford taurus 55,000 miles excessive repair cost - vehicle taken if for front end shake when speed at 60 mph. front end alignment done to take care of this. understandable and i am fine with this. at the same time the dealer discovered rr coil spring was broken. they replaced both rear coil springs for an additional cost of $376.87. i spoke with a friend of mine and they had to have rear coil springs replaced on their taurus as well with 65000 miles. something is not right. *nm

On my 2001 ford taurus during an annual state inspection (nov. 14, 06), the mechanic found a fractured rear suspension spring that was very close to cutting the rear tire. both struts needed to be replaced. *jb

Broken driver's side rear coil strut spring, on 2001 ford taurus. just missed hitting tire. you could see corrosion through coil spring. was noticed while repairing rear sway bar end link which was also broke from corrosion. *nm

Rear coil fracture on my 2001 ford taurus. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, there was a rubbing noise coming from the rear end. the vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop who determined both rear coil springs were fractured and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not alerted. as the rear springs were being replaced, it was discovered that the stabilizer link was broken as well. updated 11/08/06. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated during a vehicle inspection, the rear coil springs failed to pass. the dealer determined the recall #04v332000 concerning the front coil springs did not include the rear coil springs.

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35 mph on normal road conditions, the vehicle drove low in the back and a tire rubbing sound could be heard. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who upon examination, determined that the rear coil springs and the struts needed to be replaced. the mechanic replaced the springs and struts. the contact noticed other similar complaints on the nhtsa website.

Ref: nhtsa action # ea06002. i'm contacting you on behalf of my aunt & uncle who do not have internet access. on 10/13/06 they took their 2001 ford taurus with 29,306 miles to a reputable ford dealer in chicago for an oil change. the dealer found that both rear coil springs had broken and both rear tires were being gouged. the car was repaired at a cost of slightly less than $700. the car is well maintained, kept in a garage and is not abused in any way. documentation can be supplied if you want it. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while taking the vehicle to the dealer for brake service, the mechanic noticed the rear coil springs were severely damaged and needed to be replaced. there were no prior warnings of damage to the rear coil springs. the dealer replaced the rear coil springs and expressed that they have noticed similar problems with vehicles of the same year and model. the manufacturer was contacted, and determined that nothing more could be done since the vehicle was already repaired. complaints have been made for this component on the nhtsa website one of the odi #'s was 10076221. there were 123 results. updated 11/30/06. *jb

The rear spring on the 2001 ford taurus are breaking . this is the second car we found this month with broken springs. when the spring breaks the edge come close to the tire which i think is a major safety danger. i am a mechanic with the com ed company. *jb

Driving 25 mph, straight & smooth when rear coil spring snapped puncturing tire & hit garage before stopping. part replaced at my expense at a dealer. part is not available. real safety issue here and could have been bad if it happened while highway driving. ford should have extended the warranty on these springs like they did on the front ones. the front coil spring also snapped on this car earlier in the year. *nm

Rear coil spring snapped, front coil springs were replaced due to recall in 2004 which ford motor company paid for but now will not pay for defective rear coil springs to be replaced, dangerous situation while driving when springs break. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while performing a maintenance inspection at an independent repair shop, it was determined that both rear coil springs were fractured. there were no previous problems regarding the rear coil springs to indicate a failure. additionally, the mechanic determined the rear struts needed to be replaced as well. the manufacturer was notified. updated 10/25/2006 - the front coil springs had been replaced under recall sept 2005. *nm

There is a recall on the front coil springs of my taurus. my mechanic has also found that both my rear coil springs are broken causing the vehicle to handle improperly. also i was advised not to haul anything in the trunk until they are fixed. *nm

Car taken in to mechanic and was informed that the rear suspension coils were broken and could potentially lead to a tire puncture which could cause a serious incident. mechanic said he believed there was a recall on this matter and suggested we investigate this hazard further. *jb

I have discovered that the rear coil springs on my 2001 ford taurus have broken and that the repair is expensive. luckily, no tires were lost. *nm

Vehicle taken in for routine inspection - technician discovered rear suspension coil spring broken. both rear springs and associated hardware replaced at full cost of around $600. this is clearly a materials defect impacting vehicle safety, having failed in only 5 years. vehicle driven in northeast us. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while changing the rear brakes, it was noticed the rear coil springs had fractured. the dealership was contacted.

I went to purchased new tires for my 2001 ford taurus and the technician noticed my left rear coil spring had moved out of the seat and carved a groove into the tire of about one eight of an inch. had i continued to drive the vehicle, the tire may have ruptured at light speeds, which could have resulted in an loss of control of the vehicle and possible crash. leading to possible serious injury or death to the occupants. *nm

Dt*: the contact while driving on the highway at 40 mph, the rear driver's side coil spring fractured puncturing the rear driver's side tire. after placing a spare tire on the vehicle, the vehicle was driven home. the dealership has not yet been informed. the door ajar light stayed illuminated. updated 09/05/06. *jb

My car is only 5 years old and both rear struts failed. also the right rear spring broke and punctured the tire. why are the front springs be on recall and the rear springs are not? had to replace both rear spring & struts. $521.00, and tire $124.) i have been told by many if this happen on the hwy, i could have flip my car cause a major accident! now car does not want to start. i took it to four ford dealership, they all said the same thing. first they would have to run diagnostic test,then depending on the results of the test and a tech to drive the car. maybe they can fix it. and to top everything all the ford dealerships sent everybody in the shop home,because they did not have anything too do ? *nm

I had my 2001 ford taurus in for a flat tire repair due to a nail puncture when the mechanic found that both rear coil springs were sheared off and sticking out less than 1 inch from the rear tires. they had been broken for some time which was apparent due to the rusted ends of the spring. this also explains why the car has had a poor ride quality and has been making noise going over bumps. the mechanic had to replace both springs and the rear struts which cost almost $600. by the way my car has only 53k miles. i kept the coil springs as proof of the problem. *jb

Dt*: while driving through normal road conditions at 30 mph a rubbing noise was heard. while driving slowly to the independent repair shop for inspection of the tires, the tire blew. the contact stated that the rear passenger side spring coils fractured blowing out the rear tire, fracturing both rear struts and the rear driver side springs. prior to this incident a recall remedy #04v332000 pertaining to front coil springs was performed by the dealer. the manufacturer denied service for the rear coils under the original recall. updated 9/20/2006 - *nm

Rear coil spring broke, potential tire failure. front coil springs fixed for same safety concern but the rear not. *nm

2001 ford taurus. failure of left rear coil spring. the inside sidewall of the left rear tire was cut by the broken end of the spring causing a blowout. no injuries. ford has issued safety recalls for the exact same issue with the front coil springs. why do they not cover the rear?? *jb

Loud rubbing noise coming from under vehicle while driving in town. heard quick hissing noise then tire burst. all of this within a matter of a minute. discovered left rear coil spring had broken and rubbed/ punctured the inside tire wall. vehicle currently in the shop. not covered under extended warranty. have requested that broken part be returned to me. *jb

I own a 2001 ford taurus the front spring were defective and recall now the rear spring are defective and ford isn't having a recall --will anything be done to recall the rear spring? *nm

Rear coil spring was broken in two. there is a recall on the front coil spring, why is there not one for the rear?

Both 2 rear coil springs are fractured and just found yesterday (07/10/2006). they must have broken long time ago because the noise was first heard around last fall. since then the car was switched for local driving only. at that time i thought it was the brake making noise. rear tires were removed yesterday (07/10/2006) to check the brake. brake is fine, but found the 2 rear coil springs were broken. my car has about 130k miles now. *nm

I own a 2001 ford taurus se. i took my vehicle in for nys inspection and found that 2 of my coils were broken, one rear and one front coil. my car has only 27,300 miles on it. this is a ridiculous problem to have with so few miles on my car. i took my car to the dealer and they replaced only one front coil and i had to pay to have the rear coil fixed. i have since learned that they are required to fix both front coils, even if only one breaks, which they did not do. however, why are the rear coils not covered in the recall??? they are also subject to salt. the rear coils are just as faulty as the front coils. *jb

2001 ford taurus wife got into to leave and i heard the car make a noise and drop a couple of inches in the rear. took it to a local shop and the said the rear springs had broken on both sides. i had the rear springs and struts replaced at the cost of $500. *nm

Left rear coil spring on my 2001 ford taurus (63,000 miles) broke and cut the inside sidewall of my tire causing it to blow out. the ford dealer knows about this problem but said there is no recall on the rear coil springs. i was without my car for 2 days and the repair cost to replace both rear coil springs was $400 plus a new tire costing $78.*jb

Rear driver side coil spring broke while driving on highway going at 65 mph. heard a loud bang in rear and proceeded to drive about 1 mile to my house. smelled burning rubber coming from the rear tire. proceeded to take the tire off the car and found that the coil spring had fractured and the inner side of the tire had a deep gouge from the sharp broken coil spring. i was lucky that i was close to home when it occurred and didn't have to travel too many miles. in either case it would have resulted in a blown tire which is very terrifying. estimate repair will be both rear coil springs,two new rear tires. *nm

suspension front:springs:coil springs one front spring was broken on drive way parts has been replaced at cost of $669. broken part has been kept. *jb

Brought my 2001 ford taurus se to ford dealership for routine maintenance (oil change) and mentioned that the car felt 'skittish' under braking as if the rear of the vehicle was loose. the service manager informed me that upon inspecting the vehicle the brakes were fine but the rear springs were rusted and one was cracked and the other was completely broken in half. the fracture marks were at the same spot on both springs. the vehicle has only 14,000 miles on it and i do not consider this 'routine maintenance'. i am the only one who drives this vehicle, i never tow, the trunk is always empty and no one ever sits in the back seat. it is extremely rare for one spring to fail let alone two at the same time. the fact that both springs failed in the same location states that there is a serious and potentially lethal design flaw. ford refused to pay for the springs to be replaced as they felt it was normal wear and tear and that the part was not under a recall. why does ford want to wait for someone to be seriously injured or killed before they will acknowledge that their springs are defective? *nm

Uneventful failure of both rear coil springs while car was parked. the broken right rear coil spring was very close to inside wall of the tire. this was observed on june 9, 2006 during a routine tire rotation. a clamp was installed to stop the failed spring from moving closer to the tire. i am not comfortable with this temporary fix, however i can not afford to have the springs replaced either.

Rear coil springs in 2001 ford taurus broken. had front coil springs replaced by dealer. they were repaired and under a recall. they informed me left rear coil spring broken but not covered under recall and have to pay for repair. i ask why are fronts defective and rear not?*jb

The front left coil spring on my 2001 taurus broke in june 2006. today august 28, 2007 the left rear coil spring on my 2001 ford taurus was noted that it was broken by my regular mechanic. fortunately nobody was in the vehicle or that it did not cause injury but this could be a major problem and by the looks of the number of other complaints this is a very common problem. *jb