While driving at 40 mph the consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. After driving a half mile the consumer heard the noise, and smelled burning rubber. The consumer drove the vehicle to the dealership, and the mechanic determined that the left coil spring on the driver's side broke. (11/23/05)

- Chelsea, ME, USA

My 2000 Mercury Sable ls premium blew out the left front tire. At the moment I put the car in reverse to exit my driveway. My husband proceeded to remove the flat tire and install the MINIspare when he discovered the suspension strut coil spring had broken and penetrated the tire sidewall. I had the car towed to our Mercury dealer in essex, Vermont where new struts/coil springs were installed plus a new tire. This spring failure could have had fatal consequences if it would have happened at highway speeds. The coil spring was obviously defective due to a manufacturing/design flaw.

- Milton, VT, USA

I just paid $700 to replace a broken front spring that punctured (exploded) the inside sidewall of my tire in two places...while my car was parked at my office. I feel very fortunate to have not been driving the car at the time of the spring failure. I can only image the potential damage to my car, myself and others nearby if this spring had failed when the car was being driven. I strongly feel this spring failure is not a typical owner maintenance cost. It is clearly a manufacturer/part failure and I requested the cost of this repair to be paid by the manufacturer. Additionally, I strongly recommended the manufacturer consider a recall of this part for the safety of its customers. Ford Motor Company responded only that the car is out of warranty. The representative for Ford stated this part failure was a owner maintenance issue not a safety concern. I strongly disagree. Please respond.

- Wheaton, IL, USA

My car was sitting in the garage, and when I put it in reverse to go to my drs, a loud bang happened, left front side of car went down, I thought it was a flat tire, but upon inspection by the garage, I was informed that the coil spring had let loose and flew thru the tire, flattening it!. this is unacceptable to me, as my car is a 2000 Mercury Sable, it has only 14,565 miles!!. also, the dealership, sherman Ford, westfield, NY, I was treated as I was dirt!, to the extent, my bill was made out to a person with a "different" first name!, and they refused to change it, but they sure were fast enough to grab my "credit card"!!!. I then asked Ford, Mercury division(1-800) number, if there was any way to recoup any of my money, as I am a 83 yr. Old senior, on social security, and they told me they would contact the "service manager, he in turn was to contact the "area rep, yesterday, I was told, point blank, "forget it"!!! I have owned Ford & Mercury's all my life, my 1st car was a 1937 Ford convertible, but after this type of treatment, I never again will buy any of Ford or Mercury cars!.

- Westfield, NY, USA

While backing out of the garage, the front driver side tire blew out without warning. The dealer stated that the coil spring had failed. The front spring had broken. Both front coil springs and strut bearings were replaced.

- Westfield, NY, USA

The left front coil spring broke, while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light. When this occurred the suspension dropped. Both springs were replaced.

- Farmington, NY, USA

The car was sitting in the driveway. The front driverside coil spring broke without warning and punctured the tire causing a blowout. The car could not be moved nor could the tire be removed since it was impailed on the coil spring. If this had happened while driving at highway speeds, it could have caused as serious acident and injuries.

- Gregory, MI, USA

While driving 30 mph the front driver side coil spring broke. As a result, front end collapsed.

- Hamilton Square, NJ, USA

Vehicle was parked in the driveway consumer heard a noise. Upon inspection the consumer noticed that driver's side front coil spring broke in two. The broken coil spring penetrated the tire which caused it to go flat.

- East Islip, NY, USA

Front left spring snapped on car whil;E driving.

- Charlton, MA, USA

While driving at a slow rate of speed the driver side coil spring broke, causing the front end of the car to drop onto the road surface. The spring rubbed the inside of the left front tire. The car needed to be towed since it was undrivable.

- Clinton, NY, USA

While driving 25 mph left front coil spring failed, causing left front tire to puncture. Vehicle was unable to move. Vehicle was towed to dealer for analysis, and mechanic determined that the struts and coil springs needed to be replaced due to worn out parts.

- Liberty, ME, USA

Front driver side suspension coil spring broke at 49,000 miles. Tip of failed spring punctured tire side wall. Fortunately the car was parked at the time. Vehicle could not be operated due to coil spring interference with wheel well path of replacement tire.

- Farmington, NY, USA

While driving the front left (driver side) coil spring snapped and punctured the left tire. The dealer was notified.

- Allegan, MI, USA

The front spring broke. The dealer stated parts were not available, due to a nation wide back order.

- Sunapee, NH, USA