This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Speedometer failed twice in four years. The needle swings wildly back and forth, especially at speeds greater than 45 mph. The original unit failed at 35,000 miles (26 months). A new unit was installed in January, 1998 (43,000 miles). It too failed approximately 24 months later. Now I need a third speedometer. The manufacturer warranty is for twelve months. Ford tells me that the speedo unit cannot be repaired. It must be replaced with a brand new unit at a cost of nearly $700 ($500 for the part, $126 for labor, plus 6% state sales tax). I cannot spend $700 knowing that this part will likely fail in two years. Ford should fix this problem once and for all, or provide a lifetime warranty. Speedometers should not break. This is a safety issue. By not knowing the speed at which I am traveling, I am putting myself and other drivers at risk. In addition, this is a driver distraction because the driver is constantly preoccupied with trying to determine his speed. This also puts lives at risk similar to talking on cell phones and playing with the radio. This is in no way an issue with my local Ford dealer. They always provide excellent service. This is an issue with Ford Motor Company.
This Ford Taurus was purchased from father-in-law, tom johre, now deceased - from his estate. The speedometer system had failed prior to purchase. How can Ford say this is not a safety issue, when each time I attempt to utilize the cruise control, the wavering speedometer will cause the cruise to set at excessive speeds? this is not a maintenance issue. We know of other Taurus car owners who have had the same problem - one, don ackerman of edmonton, had to have his speedometer changed three times while still on warranty. This is not a maintenance issue; it is a matter of defective manufacturing, and warrants a class action suit against Ford.
At 22000 miles Ford dealer replaced failed speedometer due to needle bouncing. The replacement speedometer reads 28000 miles and it has failed. The needle jumps from 40 to 85 miles per hour at times it reads 45 miles per hour and I think I am going faster than 45 A- lot faster. I have contaced Ford Motor Company and was told I would have to pay to have another speedo installed. This is a safety item and they do not think they have any problem. Your site lists many with the same issue.
Speedometer erratic at 18 months, replaced under warranty, 18 months later, same behaviour; above 45mph, bouncing speedometer, noisy, cannot judge speed above 45 mph; dealer wants many hundreds of dollars to fix; internet postings show well know manufacturing defect; I consider this a safety issue-new road, sign says max safe speed 50mph, but I cannot measure my speed, if I go by the needle, I could easily be going too fast for the curve.
- Wilmington, DE, USA
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Speedometer flops back and forward, and consumer can't tell how fast vehicle was going when up to 45 or 50 mph. The speedometer failed twice and the consumer points out that it should be the manufacture's responsibility to replace it.
Ford has been contacted through their internet customer service, and by telephone to customer service. Their reply is that the car was covered by a 3 year, 36,000 mile warrantee. No other comments in spite of numerous attempts to contact them. This is not a problem unique to my car. A friend of mine was fleet manager for a new jersy company. He told me that speedometer failure was an ongoing problem with Taurus. My brothers Taurus also had a failed speedometer. Please help me get Ford to admit their speedometer design is defective, and that they are responsile for the ongoing failures.
Speedometer needle would jump back and forth whenever vehicle reaches 50 mph. Vehicle taken to dealer for repairs, but problem reoccurred. Dealer refused to repair unless cosumer picked up the expenses. Please provide any further details on this matter.
Speedometer fails to operate. This defect was fixed in April of 1997 (covered under warranty.) however, defect is happening again. When traveling at approximately 50 mph, needle on speedometer will jump around.
Speedometer whines and does not show correct speed at 45mph or higher. Problem first started year when we bought car. First speedometer replaced under warranty and second one we paid for ourselves. The third speedometer is now going bad. Contacted Ford Motor Company directly and they claim they have had no complaints about this problem. All they had to do was look on the internet. The net is filled with frustrated people just like me who cannot understand how one car can need its speedometer replace so often. Please help us. Ford must own up to a big mistake and help us somehow.
This car has been taken care of exceptionaly, there is no reason for a transmission to go or speedometer.iam a proffesional driver by trade.this dealership was extremely rude.no satisfaction from anyone to date.please help. I also own 2001 Taurus and 1989 F-150 not bought at that dealership.the speedometer bounce's around 0-80+ all the time, the trany went in an intersection as my wife went to pull out the engine stalled the wires melted and ruined transmission $1500 +
Speedometer would jump from 30 to 80 without any pressure. Would not remain at correct speed limit when driving. Vehicle was made in brazil & brought to usa. Speedometer was changed from klm to mph. Previous owner had noticed problem when driving.
While driving about 45 mph speedometer will jump around. Speedometer had been replaced for same problem, and will need to be replaced again. The first speedometer failure was at 18000 miles and the second speedometer failure was at 30000 miles. Loud noise are associated with failing and jumping speedometer needle.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Shelton, CT, USA