CarComplaints.com Notes: Well, it's not a 2002, so it's got that going for it.
3.2
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,422 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
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.
When turning on the left turn signal, it accasionally fails to work properly and smoke arises from the steering column. The problem was getting worse and I was afraid I might not notice and my car would catch fire. Upon taking it to Ford to have the problem corrected hoping it was some type of recall I missed, but it was considered wear and tear. After reviewing a number of similar complaints, I don't believe this should be considered normal wear and tear. It is obviously a manufacturer's defect that jeopardizes safety that should be corrected at no cost to the owner.
When turning on the left turn signal, it occasionally fails to work properly and smoke arises from the steering wheel/hazard lights button. I took it to Ford to have the problem corrected, but they were estimating a few hundred dollars in charges, and considered it to be normal wear and tear on the vehicle. After reviewing a number of similar complains on the mycarstats.com website, I don't believe this should be considered normal wear and tear. It is obviously a manufacturer's defect that should be corrected at no cost to the owner.
The left turn signal light in the interior of the dashboard remained on and caused smoke to come out of the steering column. This could be dangerous because there could be an electrical short which would result in a fire. The consumer placed the vehicle in park to release the turn signal and stop electrical smoke.
About 50% of the time the turn signal will not lock in place, you have to jockey the steering will to get the turn signal to stay on. The mechanism was supposedly replaced on 1/17/2001 and the problem still existed. I was told that this was normal operation for the turn signal. On April 30, 2002 I had the vehicle in the dealer and mentioned the continued issue with the turn signal. I was told that some of them act this way...it's just the way it is (greg bower). I continue to deal with this problem. I find the problem not only an irritant, but also a saftey problem. I find my attention diverted from driving safely when I am trying to get the turn signal to lock in place (to safely signal to other drivers my intentions).
- Charlotte, NC, USA
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- Altamonte Springs, FL, USA