I have a 2000 Mercury Sable in which a safety recall notice (04S17) was issued. A week before the safety recall was issued for the front springs a rear spring of mine had snapped, causing a deep groove on the inner wall of the rear tire. I had to have both rear springs replaced as well as a brand new tire. I was told by Ford in June of 2004 that I would be reimbursed for the parts, labor, and replacement tire. As part of the safety recall instead of replacing the faulty springs they are installing "protective spring shields". this is now March of 2005 and I still have not been able to get the "protective spring shields" installed because of lack of availablity, and Ford is now telling me that they will not reimburse me for the rear springs, which are obviously as defective as the front.

- Oak Forest , IL, USA

While driving 25 mph the rear driver side coil spring broke. As a result, the tire was punctured. The cause has yet to be determined.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

After noticing that rear left tire was flat consumer drove the vehicle to the repair shop, and mechanic determined that both rear coil springs broke. Dealer was not notified. The result of the tire being flat was because the sharp edges of the coil spring cut the rubber on the inside of the tire. Consumer aware of the fact there is a recall for the front coil spring and disappointed that there not a recall for the rear for the same problem.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

Nar 05/21/2003. Right front spring were broken cutting into the right front tire causing a flat.

- Rochester , NY, USA

Consumer heard a noise coming from the left rear wheel. The consumer contacted the manufacturer, and they only identified the front coil spring as being a possible problem which was currentlybeing recalled. The vehicle had 38,000 miles when the defect occurred. The rotors and wheel bearing were replaced.

- Crown Point, NY, USA

The rear coil springs on the vehicle broke. It was discovered when the vehicle was being serviced. No recall on the rear.

- Longmeadow, MA, USA

Rear passenger side coil spring broke while driving and punctured the rear passenger side tire. This occurred due to the same defect as described in the front coil spring recall 04V332000. The rear coil spring and tire were replaced.

- Stanhope, NJ, USA

While driving at 35 mph consumer heard a loud noise coming from the rear tire.vehicle was towed to the independent shop and mechanic determined theat rear coil spring on the driver's side broke and punctured the tire.

- Medina, OH, USA

Rear coil springs broke without warning.

- Poughkeepsie, NY, USA