I was a block from my house in my 2001 Ford Taurus. A rear coil spring broke, the sharp end extended out and ripped a hole in my rear tire. The Ford dealer advised me that "Ford does not consider a rear tire blowout a safety hazard" fortunately I was close to home and at low speeds but the incident cost me $411 to take care of with no help from Ford or the dealer. VIN # [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Rockford, IL, USA

On April 10, 2005 I was placing my daughter in her car seat (located in the middle of the back seat) when I heard a noise in the back drivers side of my car. Upon looking at the vehicle I realized the back spring broke. Knowing that the front springs are covered under a recall I assumed there was one also on the rear. I called roadside assistance and they towed the vehicle to prince frederick Ford. When I spoke with the service department they assured me they would fix it and try to determine why it broke. Also they said half of the labor would be to do a 4 wheel alignment. On April 14, 2005 I was told my car was ready. After paying for it they told me they don't know why it happened but it was fixed. Upon leaving the parking lot I noticed the car was out of alignment and now there was a sound coming from the rear of the car (especially when hitting bumps). Due to a family emergency I was unable to contact the dealer until Monday the 18th. They told me to bring the car back and it would be checked out. On the 21st we were told the car was ready again. The alignment was not completed initially so they fixed that issue and then discovered the rear struts were bad and replaced them. At this time they also said they inspected the other spring and it looked fine. That brings us to today, May 13, 2005 when I again placed my daughter in her car seat (which we moved to the drivers side rear seat) the right (passenger) side spring broke. After calling Ford to see why it broke when they said it was fine, they said they could be of no further help to us. I do have the spring that broke today (it's still on the car, until I can have it fixed) but the dealership didn't give me the first one. My concern is with there being a recall on the front springs due to corrosion by road salts in my state, what makes the rear any different? it is an odd occurance for one spring to break but for both to break I think there is a bigger problem.

- Lusby, MD, USA

2001 Ford Taurus safety recall regarding front coil springs.*** no answer required***. the consumer stated the rear coil springs on his vehicle failed and he wants the manufacturer to acknowledge that there is a problem with the rear coil springs as well.

- Reynoldsburg, OH, USA

While backing out of the driveway consumer heads a loud squealing noise. Consumer inspected the vehicle, and noticed the left rear coil spring broke. Consumer cut the coil spring, and took the vehicle to a repair shop. Dealer and the manufacturer were notified, and confirmed that the part was not covered under a recall.

- Clayton, OH, USA

While driving in the city the right rear spring broke and cut the right rear tire causing the tire to lose air and go flat.

- Gahanna, OH, USA

Reversing down my driveway this morning, 8/19/2004, I heard a loud noise from rear of car. Examined and determined rear of car was very low and right rear tire appeared damaged. Taken to garage 2 blks away and found both rear springs have broken, appeared to have rusted through and right rear tire destroyed. To replace the spings the stuts needed to be replaced. So 2 new springs, 2 new sturts and one new tire = $800. I do not have my VIN# with me now but can giev it to you tomorrow. This car has 55K miles on it, nice easy miles. I have driven other cars 200K+ miles before I have had a spring fail. Now I'm out $800 and Ford says they are only liable for the front springs! please, please expand your recall notice #4V332000 to include the rear suspension. After reviewing other complaints it is obvious that this is a major problem. I mean really, broken springs that are 3-4 years old with only 20-50K miles on them"? please consider this a serious problem, if they had failed on the highway I'm sure I would have had both tires punctured and my widow would be looking at caskets right now. I am picking up the car tomorrow, firday 8/20, would you like me to save the parts for your review? would you like someone to take my deposition" I know it's too late to get my $800 back but why should others have to suffer that come after me, and you know they will. Please call or email me with any quesitons or please call anyway to discuss. Thank you for all you do to keep us safe!

- Wauwatosa, WI, USA

While driving 35 mph right side rear body suddenly flopped down. The consumer inspected the vehicle and noticed that rear spring broke. The dealer was notified.

- Bedford, OH, USA

Ford recalled the vehicle due to the front coil spring corrosion, and tearing up the tires. The consumer stated that the rear coil spring was the problem and the manufacturer was not willing to make an exception. The rear driver's side springs failed while the vehicle was in motion. This problem punctured the inside portion of the tire.

- Wheeling, IL, USA