If one of the rear corners drops, only minor indications of a malfunction such as a clunking noise or slight change in steering wheel alignment are noticeable. However, if both rear corners of the subframe drop, steering becomes very difficult, which could adversely affect vehicle control and possibly result in an accident.
Vehicle description: Taurus and Sable built from 10-14-85 through 8-19-88, and Lincoln continentals built from 11-4-87 through 9-30-88 (except 1989 - 1991 2.5L Taurus and 1989 - 1992 sho). The affected cars were originally sold or currently registered in the following states: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. The body mounts at the rear corners of the subframe, which supports the engine and transmission, may become detached due to corrosion of the subframe mount retaining plate. This would allow the rear corners of the subframe to drop.
Install a corrosion-resistant reinforcing plate and a new bolt on both rear subframe mounts. This recall campaign has been superseded by recall 98V-323.
