1996 Ford Taurus: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jan 10, 2011 · Suspension · 195,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited an abnormal clunking noise. He then discovered that the rear passenger axle was corroded, similar to the failure listed under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the engine, transmission, front seats, steering control arms, dashboard, and transaxle would need to be removed in order to make repairs to the sub frame. The contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure nor was the vehicle repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The current mileage was approximately 202,000 and the failure mileage was approximately 195,000.

Filed Mar 26, 2005 · Body · MI

I noticed a clicking in front end when turning,stopping and accelerating wich very quickly graduated to a loud popping sound.after taking it in to the garage they found that the half shaft and tie rod were damaged on front passenger side.after replacing the parts it was still popping.they put it on a hoist and realized that the frame was completely rotted away at the front passenger side of vehicle.this was imediately declared to be the cause of the damage to the half shaft and tie rod.after taking it to another mechanic to repair the damage to the frame, he noticed that the floor was near completely rotted out as well.I have a friend that has the same car (model and year) and he is having the exact same problems with his car.

Filed Jul 14, 2004 · Suspension · FL

While driving consumer heard aloud noise coming from the vehicle. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the upper ball joints failed.

Filed Nov 19, 2003 · Steering · 114,000 miles · OK

While driving and turning left adjusting bar pull out of the tie rod.

Filed Sep 23, 2002 · Steering · 160,000 miles · CA

The consumer stated the vehicle vibrated when driving and when the brakes were applied. The dealer replaced the front rotors, pads and the problem still continued. It was later determined that the aluminum spindle at the ball joint broke and caused the axle to come off. *mr

Filed Oct 1, 1998 · Steering · NY

While pulling out of a parking spot or turning the wheel to turn a corner one hears a squeaky noise. Dealer was contacted said tie rod end had to be replaced.