1998 Ford Taurus: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Feb 26, 2007 · Suspension · 99,511 miles · NH

While backing out of my driveway, I heard a grinding noise. I got out to investigate nothing was blocking the tires. I then pulled the car forward and heard a bang. The right front tire blew out due to the front suspension (spring). When the tow truck came (aaa) he said he has seen "many" taurus' that this happens to. I am glad I was not on the interstate when this happened...

Filed Dec 3, 2005 · Suspension · 155,500 miles · ME

While backing out of our garage, the right front tire blew. The tire was sliced all around on the inside and was in two pieces. This vehicle has 4 new tires and I thought the tire had to be a defect. A local garage came to my house to change it with a spare studded tire that was in good condition. I drove 2 feet when that tire blew. It was obvious that it wasn't the tires. I had to have my vehicle towed to a garage. The mechanic had to replace the front right suspension spring coil and strut mount. He also replaced the left one; it was about ready to snap. I researched this problem on the internet and noticed that ford motor company had recalls on the front suspension coil springs for the 1997 and 1999 vehicles, but not 1998. I contacted ford motor company for any recalls for this vehicle year, as they had recalls on the previous year and year after. There wasn't any concern at all and no recalls; now I am stuck with a bill of $489.71. Luckily I wasn't on the highway going 65 MPH or it could have been tragic.

Filed May 29, 2004 · Suspension · 82,501 miles · NH

Got blowout so had 2 new tires put on front of vehicle. Drove 1/2 mile down road got another blowout on busy highway. We were able to get off road safely and put spare (doughnut tire) on and return to where we had new tires put on. When they checked after removing tire they found the coil spring on drivers side was broken and had punctured tire. We now have the spare still on vehicle as we can not afford the repairs right now.

Filed Mar 15, 2004 · Suspension · 68,000 miles · OH

While trying to back out of our garage, the front left spring coil in our 1998 ford taurus broke and punctured the tire, causing a blow out. In researching the federal safety agency website I learned that the 1993 ford taurus, 1998 ford contour, and 1998 mercury mystique were recalled for the same problem. I also found a complaint indicating the same problem in the 1998 and 1999 ford taurus. This appears to be a chronic problem, and I feel fortunate the incident did not occur, as in other reported cases, while traveling at highway speeds. The dealer and ford motor company were informed of his problem but have made no efforts to contact me regarding this safety issue. Also, I am concerned because we had reported excessive vibration of steering wheel and wobbling of the car to the dealer in october and november of 2003 but were told that our brakes were out of round. This makes no sense to us, as the problem occurred not only when braking, but also at higher speeds and when accelerating. I believe that the problem was misdiagnosed and put our safety at risk. I would greatly appreciate an investigation into this problem, as I have concern for others driving the 1998 ford taurus. I would also appreciate some assurance that our car is now safe- I have read that in other situations a shield was installed to prevent a broken spring from making contact with the tire in the future. I have kept my repair receipts and am hoping that this will be treated as a recall and result in reimbursement for my expenses.

Filed Oct 21, 2003 · Tires · 37,472 miles · CA

While driving, the right rear tire tread separated. *ak all 4 tires blew out at highway speed.*ts