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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened up a safety investigation into 31,000 2000-2003 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable models after receiving 50 complaints of a stuck throttle, which could cause unintended acceleration.
The complaints allege the struck throttle is due to fractured speed-control cable collars in Taurus and Sable models equipped with 4-valve 3.0L V6 Duratec engines. The complait doesn't affect the 2-valve engines.
The fractured cable allows the cable ferrule to move and if it gets hung up, it may cause the stuck throttle condition. This condition has resulted in throttles stuck at approximately 26-percent open.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) will assess the scope and safety consequences associated with the potential defect and may, if necessary, issue a recall in the future.
If you have a vehicle safety issue, you can file a complaint to NHTSA on its website: www.SaferCar.gov. Also, read Consumer Reports' advice on how to file an effective vehicle safety complaint.
Source:
Investigation: 2002-2003 Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable--stuck throttle, Action PE 12-033
