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NHTSA Recall 01V078000: Switch (exterior lighting)

FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 157,000 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Ford Taurus.

157,000
vehicles potentially affected
2
models affected
2001
owners notified (March 22)
NHTSA campaign01V078000
Manufacturer campaign01S08
ComponentEXTERIOR LIGHTING › TAIL LIGHTS › SWITCH
Report receivedMarch 12, 2001
Owner notificationMarch 22, 2001
Initiated byManufacturer

Defect

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. If the grease from the adjustable pedal assembly enters the stop lamp switch, it can contaminate the contacts leading to carbon build up, and potentially, a short circuit.

Safety risk

A short circuit could lead to either the brake lamps staying on, or to a loss of brake lamp function, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch and wipe down the adjustable pedal assembly to remove excess grease. Owner notification began march 22, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Notes

Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Vehicles covered by recall 01V078000

Make and modelModel years
Ford Taurus2000, 2001
Mercury Sable2000, 2001

Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.