Ford Recall 01V-078: Exterior lighting – switch

Affected: 2000–2001 Ford Taurus, 2000–2001 Mercury Sable. Filed with NHTSA on March 12, 2001, covering about 157,000 vehicles.

The problem

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.

The 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.

The fix

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.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign01V-078 (01V078000)
Manufacturer number01S08
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
ComponentExterior lighting › Tail lights › Switch
Report dateMarch 12, 2001
Owners notifiedMarch 22, 2001
Vehicles affected157,000
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the lights

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 01V-078 repair free?

Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch and wipe down the adjustable pedal assembly to remove excess grease. Owner notification began March 22, 2001.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 157,000 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.