The problem
Vehicle description: taurus/sable vehicles equipped with 3.0l and 3.8l engines and mustang vehicles with 3.8l and 5.0l engines. It is possible for the engine cooling fan bearing to seize.
The risk
Should this occur, excessive heat could be generated which could melt the fan motor electrical connector. Components inside the cooling fan motor could ignite potentially resulting in an underhood fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the engine cooling fan assembly and install a circuit breaker. If the cooling fan is inoperative, the fan and motor assembly will be replaced. Owner notification began December 28, 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 1-866-436-7332.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 01V-390 (01V390000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 01S30 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan |
| Report date | December 21, 2001 |
| Owners notified | December 28, 2002 |
| Vehicles affected | 695,260 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the engine & cooling
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 01V-390 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the engine cooling fan assembly and install a circuit breaker. If the cooling fan is inoperative, the fan and motor assembly will be replaced. Owner notification began December 28, 2001.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 695,260 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.