Ford Recall 02V-266: Service brakes, hydraulic – pedals and linkages

Affected: 2000–2002 Ford Taurus, 2000–2002 Mercury Sable. Filed with NHTSA on October 2, 2002, covering about 369,614 vehicles.

The problem

Certain passenger vehicles equipped with adjustable padels are being recalled in order to adjust the brake and accelerator pedals to a minimum of 50 mm of lateral separation. Simultaneous application of both the brake and accelerator pedals could result in an increase in engine RPM.

The risk

This could result in a customer experiencing an "unintended vehicle speed increase" or a perceived "unable to stop" condition.

The fix

Owners will be instructed as to the proper way to set the position of the pedals and to take their vehicles to a dealer to have the spacing between the brake and accelerator pedals measured. If the spacing is found to be less than 50 mm, the dealer will adjust the pedals to increase the distance between them to greater than 50 mm. Owner notification began October 28, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign02V-266 (02V266000)
Manufacturer number02S40
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
ComponentService brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
Report dateOctober 2, 2002
Owners notifiedSeptember 13, 2002
Vehicles affected369,614
Initiated byNHTSA investigation

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the brakes

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 02V-266 repair free?

Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Owners will be instructed as to the proper way to set the position of the pedals and to take their vehicles to a dealer to have the spacing between the brake and accelerator pedals measured.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 369,614 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.