News Summary: Feds probe Taurus, Sable throttles
THE NEWS: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Friday it is investigating some older-model Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans because of complaints that the throttles can stick.
THE CARS: About 310,000 cars from the 2000 through 2003 model years fall under the investigation. Fifty drivers have complained about stuck throttles, but no crashes or injuries have occurred. The cars have four-valve, 3-liter V-6 Duratec engines. NHTSA says a cruise-control cable collar can fracture at a mounting bracket and cause the throttles to stick open.
THE SOLUTION: None yet. Investigators will look for the exact cause and could order a recall. But so far that hasn't happened.
