Safety officials investigate Taurus, Sable for stuck throttles - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

DETROIT (WKOW) -- Federal safety officials are investigating some older-model Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans because the throttles can stick.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has 50 complaints about sticky throttles in the cars from the 2000 through 2003 model years.

The investigation affects an estimated 310,000 cars that have four-valve, three-liter V-6 Duratec engines. No crashes or injuries have been reported.

Safety officials say a speed control cable collar can fracture at a mounting bracket and cause the throttles to stick open.

At this point, a recall has not been issued. Investigators will determine whether the problem is bad enough to cause a recall.

The Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable and are nearly identical cars. Ford ended the Mercury brand two years ago.