DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F - News) has recalled 899,060 Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans registered in cold-weather states due to defective front springs that can break and puncture a tire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall affects 1999, 2000 and 2001 model-year Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans, NHTSA said.

The cars, sold in 22 states, have defective springs that could break when used in high-corrosion areas, especially areas where salt is used on roads, and puncture a front tire.

Ford dealers have been asked to install protective spring shields, according to NHTSA.

No injuries or deaths have been linked to the recall, Ford spokesman Todd Nissen said.

Ford makes about 400,000 Mercury Sable and Taurus cars in a year, Nissen said.

The No. 2 U.S. automaker recently recalled 25,000 2004 model-year Taurus, Mercury Sable and Thunderbird cars due to problems with the front seats, which could rattle or come loose.

Ford also recalled 145,500 F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks, Excursion sport utility vehicles, Crown Victoria police vehicles, and Lincoln Town cars for a variety of defects, including defective axles that could cause wheels to squeak.

All three of Detroit's automakers have claimed dramatic quality improvements in recent years, but they continue to be hit by a relatively high number of vehicle recalls.

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