DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. has recalled 899,060 Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans due to defective front springs, Reuters reported Friday. The springs can break and puncture a tire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA said the recall affects 1999, 2000 and 2001 model-year Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans. The cars, sold in 22 cold-weather 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. Ford 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. The company 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.