Illustration1987 FORD TAURUS. CONSUMER STATES SUB FRAME BOTH LEFT SIDE AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRONT END BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER HIS MODEL YEAR HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED. FORD MOTOR CO. STATED THEY WOULD ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY. *JB
1987 Ford Taurus
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1987 Ford Taurus do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 318.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Taurus years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 5 of 255 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 69 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
13 crash reports47 fire reports10 injury reports
What owners actually said
255 reportsDT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE 1987 FORD TAURUS STATION WAGON EXPERIENCED A VERY VIOLENT ACCELERATION. WHILE DRIVING ALONG AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE RACED. THE CONTACT THEN PUT FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR SKIDDED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP, AND BEGAN GOING FASTER. THE HAND BRAKE WAS PULLED. THE BRAKE WAS PULLED SO HARD THA…
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DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE 1987 FORD TAURUS STATION WAGON EXPERIENCED A VERY VIOLENT ACCELERATION. WHILE DRIVING ALONG AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE RACED. THE CONTACT THEN PUT FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR SKIDDED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP, AND BEGAN GOING FASTER. THE HAND BRAKE WAS PULLED. THE BRAKE WAS PULLED SO HARD THAT SOMETHING BROKE AND STARTED LEAKING. THE CONTACT PULLED IT OUT OF DRIVE AND PUT IT INTO PARK, AND THE CAR WAS STILL GOING. THE CONTACT MADE IT TO A GAS STATION AND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO STALL THE CAR. THE CAR WAS LEFT AT THE GAS STATION AND LEFT FOR SOMEONE TO BRING THE CAR HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD HER THAT HE WOULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT MAY TAKE OFF WITH HIM. THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY COULD DO A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK ON THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD BE EXPENSIVE. THE CONTACT CAN NOT AFFORD TO HAVE ALL THE TESTING DONE . FORD HAS BEEN CALLED, BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY FREE REMEDY TO OFFER. THE DRIVER WAS EXTREMELY SCARED AND HAS SUFFERED HEART PROBLEMS SINCE THE INCIDENT.*AK UPDATED 11/29/2005 - *NM
DUE TO A KNOWN DEFECT AND FAILURE OF THE SEAT BELT OF MY 1987 FORD TAURUS, I WENT HEAD FIRST INTO THE WINDSHIELD, MY KNEES HIT THE DASHBOARD, AND I SUFFERED INJURIES. IT WOULD BE A SIMPLE FIX FOR FORD TO CORRECT THE KNOWN DEFECT IN THIS VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOTHING TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC. I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN KILLED.…
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DUE TO A KNOWN DEFECT AND FAILURE OF THE SEAT BELT OF MY 1987 FORD TAURUS, I WENT HEAD FIRST INTO THE WINDSHIELD, MY KNEES HIT THE DASHBOARD, AND I SUFFERED INJURIES. IT WOULD BE A SIMPLE FIX FOR FORD TO CORRECT THE KNOWN DEFECT IN THIS VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOTHING TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC. I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN KILLED. *JB
FAILURE OF IGNITION SWITCH AND PLUG ASSEMBLY DUE TO OVERHEATING. SWITCH MELTED AND SO DID PLUG ASSEMBLY. THIS SAME REPAIR WAS PREVIOUSLY DONE AT APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MILES. WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AT APPOXIMATELY 87,000 MILES, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THIS REPAIR HAD BEEN DONE PREVIOUS TO THAT TIME AS WELL. THIS IS A CHRO…
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FAILURE OF IGNITION SWITCH AND PLUG ASSEMBLY DUE TO OVERHEATING. SWITCH MELTED AND SO DID PLUG ASSEMBLY. THIS SAME REPAIR WAS PREVIOUSLY DONE AT APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MILES. WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AT APPOXIMATELY 87,000 MILES, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THIS REPAIR HAD BEEN DONE PREVIOUS TO THAT TIME AS WELL. THIS IS A CHRONIC FAILURE. ANY TSB'S OR RECALLS ON THIS MATTER? RELATED PROBLEM: EXCESSIVE CURRENT DRAW ON ALTERNATOR OUTPUT WIRE TO STARTER SOLENOID (BATTERY) CAUSING WIRE TO RUN HOT (WITH ALTERNATOR TURNING). THIS HAS RESULTED IN FUSIBLE LINK G BLOWING OPEN TWICE.
I WAS DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION SLIP AND THEN WENT OUT AND NOW CAN'T EVEN DRIVE IT. *NLM
I AM DRIVING AND MY CAR STOPS RUNNING. IT JUST DIES, I PUT IT IN PARK AND IT STARTS AGAIN. THIS IS DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN I AM IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.*JB
REPLY TO REQUEST FOR A LIST OF RECALLS THAT AFFECT 1987 FORD TAURUS AND 1993 MERCURY SABLE VEHICLES. SENT SUMMARY LISTING OF RECALLS TO CONSUMER AND REFERRED CONSUMER TO NPO-230 FOR CONSUMER COMPLAINT LISTINGS. 1993 MERCURY SABLE/VIN#LMEL5549PG610694.*SCC *JB
THE VEHICLE STALLS OCCASIONALLY WHEN ON WARM TRIPS LONGER THAN A MILE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED THE IGNITION SYSTEM COMPONENT, TFI-IV MODULE KNOWING THAT IT COULD FAIL WHEN THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS. *YH
WHEN COMING TO A STOP VEHICLE SHUTSDOWN. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS NOW HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, THE FUEL LINE INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONETS INCLUDING THE IGNITION SYSTEM AND WINDSHIELD WIPER WAS REPLACED. *MJ
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING UNDERNEATH DASH AROUND IGNITION. VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST ALL POWER. HAD TOWED. REPLACED LINKS IN IGNITION. PROBLEM RECURRED AGAIN . DEALER CONTACTED
Official recalls
898V323000 · Structure:frame And Members
Dec 16, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.
93V106000 · Structure:frame And Members
Jun 23, 1993
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS AND SABLES BUILT FROM 10-14-85 THROUGH 8-19-88, AND LINCOLN CONTINENTALS BUILT FROM 11-4-87 THROUGH 9-30-88 (EXCEPT 1989 - 1991 2.5L TAURUS AND 1989 - 1992 SHO). THE AFFECTED CARS WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, AND WISCONSIN. THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, MAY BECOME DETACHED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT RETAINING PLATE. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF ONE OF THE REAR CORNERS DROPS, ONLY MINOR INDICATIONS OF A MALFUNCTION SUCH AS A CLUNKING NOISE OR SLIGHT CHANGE IN STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT ARE NOTICEABLE. HOWEVER, IF BOTH REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME DROP, STEERING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL A CORROSION-RESISTANT REINFORCING PLATE AND A NEW BOLT ON BOTH REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS. THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY RECALL 98V-323.
92V065000 · Wheels
May 11, 1992
CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.
91V134000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor
Aug 6, 1991
FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.
87V139000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Sep 4, 1987
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
87V017000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
Feb 19, 1987
ROAD SALT INDUCED EROSION OF THE WIPER MOTOR CONDUCTOR STRIPS COULD CAUSE LOCALIZED THERMAL STRESS WITHIN THE GLASS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: GLASS COULD FRACTURE WHILE STATION WAGON IS BEING DRIVENOR PARKED, CREATING A RISK OF INJURY TO OCCUPANTS OR SUDDEN DISTRACTION TO THEDRIVER.
Remedy: APPLY SEALANT TO CONDUCTOR STRIPS AND PROTECTIVE TAPE TO LOWER BACKLITES.
86V148000 · Suspension:rear:axle:spindle
Nov 7, 1986
LEFT AND/OR RIGHT REAR SPINDLE ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF SPINDLE STEM SEPARATES, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: REPLACE REAR SPINDLE.
86V144000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
Oct 28, 1986
STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLIES CONTAIN LOWER SHAFTS OF INSUFFICIENT LENGTH FOR PROPER ATTACHMENT TO THE SHAFT INSULATOR FLANGE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SHAFT COULD SEPARATE, RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: REPLACE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY, AS NECESSARY.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
26RQ97009 · Rear Lower Subframe Assembly
Opened Aug 29, 1997 · Closed Feb 16, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:frame And Members
TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CARS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL 93V-106 SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE PHENOMENON, AND TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS REMEDY FAILURE ISSUE
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure:frame And Members
TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CARS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL 93V-106 SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE PHENOMENON, AND TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS REMEDY FAILURE ISSUE
Structure:frame And Members
TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CARS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL 93V-106 SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE PHENOMENON, AND TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS REMEDY FAILURE ISSUE
DP95004 · Alleged Defective Tie Rods
Opened Aug 8, 1995 · Closed Aug 30, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS
EA94008 · Broken Tie Rods
Opened Feb 16, 1994 · Closed Feb 27, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE93100 · Polycast Road Wheel Cracks
Opened Dec 2, 1993 · Closed Jun 30, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
PE93058 · Broken Tie Rods
Opened Jun 15, 1993 · Closed Feb 16, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
EA92040 · SUB-FRM/UNIBODY Absor.fail
Opened Nov 30, 1992 · Closed Jun 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure
There is no summary currently available
Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE92056 · SUB-FRM/UNIBODY Absor.fail
Opened Jul 1, 1992 · Closed Nov 30, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
EA91042 · Storage Compar Suffocation
Opened Oct 28, 1991 · Closed May 21, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
===
PE91128 · Fires In Ignition Switch
Opened Sep 17, 1991 · Closed Jan 27, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE91108 · Storage Compar Suffocation
Opened Aug 1, 1991 · Closed Oct 28, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE91036 · Door Handles Breakage
Opened Jan 22, 1991 · Closed May 22, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
EA90045 · Brake Disc Hub Separations
Opened Sep 28, 1990 · Closed Sep 12, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
===
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
===
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
===
EA90042 · Throttle Sticking
Opened Aug 31, 1990 · Closed Dec 31, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE90071 · Brake Disc Hub Failure
Opened Apr 2, 1990 · Closed Jun 28, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
PE90066 · Throttle Sticking
Opened Mar 27, 1990 · Closed Aug 31, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE90019 · Speed Control Failure
Opened Nov 27, 1989 · Closed Mar 27, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control
There is no summary currently available
EA90005 · Power Seat Malfunc/fire
Opened Oct 31, 1989 · Closed Mar 12, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats
There is no summary currently available
EA90006 · Safety Belt Failure
Opened Oct 31, 1989 · Closed Feb 28, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
There is no summary currently available
PE89125 · Pwr Seat Malfunc - Fire
Opened Jun 1, 1989 · Closed Oct 31, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
===
PE89126 · Safety Belt Failure
Opened Jun 1, 1989 · Closed Oct 31, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
===
EA89023 · Front Seat Bracket
Opened May 25, 1989 · Closed May 22, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats
SUMMARY:THE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL APPEARS TO BE THE POTENTIALCONSEQUENCE OF A SEAT BRACKET FAILURE.===
PE89091 · Exhaust Gas Intrusion
Opened Feb 17, 1989 · Closed Jul 13, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
SUMMARY: OWNERS COMPLAIN OF EXHAUST GASES, INCLUDING HYDROGEN SULFIDE,LEAKING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAUSING NAUSEA, HEADACHES, ANDDISCOMFORT.HYDROGEN SULFIDE (H2S) IS A COLORLESS, FLAMMABLE, ANDVERY POISONOUS GAS.===
PE89006 · Head Rest Drops
Opened Oct 19, 1988 · Closed Jun 26, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint
===
PE89007 · Front Seat Bracket
Opened Oct 19, 1988 · Closed May 25, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats
BRIEFING NOTES ODISCUSSION OF THE REPORTED DEFECT & ITS CONSEQUENCES OFAILURE MILEAGE ANALYSIS OWARRANTY DATA ANALYSIS OFORD'S BODY & CHASSIS ENGINEERING REPORT OCOMPARISON WITH OTHER SEAT-TRACK ANALYSES===
EA88032 · Stalling
Opened Apr 22, 1988 · Closed Jan 12, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
===
PE88014 · High Brake Pedal Effort
Opened Jan 15, 1988 · Closed May 26, 1988
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
===