NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
333 reports79,000 miles · May 12, 2003
Electrical System
WHEN I TRY TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE THE IGNITION SWITCH IS HARD TO TURN ON THEN WHEN IT IS TURNED ON THE DASH DOESN'T LIGHT UP, AND THE WHOLE CAR IS DIGITAL. I HAVE TO PLAY WITH THE SWITCH AND TRY AND TURN THE KEY A LITTLE BACKWARDS TO GET THE DASH TO LIGHT UP. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ALMOST A YEAR (SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR). *…
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WHEN I TRY TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE THE IGNITION SWITCH IS HARD TO TURN ON THEN WHEN IT IS TURNED ON THE DASH DOESN'T LIGHT UP, AND THE WHOLE CAR IS DIGITAL. I HAVE TO PLAY WITH THE SWITCH AND TRY AND TURN THE KEY A LITTLE BACKWARDS TO GET THE DASH TO LIGHT UP. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ALMOST A YEAR (SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR). *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10018563
199,134 miles · Dec 29, 2002
SeatsFire
SUBJECT VEHICLE: 1988 FORD TAURUS, VIN NO. [XXX] THE DRIVERS SIDE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING INSULATION BECOME ABRADED,OR PUNCTURED, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OCCURRED THAT RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE SEAT CUSHION MATERIAL. AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED IN THE SERVICE DEPT. OF TEXAN FORD, INC., 20777 KATY …
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SUBJECT VEHICLE: 1988 FORD TAURUS, VIN NO. [XXX] THE DRIVERS SIDE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING INSULATION BECOME ABRADED,OR PUNCTURED, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OCCURRED THAT RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE SEAT CUSHION MATERIAL. AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED IN THE SERVICE DEPT. OF TEXAN FORD, INC., 20777 KATY FREEWAY, KATY, TX 77450, PHONE 281-579-9100. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE SERVICE TECH WORKING ON THE CAR. THE FIRE APPEARED TO BE CAUSED BY THE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING ROUTED OVER RATHER THAN UNDER THE FRONT SEAT SUPPORT BRACE, ALLOWING DAMAGE BY SEAT CUSHION SPRING ENDS WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED. THE DEFECTIVE POWER SEAT CONTROL WIRING HARNESS WAS ACQUIRED BY THE OWNER AND IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY ANY INTERESTED PARTIES. THE FORD DEALERSHIP REPORTED NO LIABILITY FOR THE SEAT FIRE AND SAID THAT FORD HAD NOT LIABILITY FOR THE FIRE OR RESULTING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. REFER TO RECALL NUMBER 91V036000 ON THIS VEHICLE. WHEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY,THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MACK HAIK FORD, 10333 KATY FREEWAY, HOUSTON, TX 77024, PHONE 713-932-5065 FOR THE RECALL MAINTENANCE WORK. IT APPEARS THE RECALL WORK WAS NOT CARRIED OUT OR WAS CARRIED OUT INCORRECTLY AT THAT TIME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10000629
Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
SUB FRAME BOLTS BROKE MOTOR MOUNTS ON ENGINE AND BOOT ON STEERING---BOLTS WERE DEFECT ALL FOUR BOLTS---PUT STRESS/STRAIN ON ENGINE/STEERING
NHTSA ODI #566328
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2002
Vehicle Speed Control
CONSUMER STATES WHEN THE ENGINE IS FIRST STARTED, EITHER HOT OR COLD, THE REVOLUTIONS ARE HIGH AND A WAIT IS REQUIRED TO AVOID HARSH SHIFTS (ALSO WASTES FUEL). SOMETIMES THE REVOLUTIONS NEVER SETTLE DOWN TO AN IDLE SPEED AND BRAKING IS REQUIRED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM GOING OVER THE SPEED LIMIT. WHEN STOPPED THE ENGINE WILL S…
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CONSUMER STATES WHEN THE ENGINE IS FIRST STARTED, EITHER HOT OR COLD, THE REVOLUTIONS ARE HIGH AND A WAIT IS REQUIRED TO AVOID HARSH SHIFTS (ALSO WASTES FUEL). SOMETIMES THE REVOLUTIONS NEVER SETTLE DOWN TO AN IDLE SPEED AND BRAKING IS REQUIRED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM GOING OVER THE SPEED LIMIT. WHEN STOPPED THE ENGINE WILL SURGE WITHOUT WARNING AND THE BRAKE MUST BE DEPRESSED AT ALL TIMES AS NOT TO LOSE CONTROL. DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED 3 TIMES. HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *TT
NHTSA ODI #567040
Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY, CONSUMER HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. ENGINE PULLED AWAY FROM MAIN FRAME DUE TO DEFECTIVE BOLTS. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEERING BOOT HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SUB FRAME FAILURE, OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE INCLUDE: TFI MODULE, ELECTR…
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WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY, CONSUMER HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. ENGINE PULLED AWAY FROM MAIN FRAME DUE TO DEFECTIVE BOLTS. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEERING BOOT HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SUB FRAME FAILURE, OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE INCLUDE: TFI MODULE, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, BLOWER MOTOR WAS OVERHEATING, FUEL PUMP FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #8007460
Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2002
Structure
RECALL 98 V 323 000/SUBFRAME CORROSION: WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH SUBFRAME DETACHED FROM BODY MOUNT AND CAUSED LOSS OF STEERING. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *TT
NHTSA ODI #8005074
Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2002
Electrical System
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. DRIVER PUSHED ON ACCELERATOR, BUT AUTOMOBILE CONTINUED TO SHUT DOWN. REACHING SIDE OF ROAD, AND USING BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR, CONSUMER COULD RESTART VEHICLE BY PLACING IT IN NEUTRAL OR PARK. CONSUMER HAS NOT YET HAD AN ACCIDENT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #8003007
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2002
Electrical System
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #756774
Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2001
Electrical System
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #751235
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2001
Electrical System
CONSUMER LOST TOTAL ELECTRIC POWER TO SPARK PLUGS WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. MOTOR STALLED AND LOST ALL POWER TO VEHICLE. IGNITION SWITCH HAS MELTED DOWN. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER KEPT PUTTING VEHICLE ON MACHINES, BUT HAS NOT SOLVED PROBLEM. *AK *SLC
NHTSA ODI #890823
Official recalls
5Dec 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.
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.
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.
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.
Mar 4, 1991
THE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING IS ROUTED OVER RATHER THAN UNDER THE FRONT SEAT SUPPORT BRACE, ALLOWING DAMAGE BY SEAT CUSHION SPRING ENDS WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING INSULATION MAY BECOME ABRADED,OR PUNCTURED, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR THAT COULD RESULT IN A FIREIN THE SEAT CUSHION MATERIAL.
Remedy: REVISE ROUTING OF POWER SEAT WIRING TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM SEAT CUSHION SPRING CONTACT.
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
23RQ97009 · 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
PE93099 · Steering LCK-UP/IMPEDIMENT
Opened Nov 30, 1993 · Closed Mar 28, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE93065 · Underbody Fuel Line Fails
Opened Jul 15, 1993 · Closed Nov 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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
PE92044 · Power Steering Leaks/fires
Opened Apr 27, 1992 · Closed Aug 31, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE92014 · Engine Mount Failure
Opened Feb 4, 1992 · Closed Jun 25, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
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
PE89125 · Pwr Seat Malfunc - Fire
Opened Jun 1, 1989 · Closed Oct 31, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
===
PE89006 · Head Rest Drops
Opened Oct 19, 1988 · Closed Jun 26, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint
===
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