NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
260 reportsClear category filter69,000 miles · Oct 13, 2010
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED MOVING FORWARD AND WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPRO…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED MOVING FORWARD AND WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 69,000.
NHTSA ODI #10360253
Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2010
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AN APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE RADIATOR, BATTERY, MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY UNDER NHTSA C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AN APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE RADIATOR, BATTERY, MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 98V323000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS) AND 91V134000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FOUNDATION COMPONENTS: DISC: ROTOR) YET DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS A SECOND TIME AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED TO REPORT THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA ODI #10321807
Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2005
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING GEARS JUMP. THERE IS RECALL 96V166000. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINS. *AK RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD OF OTHER FORD VEHICLES WITH DESIGN DEFECTS. *TC
NHTSA ODI #10103762
102,000 miles · Aug 6, 2004
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicCrash
MY FORD TAURUS 1991 STATION WAGON LUNGED FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY AFTER BACKING UP, BRAKING, THEN STARTING TO GO FORWARD. IT WENT AGAINST A WALL, THE BRAKE DIDN'T WORK, THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS CRASHED, I HAD TO PUT IT INTO PARK TO STOP IT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF ANY OTHER CAR SAME MAKE AND MODEL HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. MY MEC…
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MY FORD TAURUS 1991 STATION WAGON LUNGED FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY AFTER BACKING UP, BRAKING, THEN STARTING TO GO FORWARD. IT WENT AGAINST A WALL, THE BRAKE DIDN'T WORK, THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS CRASHED, I HAD TO PUT IT INTO PARK TO STOP IT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF ANY OTHER CAR SAME MAKE AND MODEL HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. MY MECHANIC TESTED IT AND IT DID THIS ANOTHER 3 TIMES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10086334
139,000 miles · Mar 17, 2004
Power Train
TRANSMISSION JUMPED INTO NEUTRAL WHILE GOING UP HILLS. ONCE WHILE GOING UP A HILL, TRANSMISSION WENT INTO REVERSE, AND VEHICLE WENT BACKWARDS, NEARLY HITTING ANOTHER CAR. *AK *JB
NHTSA ODI #10057676
81,434 miles · Mar 5, 2004
Power Train
OEM AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED, REQUIRING INSTALLATION OF RE-MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION AT COST OF $2,862.51. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10060515
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
I CAN'T POSSIBLY REMEMBER THE DATES THESE THINGS HAPPENED. I PUT A NEW (USED) TRANSMISSION AND THIS ONE IS SLIPPING. I PUT MORE BRAKE PADS AND CALIPERS THAN YOU WOULD USE IN A LIFE TIME. THE SPRINGS ARE WEAK IN THE BACK, BUT TO EXSPENSIVE TO CHANGE. I PUT A NEW FUEL PUMP AND GAS TANK. I'VE PUT A NEW EGR VALVE, OXYGEN SENSOR…
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I CAN'T POSSIBLY REMEMBER THE DATES THESE THINGS HAPPENED. I PUT A NEW (USED) TRANSMISSION AND THIS ONE IS SLIPPING. I PUT MORE BRAKE PADS AND CALIPERS THAN YOU WOULD USE IN A LIFE TIME. THE SPRINGS ARE WEAK IN THE BACK, BUT TO EXSPENSIVE TO CHANGE. I PUT A NEW FUEL PUMP AND GAS TANK. I'VE PUT A NEW EGR VALVE, OXYGEN SENSOR, THROTTLE SENSOR, AIR TEMP SENSOR. I PUT A BLINKER SWITCH AND NEW STRUTS BECAUSE MINE BROKE. 3 OUT OF 4 OF MY DOORS WILL NOT OPEN BECAUSE OF THE HANDLES. THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE THINGS I WROTE DOWN OR CAN REMEMBER. NOW IT WILL NOT START UNLESS I PUMP THE GAS(IT'S FUEL INJECTED) AND KEEP TURNING IT OVER AND OVER. THEN I'M NOT SURE IF IT WILL START AGAIN WHEN I SHUT IT OFF. THE FUEL PUMP IS WORKING I THINK, I CAN HEAR IT. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED AND THE PERSON PUT A 1989 MOTOR INTO A 1991 BODY. THESE THINGS STILL WENT WRONG WITH THE CAR EITHER WAY. I DID NOT CHECK ANY BELOW BECAUSE I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO CHECK.
NHTSA ODI #10071118
30,000 miles · Oct 17, 2003
Power Train
MY 1991 FORD TAURUS WAGON HAS ALWAYS HAD MAJOR TRANSAXLE PROBLEMS! ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE TRANSMISSION PAN BOLTS LOOSSENED ON THEIR OWN. THIS HAS CAUSED PREMATURE TRANSMISSION DAMAGE, AND NOW THE WAGON RUNS MISSERABLY! THOUGH WE TIGHTENED UP THE BOLTS (FOR THE THIRD TIME) ENOUGH DAMAGE OCCURED TO THE TRANSMISSION AND NOW …
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MY 1991 FORD TAURUS WAGON HAS ALWAYS HAD MAJOR TRANSAXLE PROBLEMS! ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE TRANSMISSION PAN BOLTS LOOSSENED ON THEIR OWN. THIS HAS CAUSED PREMATURE TRANSMISSION DAMAGE, AND NOW THE WAGON RUNS MISSERABLY! THOUGH WE TIGHTENED UP THE BOLTS (FOR THE THIRD TIME) ENOUGH DAMAGE OCCURED TO THE TRANSMISSION AND NOW THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACEMENT. I PUT A NEW ONE IN WHEN I BOUGHT IT. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN, AND SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO I AM AQUAINTED WITH WILL KNOW MY LITTLE FORD ORDEAL AS WELL (I'LL MAKE IT A POINT THAT THEY KNOW). HOW COULD A COMPANY THAT HAS BEEN MAKING CARS FOR SO LONG GO SO DAMM ASTRAY? SOME ONE TOLD ME THAT FORD SPELLED IN REVERSE STANDS FOR: "DRIVER RETURNS ON FOOT."...DROF *LA
NHTSA ODI #10043131
Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2003
Power Train
VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY SHIFTS WHILE DRIVING.*MR THE VEHICLE SHIFTED ERRATICALLY. ON OCCASIONS IT WOULD SLAM INTO SECOND GEAR OR NOT AT ALL. THE VEHICLE HESITATED FROM A STOP AND WOULD JUMP INTO NEUTRAL. WHILE DRIVING WHILE DRIVING UPHILL THE VEHICLE JUMPED INTO NEUTRAL WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS ALMOST CAUSI…
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VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY SHIFTS WHILE DRIVING.*MR THE VEHICLE SHIFTED ERRATICALLY. ON OCCASIONS IT WOULD SLAM INTO SECOND GEAR OR NOT AT ALL. THE VEHICLE HESITATED FROM A STOP AND WOULD JUMP INTO NEUTRAL. WHILE DRIVING WHILE DRIVING UPHILL THE VEHICLE JUMPED INTO NEUTRAL WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE FORD SERVICEMAN WAS AWARE OF THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. *TS *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10040008
Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED AND THEN SHUT OFF. *JB THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT SHIFT. *CB *JB
NHTSA ODI #10020249
Official recalls
4Dec 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.
Feb 26, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WATER CAN ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT. IF ENOUGH WATER ACCUMULATES, IT COULD FREEZE WITHIN A LOW AREA OF THE CABLE ROUTING WHEN EXPOSED TO A LONG TERM COLD SOAK AT TEMPERATURES AT LEAST SEVERAL DEGREES BELOW FREEZING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRIVER CONTROL OF VEHICLE SPEED USING THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD BE DIMINISHED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.
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.
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
14SQ98008 · Audio System Fires
Opened May 4, 1998 · Closed May 8, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
SEE RESUME FOR DETAILS.
DP96014 · Defective Air Bag Crash Sensor
Opened Nov 14, 1996 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
CFAS SENT A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON DECEMBER 12, 1996, TO CHANGE THE INTENT OF THE PETITION TO AIRBAG AGGRESSIVITY AND DEPLOYMENT VARIABILITY.NHTSA RECEIVED THE LETTER ON 12/12/96; ACCORDINGLY, THE PETITION DUE DAY WAS CHANGED TO APRIL 12, 1997.CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE 1991-92 CHEVROLET CORSICA/BERETTA, 1990-92 FORD TAURUS, AND 1994-96 CHRYSLER MINIVANS ARE DEFECTIVE.CFAS ALLEGE THAT INFORMATION ON LOW SPEED CRASHES HERE OCCUPANTS HAVE SUFFERED FATAL INJURIES SUGGESTS [THAT THE ABOVE VEHICLES] HAVE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS.
EA96024 · Engine Cooling Fan Fires
Opened Sep 30, 1996 · Closed Apr 15, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
PE96033 · Engine Cooling Fan Fires
Opened May 2, 1996 · Closed Sep 30, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
IN DECEMBER 1995, FORD RECALLED 119,313 VEHICLES IN CANADA TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN CERTAIN 1992-95 TAURUS, SABLE, TEMPO, TOPAZ AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES.FORD IS AWARE OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT MAINTAINS THAT THE FREQUENCIES DO NOT WARRANT A FINDING OF AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.
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
PE93070 · Failure Of Wheel Studs
Opened Jul 27, 1993 · Closed Nov 22, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
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
EA91042 · Storage Compar Suffocation
Opened Oct 28, 1991 · Closed May 21, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
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DP91013 · ANTI-LOCK Brakes
Opened Sep 24, 1991 · Closed Jan 30, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
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
Illustration