NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
260 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Dec 17, 1999
Power Train
PROBLEM IS TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE, WHICH FROM TALKING WITH OTHER OWNERS, AND TRANSMISSION MECHANICS HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE 1991 FORD TAURUS , LINCOLN TRANSMISSIONS DUE TO INTERNAL DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS WHICH SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER BUT WHEN CONTACTED SAY THERE IS NO PROBLEM AND WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS TO B…
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PROBLEM IS TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE, WHICH FROM TALKING WITH OTHER OWNERS, AND TRANSMISSION MECHANICS HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE 1991 FORD TAURUS , LINCOLN TRANSMISSIONS DUE TO INTERNAL DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS WHICH SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER BUT WHEN CONTACTED SAY THERE IS NO PROBLEM AND WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS TO BE A PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS THE WORST TRANS. FOR THAT VEHICLE SERIES, EVERY MECHANIC I TALKED TO SAID THIS IS A FORD DEFECT, AND SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY FORD. ANY HELP ON HOW TO PURSUE THIS WOULD BE APPRECIATED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #716154
Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 1999
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TIRES FAILED. NLM
NHTSA ODI #550008
Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 1999
Power Train
I TOOK CAR TO LOCAL FORD DEALER JIM CLICK 520-747-2000 6420 EAST 22ND ST TUCSON AZ. 85710 FOR LEAKING TRANSMISSION. SERVICE TECH FOUND 6 MISSING CASE BOLTS FROM PREV REPAIR WHEN TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY FORD UNDER MANDATORY RECALL. FORD NOT WILLING TO COMPENSATE ME FOR REPAIRS OF $600 FOR THEIR FAULTY WORKMANSHIP. I HAVE …
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I TOOK CAR TO LOCAL FORD DEALER JIM CLICK 520-747-2000 6420 EAST 22ND ST TUCSON AZ. 85710 FOR LEAKING TRANSMISSION. SERVICE TECH FOUND 6 MISSING CASE BOLTS FROM PREV REPAIR WHEN TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY FORD UNDER MANDATORY RECALL. FORD NOT WILLING TO COMPENSATE ME FOR REPAIRS OF $600 FOR THEIR FAULTY WORKMANSHIP. I HAVE PAPERWORK CONFIRMING IT WAS FORD'S MISTAKE FOR NOT INSTALLING THE 6 CASE BOLTS SIGNED BY SERVICE MANAGER JASON DAVIS. I NEED HELP RESOLVING MATTER . THX MERLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #715837
Mileage unknown · Nov 23, 1999
Power Train
TRANSMISSION WOULD DIE OUT AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT BUT VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO MOVE. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD JUMP/JERK FORWARD. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #852617
Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 1999
Power Train
TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE. A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN ISSUED ON THE VEHICL., HOWEVER ,THE MILEAGE HAS BEEN EXCEEDED. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #851118
Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 1999
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING ON A LITTLE COUNTRY ROAD, GOING UP A SLIGHT HILL, VEHICLE WENT OUT OF GEAR. MOTOR WAS RACING. CONTACTED DEALER ,VEHICLE IS THERE NOW. *AK
NHTSA ODI #852754
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 1999
Electrical SystemEquipmentPower Train
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA ODI #714228
Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 1999
Power TrainStructureVehicle Speed Control
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE MOTOR IS RACING. ALSO, THERE IS SOME KNOCKING AND RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. WHEN SHIFTING GEARS THERE IS A LOUD NOISE. CONSUMER HAD THE SUBFRAME REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #851687
Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 1999
Power Train
TRANSMISSION DESIGENERATED AT 89,500 MILES
NHTSA ODI #713696
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 1999
Power Train
GRINDING SOUND WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING. STOPPED VEHICLE TO INSPECT, UNABLE TO SHIFT GEAR. REPAIRMAN INSPECTED AND INFORMED CONSUME RTHAT TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER LEARNED OF A MANUFACTURER'S EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANTY OF 6 YEARS AND 60,000 MILE. DEALER / MFR. REFUSED TO ACCEPT. ASKING NHTSA FOR HE…
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GRINDING SOUND WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING. STOPPED VEHICLE TO INSPECT, UNABLE TO SHIFT GEAR. REPAIRMAN INSPECTED AND INFORMED CONSUME RTHAT TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER LEARNED OF A MANUFACTURER'S EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANTY OF 6 YEARS AND 60,000 MILE. DEALER / MFR. REFUSED TO ACCEPT. ASKING NHTSA FOR HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #850881
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