NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
217 reportsClear category filter137,000 miles · May 1, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE REAR MOUNTING ATTACHMENT FOR THE ENGINE CRADLE DETERIORATED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY ROAD SALT, DEBRIS, AND OTHER NATURAL MATERIALS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE MAJOR SAFETY HAZARDS. IF THE ENGINE CRADLE IS N…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE REAR MOUNTING ATTACHMENT FOR THE ENGINE CRADLE DETERIORATED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY ROAD SALT, DEBRIS, AND OTHER NATURAL MATERIALS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE MAJOR SAFETY HAZARDS. IF THE ENGINE CRADLE IS NOT SUPPORTED, A LOSS OF STEERING AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR. HE WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER PROVIDED HIM WITH A REASSEMBLY KIT, AS IF THE FAILURE WERE COMMON. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. UPDATED 5/19/08 *CN
NHTSA ODI #10226384
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
COOLANT LEAKING INTO HEAD GASKET AND PISTON/CYLINDERS CAUSING ENGINE TO VAPOR LOCK AND FREEZE. WE BOUGHT A $900 EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS VEHICLE, AND WE HAD TO PAY A $95.00 DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG, HANSEL FORD IN SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA SAYS THAT WARRANTY WILL NOW ONLY COVER SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE ENGINE AND NOT ALL …
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COOLANT LEAKING INTO HEAD GASKET AND PISTON/CYLINDERS CAUSING ENGINE TO VAPOR LOCK AND FREEZE. WE BOUGHT A $900 EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS VEHICLE, AND WE HAD TO PAY A $95.00 DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG, HANSEL FORD IN SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA SAYS THAT WARRANTY WILL NOW ONLY COVER SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE ENGINE AND NOT ALL OF THE ENGINE AS DESCRIBED IN EXTENDED WARRANTY, WE BOUGHT THE ESTATE WARRANTY FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN CASE SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENED. WE HAVE NOW NO MONEY TO PAY FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR THAT WE THOUGHT WAS COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, AND BASICALLY HAVE NO RECOURSE EXCEPT TO EITHER TOW THE VEHICLE FROM HANSEL FORD IN SANTA ROSA TO OUR PLACE OF RESIDENCE IN SANTA ROSA, AND OR SELL/OT TOWED TO A JUNK YARD BECAUSE SAID WARRANTY IS OF NO USE. WE HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE A LITTLE MORE THAN 1 YEAR. HAVE PUT APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, WHICH THE WARRANTY STATES CAR IS STILL UNDER BECAUSE ITS 36,000 MILES OR 3 YEARS WHICH WE COME WELL UNDER THAT. IF DEALERS WOULD BE HELD MORE LIABLE, AS WELL AS THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY, THEY WOULD PROBABLY BACK THEIR PRODUCTS (CARS,TRUCKS ETC. BETTER.)
NHTSA ODI #10069850
101,377 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
IGNITION MODULE FAILED IN JUNE, 2001 AT 101,377 MILES AND NOW AGAIN IT HAS FAILED AT 113,000 MILES. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR JUST WOULDN'T START IN FRONT OF A BUILDING, THE SECOND TIME AT A CITY INTERSECTION AT MIDNIGHT. IN CHECKING WITH FORD CORP AND THE LOCAL FORD DEALER THEY HAVE NO HEAT DEFLECTOR, INSULATOR OR KIT TO MOVE THE …
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IGNITION MODULE FAILED IN JUNE, 2001 AT 101,377 MILES AND NOW AGAIN IT HAS FAILED AT 113,000 MILES. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR JUST WOULDN'T START IN FRONT OF A BUILDING, THE SECOND TIME AT A CITY INTERSECTION AT MIDNIGHT. IN CHECKING WITH FORD CORP AND THE LOCAL FORD DEALER THEY HAVE NO HEAT DEFLECTOR, INSULATOR OR KIT TO MOVE THE IGNITION MODULE FROM ITS LOCATION JUST ABOVE THE ENGINE AT THE BASE OF THE DISTRIBTOR. NOW I FEEL MY CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND NO ONE WILL EVEN OFFER A SOLUTION. DO I NEED TO FILE A LAWSUIT FOR THE BLUE BOOK VALUE OF MY CAR AGAINST FORD?
NHTSA ODI #10069692
60,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE ENGINE STALLS AT IDLE AND AT A STOP HOT OR COLD NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS BY MECHANICS DID NOT HELP THIS CAR IS A LEMON THEY ARE NOT KIDDING FORD DOES STAND FOR FIX OR REPAIR DAILY. SIGNED NEVER WILL BUY A FORD AGAIN
NHTSA ODI #10069045
80,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
HEAD GASKET/ TRANSMISSION FAILURE
NHTSA ODI #10068979
72,000 miles · Dec 2, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHEN THE VEHICLE IDLES A THUMPING NOISE IS PRODUCED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10049914
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
I OWN A 92 FORD TAURUS WAGON LEFT TO ME BY MY NOW-DECEASED FATHER. HE HAD A RECALL DONE 3-99 FOR THE MOTOR MOUNT RECALL DONE. MY FATHER PASSED AWAY 12-99. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD A CONTINUING PROBLEM WITH THIS MOTOR MOUNT. IT IS NOW BROKEN AGAIN. IS THERE ANY WAY THIS PROBLEM CAN BE RECTIFIED. THANKS. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10045272
Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE MOUNTS BROKE. INDEPENDENT SHOP WILL REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10040502
60,000 miles · May 31, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment
ENGINE HAD HEAD GASKET/HEAD CRACKING PROBLEMS. AIR CONDITIONING REPLACED TWICE. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM REPAIRED TWICE AS A RESULT OF THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON CONSTANTLY. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10020824
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train
CONSUMER IS AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE CONSUMER STATED FORD MAKES FAULTY CARS AND HIS CAR IS ONE OF THEM. THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE DID NOT GET GOOD GAS MILEAGE. THE VEHICLE HAD CONSTANT ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE SEAT WAS BROKEN, THE TIRE BLEW OUT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. *JB NAR 1/22/2003
NHTSA ODI #10004738
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.
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.
Feb 25, 1997
THESE VEHICLES ARE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, IOWA, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA. THE VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE 1992-1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES; 1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3L ENGINES; 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8L ENGINES; 1994-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND 1992-1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES. DURING HIGH WINDS, HEAVY, BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND LOW TEMPERATURES, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAN BECOME BLOCKED OR FROZEN WITH SNOW. THE FAN MOTOR MAY NOT ROTATE AND COULD OVERHEAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SMOKE OR FLAMES FROM THE FAN AND/OR SHROUD, THE FAN ELECTRICAL WIRING, OR THE FAN MOTOR RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.
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.
Sep 4, 1991
MANUFACTURING ERRORS BY THE SUPPLIER OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH MECHANISM MAY CAUSE THE SECONDARY PORTION OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH NOT TO FUNCTION. IF THE LATCH IS NOT IN THE PRIMARY LATCH POSITION, THE LIFTGATE COULD OPEN WITHOUT OPERATOR ACTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE WERE TO OPEN DURING VEHCILE OPERATION,PASSENGERS OR CARGO COULD FALL FROM THE OPEN LIFTGATE.
Remedy: REPLACE MALFUNCTIONING LIFTGATE LATCHES.
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
14RQ98016 · Front Suspension Spring Breakage
Opened Sep 29, 1998 · Closed Jan 12, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
FRONT SUSPENSION SPRINGS AY BREAK DUE TO MANUFACTURING CRACHS IN COMBINATION WITH CORROSION.
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
EA96019 · Headlight Failure
Opened Jul 31, 1996 · Closed Jan 26, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
EXCESSIVE HEAT IN AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CIRCUIT BREAKER WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THAT CIRCUIT BREAKER TO OPEN FOR TIME PERIODS OF VARYING LENGTH TO COOL OFF.OPENING OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THIS MANNER INTERRUPTS ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW TO THE HEADLIGHTS, SHUTTING THEM OFF.HEADLIGHT OUTAGES HAVE RANGER FROM BRIEF FLICKERS (LESS THAN ONE SECOND) TO GREATER THAN 20 SECONDS.OVER TIME, THE OUTAGES GROW IN LENGTH AND DURATION BECAUSE OF HEAT-INDUCED DETERIORATION OF THE SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING.RECALL 98V-009 WILL APPLY TO APPROXIMATELY 506,000 TAURUS, SABLE, MARK VIII, AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM 1-DEC.-92 THROUGH 30-SEP-93 AT THE ATLANTA, CHICAGO,AND WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANTS.87% OF MY 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE AND 97% OF MY 1993-1995 MARK VIII WARRANTY REPAIRS (HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT) INVOLVED VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE DEC. 92 - OCT. 93 BUILD RANGE.
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
PE95026 · Plastic Trim Panel Separation
Opened May 1, 1995 · Closed Aug 31, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
There is no summary currently available
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
EA93022 · Idle Air Spd Ctrl Vlv Malf
Opened Jul 30, 1993 · Closed Aug 31, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
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
PE93010 · Idle Air Spd Ctrl Vlv Malf
Opened Mar 2, 1993 · Closed Jul 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
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
Illustration