NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
217 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Mar 16, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
OUR 1992 FORD TAURUS 3.8 ENGINE HAD HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS. WE HAD THEM REPAIRED WITHOUT ANY SUCCESS OF HAVING A DECENT RUNNING CAR AGAIN. OUR CAR STILL DOES NOT RUN PROPERLY AND HAS CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. WE HAVE TAKEN IT INTO DAHL FORD IN LA CROSSE AND THEY HAD IT AN ENTIRE WEEK AND STILL THEY COULD NOT FIND OUT WH…
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OUR 1992 FORD TAURUS 3.8 ENGINE HAD HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS. WE HAD THEM REPAIRED WITHOUT ANY SUCCESS OF HAVING A DECENT RUNNING CAR AGAIN. OUR CAR STILL DOES NOT RUN PROPERLY AND HAS CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. WE HAVE TAKEN IT INTO DAHL FORD IN LA CROSSE AND THEY HAD IT AN ENTIRE WEEK AND STILL THEY COULD NOT FIND OUT WHY MY ENGINE DOES NOT RUN SMOOTHLY SINCE THE HEAD GASKETS WERE REPLACED. WE ARE NOT HAPPY WITH THE 3.8 ENGINE AT ALL. WE FEEL THIS ENGINE (WITH ONLY 48,000 MILES ON IT) SHOULD NOT HAVE BLOWN. WE NOW HAVE 80,000 ON THE CAR AND IT IS 8 YEARS OLD. THE ENGINE IS STILL BAD. *AK
NHTSA ODI #720211
Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH OIL LEAKAGES. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER OF A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. REPAIRS MADE AT CONSUMER'S COST. *AK
NHTSA ODI #858595
Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
BOTH HEAD GASKETS FAILED. YH
NHTSA ODI #551366
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE HEAD GASKETS WORE OUT, CAUSING LEAKS INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND WEAR ON THE ENGINE. ENGINE HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE BEFORE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #858257
Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
HEAD GASKET BLOWN. ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #719516
Mileage unknown · Feb 29, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
#4 CYLINDER COMBUSTION CHAMBER COOLANT LEAK. DIAGNOSED AS CYLINDER HEAD GASKET FAILURE AS COVERED IN 3-3-98 TECHNICAL SERVCICE BULLETIN 98-4-9 WITH ACTIN TOBE INSTALLATION OF REVISED HEAD GAKETAND BOLTS WHICH PROVIEIMPROVED SEALING CAPACITY AND HIGHER CLAMPING FORCE BETWEEN CYLINDER HEAD AND BLOCK ON L988-95 TAURUS WITHINSTALL…
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#4 CYLINDER COMBUSTION CHAMBER COOLANT LEAK. DIAGNOSED AS CYLINDER HEAD GASKET FAILURE AS COVERED IN 3-3-98 TECHNICAL SERVCICE BULLETIN 98-4-9 WITH ACTIN TOBE INSTALLATION OF REVISED HEAD GAKETAND BOLTS WHICH PROVIEIMPROVED SEALING CAPACITY AND HIGHER CLAMPING FORCE BETWEEN CYLINDER HEAD AND BLOCK ON L988-95 TAURUS WITHINSTALLATION OF F5PZ. *AK
NHTSA ODI #719475
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
1ST INCIDENT: ON OUR ABOUT JUNE12,1996 HEARD CLUNKING SOUND. TOOK VEHICLE TO WALKER FORD 17556 US 19 N., CLEARWATER, FL33764. THEY DETERMINED ENGINE MOUNT HAD BROKEN (27588 MILES) REPLACED FOR $177.80. 2ND INCIDENT: AUGUST 28,1999. DRIVING EAST ON DREW TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. NOISE BECAME SO GREAT TURNED VEHICLE ARO…
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1ST INCIDENT: ON OUR ABOUT JUNE12,1996 HEARD CLUNKING SOUND. TOOK VEHICLE TO WALKER FORD 17556 US 19 N., CLEARWATER, FL33764. THEY DETERMINED ENGINE MOUNT HAD BROKEN (27588 MILES) REPLACED FOR $177.80. 2ND INCIDENT: AUGUST 28,1999. DRIVING EAST ON DREW TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. NOISE BECAME SO GREAT TURNED VEHICLE AROUND TO RETURN SHORT DISTANCE HOME TO CALL TOW TRUCK. STOPPED FOR LIGHT CAR STALLED. STARTED CAR, WAS VERY WEAK. TURNED INTI PARKING LOT ON MY IMMEDIATE RIGHT. THE MOTOR MOUNTS BROKE TROWING ENGINE INTO THE HOOD AND BENDING THE LINKAGE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO REV TO 5000RPM . CAR WAS HEADED TOWARD BUILDING. TURNED ENGINE OFF AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IS $525.00 REMOUNT ENGINE. $1400 REPAIR A/C UNIT. $982 REPLACE HOOD. $400.00 ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. IF SOMEONE LESS EXPERIENCED THEN MYSELF THEY WOULD HAVE DRIVEN INTO THE BUILDING. HAD THIS HAPPENED TO ME ON THE INTERSTATE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #719189
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
COMBUSTION CHAMBER LEAK IN #4 CYLINDER. COOLANT IN #4 CYLLINDER AND CRANKCASE. REPAIR COST QUOTED $1200. IF ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED/REPLACED $4586.
NHTSA ODI #719133
Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE BLEW THE HEAD GASKET, CAUSING CAR TO OVERHEAT. VEHICLE ISN'T WORKING. DEALERSHIP TOLD CONSUMER IT WOULD COST HIM $4,000 TO REPAIR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #856518
Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
PREMATURE ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAILURE, IS CLASS ACTION LEGAL ACTION AVAILABLE? *AK
NHTSA ODI #716885
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