IllustrationVEHICLE HAS STALLED 4 TIMES AT ANY SPEED. DEALER CANNOT FIND CAUSE. *AK
1993 Ford Taurus
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Taurus years
Owner complaints for the 1993 Ford Taurus are substantially higher than the model-year median of 318.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Taurus years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 65 of 1,557 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 638 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 174 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 164 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
54 crash reports49 fire reports35 injury reports
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
638 reportsMY 1993 TAURUS HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AT 60000 MILES. FORD HAS RECALLED ALL 1994-1995 VEHICLES AND REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. WHY HAVEN'T THE 93 MODELS ALSO BEEN RECALLED & REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE? THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTERERS DEFECT AND ALL 3.8L ENGINES SHOULD BE FIXED. THEY ALSO GAVE THESE VEHICLES 7 YEAR, 100,000 MILE WARRA…
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MY 1993 TAURUS HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AT 60000 MILES. FORD HAS RECALLED ALL 1994-1995 VEHICLES AND REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. WHY HAVEN'T THE 93 MODELS ALSO BEEN RECALLED & REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE? THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTERERS DEFECT AND ALL 3.8L ENGINES SHOULD BE FIXED. THEY ALSO GAVE THESE VEHICLES 7 YEAR, 100,000 MILE WARRANTY EXTENSIONS. ONCE AGAIN, WHY NOT THE 93 MODELS TOO?????? I'VE CHECKED ON VARIOUS MESSAGE BOARDS & THERE SEEMS TO BE SUBSTANIAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON THE 93'S. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU COULD GIVE ME WITH THIS PROBLEM. THANKS JOHN. *AK
CAN YOU GIVE ME THE UPDATED INFORMATION FOR HEADGASKET REPLACEMENT AS NOTED ON THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #9811329, BULLETIN SEQUENCE NUBMER#749? WE HAVE A 1993 FORD TAURAS THAT WAS SERVICED FOR THIS PROBLEM IN 4/99. RECENTLY READ THAT FORD IS REIMBURSING CONSUMERS FOR THIS SERVICE. FORD MOTOR CO. IN MICHIGAN TELLS ME THA…
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CAN YOU GIVE ME THE UPDATED INFORMATION FOR HEADGASKET REPLACEMENT AS NOTED ON THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #9811329, BULLETIN SEQUENCE NUBMER#749? WE HAVE A 1993 FORD TAURAS THAT WAS SERVICED FOR THIS PROBLEM IN 4/99. RECENTLY READ THAT FORD IS REIMBURSING CONSUMERS FOR THIS SERVICE. FORD MOTOR CO. IN MICHIGAN TELLS ME THAT WE ARE NOT ON THEIR "LIST" TO BE REIMBUSED??? DEALER TELLS ME ONLY '94 AND '95 MODELS APPLY BUT CAN NOT GIVE SPECIFICATIONS TO ME IN WRITING.....PLEASE HELP!*AK
COOLANT WAS LEAKING CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN ROUGH. HEATER BLOWS COLD AIR. DEALER DIAGNOSED VEHICLE BY DOING A BLOCK TES. EXPLAINATION NOT GIVEN .
I SUPPOSE I WAS MORE FORTUNATE THAN MANY IN THAT MY 1993 TAURUS WENT 92,550 MILES BEFORE THE HEAD GASKETS BLEW. THIS INCIDENT REQUIRED REPAIRS COSTING $1812.48. I AM OUTRAGED THAT FORD WILL NOT EXTEND ITS WARRANTY ON 1994 AND 1995 3.8L ENGINE HEAD GASKETS TO THE 1993 MODELS AS WELL, AND I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE MY VO…
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I SUPPOSE I WAS MORE FORTUNATE THAN MANY IN THAT MY 1993 TAURUS WENT 92,550 MILES BEFORE THE HEAD GASKETS BLEW. THIS INCIDENT REQUIRED REPAIRS COSTING $1812.48. I AM OUTRAGED THAT FORD WILL NOT EXTEND ITS WARRANTY ON 1994 AND 1995 3.8L ENGINE HEAD GASKETS TO THE 1993 MODELS AS WELL, AND I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE MY VOICE HEARD. THANK YOU.*AK
HEAD GASKET BLEW. LOSS OF COMPRESSION. SMELL OF ANTIFREEZE IN EXHAUST- CREATED POLLUTION. MY MECHANIC SAYS THIS MODEL ENGINE HAS BEEN TARGET OF RECALLS FOR BAD HEAD GASKET, BUT DEALER SAYS THAT IS 94 AND 95, NOT 93 MODEL. DEALER CHARGED ME OVER $1100 TO FIX IT.*AK
IT SEEMS THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS OF 93 FORD TARUS HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS...COMPANY IS ONLY COMPENSATING OWNERS OF 94 AND 95 MODELS...CAN ANYTHING BE DONE TO HELP THOSE OF US WHO HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM BUT NOT THE "RIGHT" YEAR?NO SAFETY DEFEC TLISTED. *AK
I AM WRITING ABOUT THE PROBLEM THAT OCCURS WHILE WE ARE DRIVING OUR FORD TAURUS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CAR TURNS OFF WITH NO WARNING, AND THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF WHEN DRIVING AT 65-70 MPH IN HIGHWAY/EXPRESSWAY TRAFFIC AS WELL AS ON LOCAL STREETS AT 30 - 45 MPH. WE HAVE REPORTED THIS TO FORD AND TO FORD DEALERSHIP MECHA…
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I AM WRITING ABOUT THE PROBLEM THAT OCCURS WHILE WE ARE DRIVING OUR FORD TAURUS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CAR TURNS OFF WITH NO WARNING, AND THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF WHEN DRIVING AT 65-70 MPH IN HIGHWAY/EXPRESSWAY TRAFFIC AS WELL AS ON LOCAL STREETS AT 30 - 45 MPH. WE HAVE REPORTED THIS TO FORD AND TO FORD DEALERSHIP MECHANICS AND THEY HAVE SAID THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS SUCH AS THIS. WE HAVE TO OPEN THE HOOD AND LET THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COOL DOWN. WHEN THE COMPARTMENT COOLS DOWN THEN THE CAR STARTS RIGHT UP AND RUNS UNTIL IT STOPS AGAIN. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THE CAR JUST STOPS IN FRONT OF OTHER CARS AND WE HAVE TO TRY TO PULL OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER OR GRASS OR WHATEVER IS THERE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS ASAP. I NOTICE THAT OTHER TAURUS CARS HAVE THEIR HOODS OPEN WHEN THEY ARE DRIVING. I AM SURE THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM RIGHT AWAY. OUR CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE ABOUT 50,000 TO 55,000 MILES(1999) AND MAYBE BEFORE THAT BECAUSE WE BOUGHT IT USED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT WITH ANY NEWS OF REMEDYING THIS SITUATION.*AK
WOULD BE DRIVING 65MPH WHEN VEHICLE STALLED OUT IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TWICE. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT PROBLEM WAS TRANSMISSION. SECOND TIME INFORMED IT WAS MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND MECHANIC REPLACED IT. STALLING PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK *SLC
WHEN DRIVING AND UPON ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION ENGINE WAS BOUNCING BACK AND FORTH DUE TO WEARING OUT THE MOTOR MOUNTS , AND CAUSING THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER STATED VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY.*AK
Official recalls
698V323000 · Structure:frame And Members
Dec 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.
98V094000 · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
May 6, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF NEW YORK, MICHIGAN, OHIO, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, INDIANA, NEW JERSEY, MAINE, CONNECTICUT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, KENTUCKY, MARYLAND, DELAWARE, AND WEST VIRGINIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN COMBINATION WITH SMALL CRACKS IN THE SPRINGS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE FRONT TIRE COULD DEFLATE DUE TO A BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRING CONTACTING THE TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING CATCHER BRACKET WHICH WILL PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM CONTACTING A TIRE.
98V009000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
Jan 21, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHTS CAN FLASH INTERMITTENTLY AS A RESULT OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING. THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS CAN GO OUT FOR BRIEF INTERVALS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION CAN AFFECT A DRIVER'S ABILITY TO NAVIGATE THE ROADWAY AND REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH THAT INCORPORATES A CRICUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR AND WIRING, IF NEEDED.
97V025000 · Vehicle Speed Control
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.
97V019000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan
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.
93V023000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
Jan 4, 1993
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CONTROLLERS DESIGNED FOR REAR WHEEL DRIVE CARS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THESE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CARS..
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY AND POSSIBLEVEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL DRIVE ABS CONTROLLER WITH A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE ABS CONTROLLER.
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
13RQ99017 · Front Suspension Spring
Opened Aug 9, 1999 · Closed Feb 16, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
EA99023 · Windshield Wiper
Opened Aug 6, 1999 · Closed Jun 12, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
ODI has received 50 additional complaiints on MY 1993 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles alleging malfunction of the windshield wiper system including; intermittent or complete stoppage of wiper sweeping; inadequate sweep speed; and other general complaints of poor performace.In some cases, the owner alleges havingto leave the roadway or roll down the window and manually restart the sweeping motion of the wiper arms.Other complaints allege that the wiper sweeps too slowly at the maximum speed setting resulting in inadequate vision during heavy precipition.Some complaints allge repeated wiper system malfunctions despirt having their vehicles serviced at Ford dealerships of replacement of the multi-function switch and/or wiper motor.Ford provided its response to an Information Request Letter indicating that the same wiper motor is used on the MY 1987-1993 Taurus and Sable; however, warranty and complaint data show that the MY 1993 is over represented and may warrant particular attention.An Engineering Ananlysis is necessary to determine if a potential safety defect exists.
PE99015 · Windshield Wiper
Opened Feb 24, 1999 · Closed Aug 6, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility
ALLEGED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WITHOUT WARNING
EA97026 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Failure
Opened Nov 26, 1997 · Closed May 13, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
ALLEGED THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE, PERMITTING SUSPENSION COLLAPSE, POSSIBLE TIRE PUNCTURE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR COMPROMISE TO VEHICLE SAFETY
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
ALLEGED THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE, PERMITTING SUSPENSION COLLAPSE, POSSIBLE TIRE PUNCTURE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR COMPROMISE TO VEHICLE SAFETY
Suspension
ALLEGED THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE, PERMITTING SUSPENSION COLLAPSE, POSSIBLE TIRE PUNCTURE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR COMPROMISE TO VEHICLE SAFETY
PE97035 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Failure
Opened Jul 22, 1997 · Closed Nov 26, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
Front Suspension coil springs may fracture with the vehicle in motion, posing a potential compromise to the driver's ability to control the vehicle.
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.
PE96018 · Headlights Failure
Opened Mar 5, 1996 · Closed Jul 31, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights
There is no summary currently available
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
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