IllustrationHEAD GASKET BLEW AT 127,000 MILES MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO HONOR WARRANTY AND REIMBURSE CONSUMER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OVER 100,000 MILES. NLM
1994 Ford Taurus
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Taurus years
Owner complaints for the 1994 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: 67 of 923 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 289 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 269 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 81 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
51 crash reports23 fire reports30 injury reports
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
289 reportsI PURCHASED THE VEHICLE MAY 13, 1999 FROM SANGER FORD IN SANGER CALIFORNIA, 93657. ON OCTOBER 29,1999 THE CARS ENGINE BLEW UP DUE TO A PATCHED UP WATER PUMP THAT CAME FROM SANGER FORD LIKE THIS WHEN I PURCHASED IT. THE WATER PUMP WAS FULL OF STOP LEAK, WHICH WOULD EXPLAIN WHY THE CAR SEEMED TO RUN A LITTLE WARM. WHEN THE WATE…
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I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE MAY 13, 1999 FROM SANGER FORD IN SANGER CALIFORNIA, 93657. ON OCTOBER 29,1999 THE CARS ENGINE BLEW UP DUE TO A PATCHED UP WATER PUMP THAT CAME FROM SANGER FORD LIKE THIS WHEN I PURCHASED IT. THE WATER PUMP WAS FULL OF STOP LEAK, WHICH WOULD EXPLAIN WHY THE CAR SEEMED TO RUN A LITTLE WARM. WHEN THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT ON THE CAR, IT BROKE OFF INSIDE FOR WHATEVER REASON AND WHEN THIS HAPPENED, IT TORE HELL OUT OF THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE DID NOT BLOW DUE TO IT OVER HEATING, THE ENGINE BLEW DUE TO THE DAMAGE DONE BY THE WATER PUMP. I COULD NOT GET ANY HELP FROM THE DEALER OR THE FINANCE COMPANY. BUT I SURE HAD TO MAIL IN THAT PAYMENT EVERY MONTH. IT TOOK ALL THE MONEY I HAD AND COULD BORROW AND 5 AND 1/2 MONTHS LATER TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 4 CHILDREN AND A CAR IS VERY MUCH NEEDED. I THOUGHT I HAD BOUGHT A CAR I COULD DEPEND ON AND TRUST TO TRANSPORT MY DAUGHTERS IN, BUT WAS WRONG. I ALSO DURING THIS DOWN TIME RECEIVED 2 OR MORE RECALL NOTICES FOR THE VEHICLE THAT HAD BEEN ISSUED PRIOR TO THE SELL OF THE CAR TO MYSELF. SO, THE DEALER SOLD ME A CAR WITHOUT DOING THE PROPER REPAIRS BROUGHT ON BY THE RECALLS. SO, WHAT ELSE DID THEY GET AWAY WITH???? I WILL CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR HELP IN RECOVERING MY LOSES DUE TO THE OF PROFESSIONALISM BY THIS COMPANY. ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME ON THIS MATTER I COULD REALLY USE. THANK YOU, BRANDEE BRIDGES 06-17-00. *AK
WHILE DRIVING SAW A LOT OF SMOKE COMING OUT OF TAIL PIPE. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS ENGINE HEAD GASKET. *AK
DEALER FAILED TO REPAIR DUE TO MILEAGE OVER SERVICE LIMITS AS PER 00M09/ VEHICLE WAS OVER LIMITS BEFORE NOTIFICATION OF DEFAULT. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK
EACH SUMMER, PURGE CYLINDER LEAKES GAS VAPORS INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH GET DISCHARGED INTO A/C. WENT TODEALERSHIP 3 TIMES BEFORE WARRANTY RAN OUT ONLY TO BE TOLD NO PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND. WENT TO FORD DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING SUMMER AND WAS TOLD NOTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT VAPORS EXCEPT MOVE PURGE CANNISTER TO REAR OF VEHICLE …
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EACH SUMMER, PURGE CYLINDER LEAKES GAS VAPORS INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH GET DISCHARGED INTO A/C. WENT TODEALERSHIP 3 TIMES BEFORE WARRANTY RAN OUT ONLY TO BE TOLD NO PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND. WENT TO FORD DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING SUMMER AND WAS TOLD NOTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT VAPORS EXCEPT MOVE PURGE CANNISTER TO REAR OF VEHICLE WHICH WOULD NOT DECREASE VAPOR EMMISSION BY ANY EXTENT. PROBLOM IS NOTICEABLE DURING SUMMER MONTHSWHEN VAPORS FILL THE CABIN. *AK
THE DRIVERS DOOR AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WERE MISALIGNED. NLM
WHILE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH ENGINE NOT RUNNING, FRONT RIGHT SIDE DROPPED ABOUT TWO INCHES BECAUSE SPRING BROKE. OWNER CONCERNED BECAUSE HE COULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK *ML
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THE HEAD GASKET PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION WHICH DAMAGED THE AIR CONDITIONING LINES,WATER PUMP AND OTHER COMPONENTS, WHEN THE GASKET BLEW. CONSUMER IS NOT ABLE TO OBTAIN REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER FOR RECALL REPAIRS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED. *MJS
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 35 MPH, I NOTICED THE COOLANT TEMPERAURE HAD SHOT UP TO THE RED ZONE. AS SOON AS THIS HAPPENED, IT IMMEDIATELY WENT BACK DOWN TO THE MIDRANGE OF THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND STAYED THERE FOR APPROX. 10 MILES. I CHECKED THE ANTI-FREEZE AT A GAS STATION AND IT SEEMED TO BE FULL. I PARKED THE CAR AND LET IT…
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WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 35 MPH, I NOTICED THE COOLANT TEMPERAURE HAD SHOT UP TO THE RED ZONE. AS SOON AS THIS HAPPENED, IT IMMEDIATELY WENT BACK DOWN TO THE MIDRANGE OF THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND STAYED THERE FOR APPROX. 10 MILES. I CHECKED THE ANTI-FREEZE AT A GAS STATION AND IT SEEMED TO BE FULL. I PARKED THE CAR AND LET IT COOL FOR ABOUT THREE HOURS. I BEGAN MY DRIVE HOME AND THE TEMP. STAYED IN THE MIDRANGE OF THE GAUGE FOR ABOUT 20 MILES AND THEN SHOT UP TO THE RED ZONE. IT HOVERED THERE ABOUT 1 MINUTE AND THEN SHOT BACK DOWN TO THE MID RANGE. I PARKED THE VEHICLE IN MY GARAGE. THE NEXT MORNING, I STARTED IT UP AND DROVE ABOUT 1/4 MILE AND WHITE SMOKE BEGAN POURING FROM THE TAILPIPE. THE SMOKE SMELLED LIKE ANTI-FREEZE. I RETURNED HOME AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. PREVIOUSLY, FORD HAD SENT ME A LETTER DETAILING THE DEFECT AND OFFERING A WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 100,000 MILES. HOWEVER, I WAS ALREADY PAST 100,000 MILES WHEN THEY SENT THE LETTER. CAN THEY BE FORCED TO COVER SOME OR ALL OF THE COST OF REPLACING THE HEAD GASKET? THE CAR FAILED ONLY TWO MONTHS AFTER I MADE THE LAST PAYMENT TO FORD CREDIT CORPORATION. CAN YOU HELP ME?*AK
ENGINE HAD SMELLED HOT ON PRIOR OCCASIONS WHEN CLIMBING HILLS BUT DID NOT REGISTER HOT. MECHANIC DID NOT THINK IT WAS A PROBLEM. TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES (IE HIGHWAY SPEEDS) AND MECHANIC REPLACED MOTOR MOUNTS. NOW TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT HIGHER THAN 1ST GEAR.
Official recalls
498V323000 · 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.
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.
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
4RQ99017 · Front Suspension Spring
Opened Aug 9, 1999 · Closed Feb 16, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
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.