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
What owners actually said
923 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 1999
Power Train
TRANSAXLE IS AN AXOD MODEL THAT HAD THE FORWARD PISTON AND SEAL FAIL, RESULTING IN SEVERE SLIPPAGE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE PREVALENT IN THIS TRANSAXLE, AND HAS BEEN KNOWN TO FORD SINCE AT LEAST 1994 (SEE TSB 94-24-7). THE AXOD CAME WITH AN ALUMINUM PISTON, NOW REPLACED WITH A STEEL O…
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TRANSAXLE IS AN AXOD MODEL THAT HAD THE FORWARD PISTON AND SEAL FAIL, RESULTING IN SEVERE SLIPPAGE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE PREVALENT IN THIS TRANSAXLE, AND HAS BEEN KNOWN TO FORD SINCE AT LEAST 1994 (SEE TSB 94-24-7). THE AXOD CAME WITH AN ALUMINUM PISTON, NOW REPLACED WITH A STEEL ONE. THE PROBLEM IS THE HUGE COST TO THE CONSUMER TO REPAIR, AND THE INHERENT SAFETY CONCERN OF THE TRANAXLE SLIPPING AS YOU TRY TO MERGE OR TURN ONTO A ROAD WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC.
NHTSA ODI #708618
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 1999
Latches/locks/linkages
CONSUMER COULD NOT EXIT VEHILCE DUE TO A BROKEN DOOR LOCK CLIP. NLM
NHTSA ODI #547245
Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 1999
Engine And Engine Cooling
MOTOR MOUNT BROKEN CAUSING AIR CONDITIONER TO FAIL. REPAIRS WERE DONE. *YC
NHTSA ODI #547155
Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 1999
Electrical System
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #708593
Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 1999
Electrical System
WHEN TEMPERATURE APPROACHES 100 DEGREES AND VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AT ROAD SPEEDS APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR TO 1.5 HOURS VEHICLE IGNITION STALLS AND ENGINE DIES. THE ENGINE WILL NOT RESTART UNTIL THE VEHICLE COOLS FOR APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MINUTES. IF VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT MODERATE SPEEDS, 50-55 MPH IT DOES NOT STALL AGAIN. FIRST TW…
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WHEN TEMPERATURE APPROACHES 100 DEGREES AND VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN AT ROAD SPEEDS APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR TO 1.5 HOURS VEHICLE IGNITION STALLS AND ENGINE DIES. THE ENGINE WILL NOT RESTART UNTIL THE VEHICLE COOLS FOR APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MINUTES. IF VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT MODERATE SPEEDS, 50-55 MPH IT DOES NOT STALL AGAIN. FIRST TWO INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHEN VEHICLE WAS AT IDLE AND BEGINNING ACCELERATING. LAST INCIDENT OCCURRED AT ROAD SPEED IN INTERSTATE TRAFFIC. MECHANICS AT LOCAL SERVICE STATION AND FORD DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. IT IS VERY UNSAFE TO OPERATE THIS VEHICLE WHEN CLIMATE CONDITIONS EXCEED 95 DEGREES UNTIL THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #708582
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 1999
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE TRAVELING AT 50MPH WHITE CLOUD BEGAN COMMING FROM EXHAUST PIPE AND WATER TEMPERATURE BEGAN TO RISE, PULLED OVER AND HAD CAR TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT BOTH HEAD GASKETS HAD FAILED AND THAT REPAIR ESTAMENT WAS $1200.00, I CALLED A FORD DEALERSHIP AND RECIEVED A SLIGHTLY HIGHER ESTAMENT BUT FORD FAILED T…
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WHILE TRAVELING AT 50MPH WHITE CLOUD BEGAN COMMING FROM EXHAUST PIPE AND WATER TEMPERATURE BEGAN TO RISE, PULLED OVER AND HAD CAR TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT BOTH HEAD GASKETS HAD FAILED AND THAT REPAIR ESTAMENT WAS $1200.00, I CALLED A FORD DEALERSHIP AND RECIEVED A SLIGHTLY HIGHER ESTAMENT BUT FORD FAILED TO MENTION THAT THE TAURUS AND SABLE ENGINES WERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FAULITY HEAD GASKETS.
NHTSA ODI #708511
Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 1999
Suspension
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH VIBRATION WHENEVER VEHICLE IS SLOWING DOWN OR APPLYING BRAKES. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON 12 OCCASIONS, AND 1 OCCASION AT AUTO REPAIRS. CONDITION STILL UNRESOLVED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #838502
Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 1999
Power TrainSteeringUnknown Or Other
THIS CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS RECALLS AND PROBLEMS THE MOST RECENT THE TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD TOO MANY PROBLEMS TO BE CONSIDERED A WELL MADE CAR AND HOPE IT WILL NOT CONTINUE TO COST ME MORE OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS OTHER THA ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. I BELIEVE THIS CAR COULD VERY WELL BE CONSIDE…
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THIS CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS RECALLS AND PROBLEMS THE MOST RECENT THE TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD TOO MANY PROBLEMS TO BE CONSIDERED A WELL MADE CAR AND HOPE IT WILL NOT CONTINUE TO COST ME MORE OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS OTHER THA ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. I BELIEVE THIS CAR COULD VERY WELL BE CONSIDERED A LEMON.
NHTSA ODI #708288
Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 1999
Power Train
CAR HESITATES AND JERKS WHEN PUT IN GEAR. ITS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT WON'T MOVE AT *AK
NHTSA ODI #708282
Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingLatches/locks/linkages
VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR RECALL 98V-009, DEALERSHIP SAID VEHICLE WAS FINE, WITHIN 3 1/2 MONTHS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE COMPONENT AND WAS DENIED SERVICES PER RECALL. MJS
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.
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.
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.
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
4
RQ99017 · 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.
1994 Ford Taurus Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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