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: 119 of 1,205 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.
Power Train. Review the 394 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 352 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
60 crash reports53 fire reports48 injury reports
What owners actually said
1,205 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2000
Exterior LightingVehicle Speed Control
WHEN CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT 60 MPH, IT WOULD NOT DISENGAGE WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKE PEDAL. VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN A LITTLE, BUT RESUMED SPEED AS SOON AS DRIVER TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE PEDAL. CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGED WHEN USING THE SWITCH. BRAKE SWITCH WAS REPLACED A YEAR AND 1/2 AGO FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM C…
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WHEN CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT 60 MPH, IT WOULD NOT DISENGAGE WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKE PEDAL. VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN A LITTLE, BUT RESUMED SPEED AS SOON AS DRIVER TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE PEDAL. CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGED WHEN USING THE SWITCH. BRAKE SWITCH WAS REPLACED A YEAR AND 1/2 AGO FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM CAME BACK. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #860886
Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721858
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WITH MY 1 FAMILY CAR IN FOR REPAIR. FORD SHOULD LOAN ME A CAR WIFE&CHIDS&NO CAR. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721795
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2000
Power Train
SPEEDOMETER POINTER JUMPS AROUND, GIVING UNRELIABLE AND FALSE SPEED INDICATIONS. ASSEMBLY ALSO MAKES SQUEEKING NOISES. FORD SERVICE BULLETIN # 99-7-9 RECOMENDS REPLACEMENT; FAILURE CAUSED BY IMPROPER OILING DURING ASSEMBLY. FORD/DEALER NO HELP. DEALER INDICATES THERE "MAY" BE A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. THIS IS SECOND SPEEDOMETER T…
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SPEEDOMETER POINTER JUMPS AROUND, GIVING UNRELIABLE AND FALSE SPEED INDICATIONS. ASSEMBLY ALSO MAKES SQUEEKING NOISES. FORD SERVICE BULLETIN # 99-7-9 RECOMENDS REPLACEMENT; FAILURE CAUSED BY IMPROPER OILING DURING ASSEMBLY. FORD/DEALER NO HELP. DEALER INDICATES THERE "MAY" BE A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. THIS IS SECOND SPEEDOMETER TO FAIL IN THE CAR. FIRST AT 25000 MILES, THIS ONE STARTED ABOUT 36000. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721760
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2000
Unknown Or Other
THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE START JUMPING UP AND DOWN CRAZILY WHEN THE CAR GOES PAST 50 MPH AND DOES NOT INDICATE THE CORRECT SPEED ANYMORE. AT THE SAME TIME, THERE ARE A LOT OF CLICK CLILCK NOISE IN THE SPEEDOMETER.
NHTSA ODI #721755
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2000
Power Train
WHEN SPEEDOMETER BREAKS, THE NEEDLE WILL START JUMPING BACK AND FORTH, AND DOES NOT INDICATE THE CORRECT SPEED. AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WOULD A SERIES OF CLICK, CLICK NOISE AT THE SPEEDOMETER. MY BROTHER'S 95 TAURUS EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND HE IS GOING TO FILE A COMPLAINT TOO. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721754
Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2000
Fuel System, Gasoline
WHILE TRAVELING IN HOT WEATHER OR LONG DISTANCE CONSUMER NOTICED GAS FUMES INSIDE VEHICLE. DEALER SAID THAT THE CARBON FILTER WAS FULL OF GASOLINE AND WAS NOT EXHAUSTING THE FUMES CORRECTLY. THE FILTER AND FUEL LINE WERE REPLACED AT OWNER'S COST BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI #860511
Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2000
Tires
STEEL BELT BREAKAGE. CAUSED BUMPY RIDE AND PULL TO RIGHT. MY CONCERN IS THAT WHEN I CONTACTED MICHELIN, THEY ATTITUDE WAS THAT THEIR TIRES FAIL WHEN THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN CARED FOR USING FORD REQUIREMENTS. THE FIRST TIRE TO FAIL WAS IN AUG. 1999 AND A LOCAL FORD DEALER HELPED WITH MICHRLIN. AT THAT TIME …
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STEEL BELT BREAKAGE. CAUSED BUMPY RIDE AND PULL TO RIGHT. MY CONCERN IS THAT WHEN I CONTACTED MICHELIN, THEY ATTITUDE WAS THAT THEIR TIRES FAIL WHEN THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN CARED FOR USING FORD REQUIREMENTS. THE FIRST TIRE TO FAIL WAS IN AUG. 1999 AND A LOCAL FORD DEALER HELPED WITH MICHRLIN. AT THAT TIME THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THIS TIME, TWO FRONT TIRES FAILED AT THE SAME TIME. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MICHELIN HAS STOPPED MAKING THIS MODEL TIRE. I WONDER WHY. THE TIRES HAVE ALMOST A QUARTER INCH OF TREAD LEFT AND ARE NOT WORN FUNNY. SEEMS LIKE JUNK TIRES TO ME. I REPLACED THE MICHELIN TIRES WITH COOPER TIRES, WHICH HAVE NEVER FAILED ME. PLEASE CHECK INTO MICHELIN AND PERHAPS AUTO MANUFACTURERS WHO USE THEIR PRODUCTS, WHICH HAVE A FIXED LIFE. THANK YOU.( DOT NUMBER: M3PA998X29 TIRE SIZE: P205X65R15 )
NHTSA ODI #721642
Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2000
Power Train
SPEEDOMETER JUMPS ERRADICALLY, REPLACED FIRST TIME AT 27,820 MILES, NOW THE 2ND ONE IS GOING BAD TOO AND WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721609
Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING FUEL ODOR / VAPOR COMING THROUGH A/C VENT INTERMITTENTLY WHEN A/C IS USED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.8L ENGINES AND MUSTANG VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 5.0L ENGINES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BEARING TO SEIZE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD BE GENERATED WHICH COULD MELT THE FAN MOTOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. COMPONENTS INSIDE THE COOLING FAN MOTOR COULD IGNITE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A CIRCUIT BREAKER. IF THE COOLING FAN IS INOPERATIVE, THE FAN AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
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: 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.
THE RETAINER CLIP WHICH HOLDS THE MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM IS MISSING OR NOT COMPLETELY INSTALLED. THE PUSH ROD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE RETAINER CLIP.
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.
1995 Ford Taurus Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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