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 · Jan 28, 1999
Power Train
I HAVE HAD SPEEDOMETER PROBLEMS TWICE SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THIS CAR. WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER HITS 50MPH, THE NEEDLE STARTS TO BOUNCE ALL AROUND THE SCALE, AND THE SPEEDOMETER MAKES A BUZZING NOISE. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND HAD THE SPEEDOMETER HEAD REPLACED. SIX MONTHS LATER, SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. TH…
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I HAVE HAD SPEEDOMETER PROBLEMS TWICE SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THIS CAR. WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER HITS 50MPH, THE NEEDLE STARTS TO BOUNCE ALL AROUND THE SCALE, AND THE SPEEDOMETER MAKES A BUZZING NOISE. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND HAD THE SPEEDOMETER HEAD REPLACED. SIX MONTHS LATER, SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. THIS TIME THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR SINCE THEY CLAIM I EXCEEDED THE $12000 WARRANTY ON THAT PART. THERE IS A TSB OUT FOR THIS REPAIR AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME PROBLEM FROM OTHER TAURUS OWNERS (AS DOCUMENTED ON THE WEB). FORD NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THIS DEFECT AND RECALL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #702695
Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 1999
Power Train
TRANSMISSION SLIPS AFTER STOPPING IN WARM WEATHER. CAR WILL NOT PROCEED. WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS WITHIN FORD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND THERE IS AN UPDATE, BUT FORD SAID IT WON'T COVER THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW IT IS A DEFECT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #702566
Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 1999
Steering
THE ORIGINAL FAILED AT APPROX. 31,000. THE SECOND FAILED AT APPROX. 37,000. THE THIRD AT APPROX. 41,000, AND AM NOW ON THE FOURTH SPEEDOMETER. NEEDLE JUMPS AT SPEEDS ABOVE APPROX. 55MPH WHEN HITTING BUMPS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #702511
Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 1999
Air BagsCrash
THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER CAR IN FRONT OF IT. NEITHER DRIVER'S NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER SAID THAT THEY WERE NOT SUPPOSED TO DEPLOY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #833925
Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 1999
Power Train
SPEEDOMETER IS FAILING. AT RANDOM SPEEDS, THE SPEEDOMETER WILL GO TO 90 MPH (PINNED). IF AND WHEN I GET THIS FIXED, IT WILL BE THE 4TH SPEEDOMETER IN THIS VEHICLE. FAILURE HAS REPEATEDLY BEEN AT 22,000 MILE INTERVALS. FORD REPLACED THE FIRST 2 UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS CHRONIC AND SAFETY REL…
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SPEEDOMETER IS FAILING. AT RANDOM SPEEDS, THE SPEEDOMETER WILL GO TO 90 MPH (PINNED). IF AND WHEN I GET THIS FIXED, IT WILL BE THE 4TH SPEEDOMETER IN THIS VEHICLE. FAILURE HAS REPEATEDLY BEEN AT 22,000 MILE INTERVALS. FORD REPLACED THE FIRST 2 UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS CHRONIC AND SAFETY RELATED DEFECT THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE FOUND A PERMANENT FIX FOR BY NOW. DEALER, BOB CHAPMAN, CONTACTED FORD IN MY BEHALF, AND FOUND THAT (APPARENTLY) THE FAILURE RATE IS SO HIGH, THAT HE CAN'T EVEN SECURE A REPLACEMENT SPEEDOMETER AT THE PRESENT.
NHTSA ODI #702412
Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 1999
Power Train
THE FAILURE OF THIS PART WILL NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO BE REMOVED FROM "PARK" EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKE IS DEPRESSED. MY MECHANIC HAS THE PART ON ORDER WITH FORD FOR 5 WEEKS (NO DEL'Y DATE). WE ALSO HAVE SEARCHED EVERY JUNKYARD WITH NO SUCCESS AND YET FORD SAYS THE PART IS NOT A PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #702390
Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 1999
Air BagsCrashFireInjury
NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING VEHICLE COLLISION.
NHTSA ODI #543397
Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 1999
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED,WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS THE VEHICLE ISN'T CATCHING ANY POWER OR GAS RIGHT AWAY, CAUSING THE MOTOR TO SPIN AND JUMP INTO GEAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #833564
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 1999
Power Train
THE SPEEDOMETER HEAD DOESN'T READ THE CORRECT SPEED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION DEPENDS ON THE SPEEDOMETER TO FUNCTION CORRECTLY IN ORDER FOR IT TO SHIFT CORRECTLY. I AM ALSO AWARE OF AT LEAST ONE OTHER PERSON WHO HAS THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD BY A MAJOR DISTR…
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THE SPEEDOMETER HEAD DOESN'T READ THE CORRECT SPEED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION DEPENDS ON THE SPEEDOMETER TO FUNCTION CORRECTLY IN ORDER FOR IT TO SHIFT CORRECTLY. I AM ALSO AWARE OF AT LEAST ONE OTHER PERSON WHO HAS THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD BY A MAJOR DISTRIBUTOR THAT THIS PART IS COMMONLYREPLACED ON THIS MODEL AS WELL AS ON THE FORD AEROSTAR OF THE SAME YEAR.
NHTSA ODI #702195
Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 1999
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THERE IS A GRINDING/SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. *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.
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