Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
80–25K
1325–50K
3550–75K
3075–100K
39100–150K
16150K+
141 reports with mileage · 404 unknown
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.
Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 69 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
61 crash reports14 fire reports38 injury reports
What owners actually said
545 reports
Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 1999
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE AUTO DOSN'T SLOW DOWN CORRECTLY. ON LEVEL HIGHWAY IT ONLY SLOWS TO 45MPH WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKES. MY 1992 FORD TAURUS DID NOT ACT THIS WAY. THE DEALER AND FORD CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER SAY THIS IS NORMAL, BUT THE LOANER CAR ALSO A 1998 TAURUS DID NOT ACT THIS WAY. THIS PROBLEM IS A SAFETY HAZARD, WASTES GASOLINE, AND…
Read full complaint
THE AUTO DOSN'T SLOW DOWN CORRECTLY. ON LEVEL HIGHWAY IT ONLY SLOWS TO 45MPH WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKES. MY 1992 FORD TAURUS DID NOT ACT THIS WAY. THE DEALER AND FORD CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER SAY THIS IS NORMAL, BUT THE LOANER CAR ALSO A 1998 TAURUS DID NOT ACT THIS WAY. THIS PROBLEM IS A SAFETY HAZARD, WASTES GASOLINE, AND CAUSED THE BREAKS TO WEAR OUT FASTER. I WOULD BE WILLING TO DEMONSTRATE THE CAR TO YOUR DEPARTMENT IF YOU HAVE A LOCATION IN WICHITA, KS. ALSO, YOUR WEB SITE IS NICE AND USER FRENDLY. THANKS, STEVE WRIGHT
NHTSA ODI #703738
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 1999
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ABS BRAKES FAILED. YH
NHTSA ODI #609909
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 1999
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ON TWO OCCASINS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM FAILURE CCAUSING GRINDING. *YC
NHTSA ODI #609375
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 1999
Steering
EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT NOT VISIBLE WHEN WHEEL IS TILTED AS (DESIGNED), THE RESULT CAR WAS DRIVEN SEVERAL MILES WITH EMERGENCY BRAKES ENGAGED. YH
NHTSA ODI #609275
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 1999
EquipmentService Brakes, HydraulicSteering
POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE FAILED. YH
NHTSA ODI #609032
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 1999
Electrical System
THE DESIGN LOCATION IN WHICH A STARTER IS DIRECTLY BELOW THE OIL FILTER IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. YH
NHTSA ODI #608924
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 1999
Electrical System
NEEDS SERVICE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATING, COMPUTER CHIP MALFUNCTION. MJS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEAT TRACKS. THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHING STUD MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS HEAT TREATMENT MAY HAVE RESULTED IN CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE STUD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE STUD IS CRACKED, IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MOUNTING BRACKET AND STUD ASSEMBLY.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.
Remedy: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.
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
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
1998 Ford Taurus Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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