IllustrationI WAS DRIVING LOOKING FOR A PARKING SPACE WHEN CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED. *AK
1988 Ford Taurus
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1988 Ford Taurus do not stand out strongly from 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: 7 of 333 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.
- Electrical System. Review the 94 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
13 crash reports51 fire reports6 injury reports
What owners actually said
333 reportsFOR THE LAST YEAR MY CAR HAS BEEN DYING FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHEN I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE FORD DEALER AND SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TO HAVE SEVERAL THINGS REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS TO THE POINT THAT I CAN'T ALLOW MY WIFE TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT'S UNSAFE, IT CAN DIE AT ANY TIME. A FRIEND TOLD ME THAT IN TH…
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FOR THE LAST YEAR MY CAR HAS BEEN DYING FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHEN I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE FORD DEALER AND SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TO HAVE SEVERAL THINGS REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS TO THE POINT THAT I CAN'T ALLOW MY WIFE TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT'S UNSAFE, IT CAN DIE AT ANY TIME. A FRIEND TOLD ME THAT IN THE RECENT NEWS FORD IS FIGHTING A LAWSUIT OVER TAURUS' THAT ARE DYING THE SAME WAY MINE IS. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BUT WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE MY PROBLEM IN THE CATEGORY OF "UNSAFE" PROBLEMS.
THE ENGINE CRADLE SUPPORT BUSHINGS HAVE CORRODED, NOW THE A PIECE OF THE STEEL FRAME IS HANGING DOWN, MY EXHAUST MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED AS WELL AS THE RACK & PINION. I LOST ALL STEERING WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURED. ONE WHEEL IS TURNED INWARD AND THE OTHER IS STRAIGHT, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS/DEADLY ACCIDENT. THE CAR IS UNDR…
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THE ENGINE CRADLE SUPPORT BUSHINGS HAVE CORRODED, NOW THE A PIECE OF THE STEEL FRAME IS HANGING DOWN, MY EXHAUST MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED AS WELL AS THE RACK & PINION. I LOST ALL STEERING WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURED. ONE WHEEL IS TURNED INWARD AND THE OTHER IS STRAIGHT, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS/DEADLY ACCIDENT. THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE AT THIS TIME.I HAVE CONTACTED 3 DEALERS AS WELL AS CUSTOMER SERVICE 800 FOR FORD AND NHTSA AND AM NOT GETTING THIS RESOLVED, I'M BEING TOLD I HAVE NO OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE.I DON'T SEE HOW THIS IS POSSIBLE. I'VE TRIED TO GET IN TOUCH W/CEO OF FORD, HE HASN'T RETURNED CALL. I HAVE NO CAR AT THIS TIME, THIS NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.IF I CANNOT BE REACHED YOU MAY CALL PAUL MARZEC AT 540- 659-6180 AFTER 6PM.
2:30 IN THE AFTERNOON ON SEPT 20TH..I HAD BEEN DRIVING MY TAURUS AROUND TOWN,BURIEN WA. I WAS GOING ABOUT 35 TO 40 MPH. AND I WAS 4 BLOCKS FROM HOME WHEN MY CAR WENT DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. NO WARNING SIGNS..NOTHING..JUST CAME TO A DEAD HALT..I LOOKED DOWN AT THE GAGES AND I NOTOCED MY CAR SAID OVERHEAT..IT WAS IN TH…
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2:30 IN THE AFTERNOON ON SEPT 20TH..I HAD BEEN DRIVING MY TAURUS AROUND TOWN,BURIEN WA. I WAS GOING ABOUT 35 TO 40 MPH. AND I WAS 4 BLOCKS FROM HOME WHEN MY CAR WENT DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. NO WARNING SIGNS..NOTHING..JUST CAME TO A DEAD HALT..I LOOKED DOWN AT THE GAGES AND I NOTOCED MY CAR SAID OVERHEAT..IT WAS IN THE RED...THAT CAR NEVER HAD AN OVERHEATING PROBLEM..ALL PROPER LIQUIDS WERE IN THE CAR..SO I COULDNT START THE CAR AND I'M STUCK ON A BRIDGE IN A 2 LANE TRAFFIC AREA AND THE START OF RUSH HOUR. I CANNOT START THE CAR. I HAD TO BE TOWED 4 BLOCKS TO MY HOME EVER SINCE THAT DAY MY CAR IS UNABLE TO START. I SAW IN THE NEWSPAPER ABOUT THE RECALL OF THE FORDS BECAUSE OF A DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW THAT CAN CAUSE A VEHICLE TO STALL...MY FATHER PURCHASED THIS CAR IN 1988 IN CALIFORNIA AND I BOUGHT IT FROM HIM 4YRS AGO..SINCE HAD NEW TRANNY IN..NEW RACK PINION AND SAT FOR 2 YRS AND STARTED DRIVING AGAIN IN 99 NO PROBLEMS SINCE UNTIL THIS STALL ON THE BRIDGE . PLEASE RESPOND IF THIS FITS THE CRITERIA OF THE RECALL
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ENGINE WOULD ACT AS IF RUNNING OUT OF GAS - ENGINE WOULD QUIT, AND THEN COME BACK ON WITHOUT WARNING. ENGINE DID NOT NEED TO BE RESTARTED, BUT WOULD CUT OUT AS DESCRIBED AND THIS CONDITION WOULD CLEAR ON ITS OWN. EVENTUALLY, THE ENGINE WOULD "SKIP" AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT WARNING AND DID STA…
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INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ENGINE WOULD ACT AS IF RUNNING OUT OF GAS - ENGINE WOULD QUIT, AND THEN COME BACK ON WITHOUT WARNING. ENGINE DID NOT NEED TO BE RESTARTED, BUT WOULD CUT OUT AS DESCRIBED AND THIS CONDITION WOULD CLEAR ON ITS OWN. EVENTUALLY, THE ENGINE WOULD "SKIP" AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT WARNING AND DID STALL. WOULDN'T RESTART RIGHT AWAY, THEN WOULD RESTART AND STALL SEVERAL TIMES, THEN WOULD FINALLY START AND RUN WITHOUT INCEDENT. DEALER DIAGNOSIS WAS TO REPLACE DISTRIBUTOR STATOR AND ELECTRONIC IGNITION MODULE EVEN THOUGH THEY RECOMMENDED NOT REPLACING THESE ITEMS, STATING THAT THEY WERE NOT SURE THAT THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS NOT HAD AN INCEDENT SINCE THE DEALER REPAIR.
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE ENGINE WOULD ACT AS IF IT WERE RUNNING OUT OF GAS, ENGINE WOULD QUIT. AND THEN CAME BACK WITHOUT WARNING. ENGINE DID NOT NEED TO BE RESTARTED RIGHT AWAY BUT WOULD CUT OUT AS DESCRIBED AND THIS CONDITION WOULD CLEAR ON IT'S OWN. EVENTUALLY THE ENGINE WOULD SKIP AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT W…
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INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE ENGINE WOULD ACT AS IF IT WERE RUNNING OUT OF GAS, ENGINE WOULD QUIT. AND THEN CAME BACK WITHOUT WARNING. ENGINE DID NOT NEED TO BE RESTARTED RIGHT AWAY BUT WOULD CUT OUT AS DESCRIBED AND THIS CONDITION WOULD CLEAR ON IT'S OWN. EVENTUALLY THE ENGINE WOULD SKIP AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT WARNING AND DID STALL. WOULDN'T START AND RUN WITHOUT INCIDENT. DEALER DIAGNOSIS WAS TO REPLACE THE DISTRIBUTOR AND ELECTRONIC IGNITION MODULE EVEN THOUGH THEY RECOMMENDED NOT REPLACING STATING THAT THEY WERE NOT SURE THAT THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS NOT HAD AND INCIDENT SINCE THE DEALERS REPAIR. *AK *NLM *SCC **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*734229
WHILE AT AN INTERSECTION, AND GIVING CAR GAS IT WILL SEVERELY HESITATE, THEN POP AND BACKFIRE, THEN IT WILL GO. TOOK TO FORD FOR A TUNE UP, AND PROBLEM GOT WORSE. TFI MODULE WAS NOT REPLACED.*AK
CAR HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATED. REPLACED ONCE IN EARLY 1990'S. PROBLEM REAPPEARED ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO. REPAIR SHOP CANNOT FIX THE PROBLEM. RECALL IN CALIFORNIA SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO ENTIRE COUNTRY.
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN WITHOUT WARNING DUE TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN IGINTION MODULE. *AK *SLC
MECHANIC STATED THAT BAD MOTORS MOUNTS OR BAD CYLINDER IN THE TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SHUDDER THEN LUNGE FORWARD WHEN DECELERATING THEN ACCELERATING SUCH AS IN A TURN. *ET
Official recalls
598V323000 · 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.
93V106000 · Structure:frame And Members
Jun 23, 1993
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS AND SABLES BUILT FROM 10-14-85 THROUGH 8-19-88, AND LINCOLN CONTINENTALS BUILT FROM 11-4-87 THROUGH 9-30-88 (EXCEPT 1989 - 1991 2.5L TAURUS AND 1989 - 1992 SHO). THE AFFECTED CARS WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, AND WISCONSIN. THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, MAY BECOME DETACHED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT RETAINING PLATE. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF ONE OF THE REAR CORNERS DROPS, ONLY MINOR INDICATIONS OF A MALFUNCTION SUCH AS A CLUNKING NOISE OR SLIGHT CHANGE IN STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT ARE NOTICEABLE. HOWEVER, IF BOTH REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME DROP, STEERING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL A CORROSION-RESISTANT REINFORCING PLATE AND A NEW BOLT ON BOTH REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS. THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY RECALL 98V-323.
92V065000 · Wheels
May 11, 1992
CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.
91V134000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor
Aug 6, 1991
FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.
91V036000 · Seats
Mar 4, 1991
THE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING IS ROUTED OVER RATHER THAN UNDER THE FRONT SEAT SUPPORT BRACE, ALLOWING DAMAGE BY SEAT CUSHION SPRING ENDS WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING INSULATION MAY BECOME ABRADED,OR PUNCTURED, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR THAT COULD RESULT IN A FIREIN THE SEAT CUSHION MATERIAL.
Remedy: REVISE ROUTING OF POWER SEAT WIRING TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM SEAT CUSHION SPRING CONTACT.
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
23RQ97009 · Rear Lower Subframe Assembly
Opened Aug 29, 1997 · Closed Feb 16, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:frame And Members
TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CARS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL 93V-106 SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE PHENOMENON, AND TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS REMEDY FAILURE ISSUE
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure:frame And Members
TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CARS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL 93V-106 SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE PHENOMENON, AND TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS REMEDY FAILURE ISSUE
Structure:frame And Members
TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CARS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL 93V-106 SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE PHENOMENON, AND TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS REMEDY FAILURE ISSUE
DP95004 · Alleged Defective Tie Rods
Opened Aug 8, 1995 · Closed Aug 30, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS
EA94008 · Broken Tie Rods
Opened Feb 16, 1994 · Closed Feb 27, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE93100 · Polycast Road Wheel Cracks
Opened Dec 2, 1993 · Closed Jun 30, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
PE93099 · Steering LCK-UP/IMPEDIMENT
Opened Nov 30, 1993 · Closed Mar 28, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE93065 · Underbody Fuel Line Fails
Opened Jul 15, 1993 · Closed Nov 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE93058 · Broken Tie Rods
Opened Jun 15, 1993 · Closed Feb 16, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
EA92040 · SUB-FRM/UNIBODY Absor.fail
Opened Nov 30, 1992 · Closed Jun 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure
There is no summary currently available
Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE92056 · SUB-FRM/UNIBODY Absor.fail
Opened Jul 1, 1992 · Closed Nov 30, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE92044 · Power Steering Leaks/fires
Opened Apr 27, 1992 · Closed Aug 31, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE92014 · Engine Mount Failure
Opened Feb 4, 1992 · Closed Jun 25, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
EA91042 · Storage Compar Suffocation
Opened Oct 28, 1991 · Closed May 21, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
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PE91128 · Fires In Ignition Switch
Opened Sep 17, 1991 · Closed Jan 27, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE91108 · Storage Compar Suffocation
Opened Aug 1, 1991 · Closed Oct 28, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE91036 · Door Handles Breakage
Opened Jan 22, 1991 · Closed May 22, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
EA90045 · Brake Disc Hub Separations
Opened Sep 28, 1990 · Closed Sep 12, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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EA90042 · Throttle Sticking
Opened Aug 31, 1990 · Closed Dec 31, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE90071 · Brake Disc Hub Failure
Opened Apr 2, 1990 · Closed Jun 28, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
PE90066 · Throttle Sticking
Opened Mar 27, 1990 · Closed Aug 31, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE90019 · Speed Control Failure
Opened Nov 27, 1989 · Closed Mar 27, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control
There is no summary currently available
EA90005 · Power Seat Malfunc/fire
Opened Oct 31, 1989 · Closed Mar 12, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats
There is no summary currently available
PE89125 · Pwr Seat Malfunc - Fire
Opened Jun 1, 1989 · Closed Oct 31, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
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PE89006 · Head Rest Drops
Opened Oct 19, 1988 · Closed Jun 26, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint
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