NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
23 reportsClear category filter96,000 miles · Apr 22, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, HE NOTICED THAT WHEN HE TRIED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, HE WAS UNABLE TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL USING THE BRAKE PEDAL. HE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN USING THE BRAKES BUT HAD TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL BY PUSHING…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, HE NOTICED THAT WHEN HE TRIED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, HE WAS UNABLE TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL USING THE BRAKE PEDAL. HE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN USING THE BRAKES BUT HAD TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL BY PUSHING THE OFF BUTTON ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 96,000.
NHTSA ODI #10326978
10,000 miles · Mar 3, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1989 FORD TAURUS GLS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TRIED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UP TO 85 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF AS THE SPEED INCREASED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DEPRESS THE B…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1989 FORD TAURUS GLS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TRIED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UP TO 85 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF AS THE SPEED INCREASED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND THEY NEVER WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE DUPLICATE FAILURE 2 YEARS LATER. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT REPORTED THE CRASH TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE ANOTHER INCIDENT BEFORE HER STATE CONSIDERED THE VEHICLE FAILURES UNDER THE LEMON LAW. THE CONTACT GAVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
NHTSA ODI #10316194
150,000 miles · Jan 19, 2010
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE DRIVER ACCIDENTLY STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND UNEXPECTEDLY, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO THE PROCEEDING VEH…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE DRIVER ACCIDENTLY STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND UNEXPECTEDLY, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO BOTH THE BRAKE AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS BEING POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10300317
Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicTires
WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR REPAIRED REPEATEDLY FOR A LURCHING/JERKING PROBLEM. MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED, NEW CLUTCH, NEW TRANSMISSION, NEW BRAKES, NEW TIRES, IT IS STILL DOING THIS. IF THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF, SOMETIMES YOU CAN GET THE CAR TO TEMPORARILY STOP THE JERKING. WE ARE AGAIN, TAKING IT IN FOR REPAIRS. HAVE YOU ANY KNOWLEDGE …
Read full complaint
WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR REPAIRED REPEATEDLY FOR A LURCHING/JERKING PROBLEM. MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED, NEW CLUTCH, NEW TRANSMISSION, NEW BRAKES, NEW TIRES, IT IS STILL DOING THIS. IF THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF, SOMETIMES YOU CAN GET THE CAR TO TEMPORARILY STOP THE JERKING. WE ARE AGAIN, TAKING IT IN FOR REPAIRS. HAVE YOU ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM? IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AT THIS POINT. THANK YOU.
NHTSA ODI #725974
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
WHILE PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL, IT WOULD SLIP. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING THOUGH A MAIN INTERSECTION THE CAR JUST QUITS. TOOK TO DEALER AND DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *AK
NHTSA ODI #850845
Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringStructure
THE TAURUS IS THE WORST ENGINEERED CAR I HAVE EVER SEEN. - WFS
NHTSA ODI #710070
Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 1999
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
WHILE DRIVING ON A SLIGHT UPWARD INCLINE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE, VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RUN INTO A GARAGE DOOR. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #841900
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 1999
Vehicle Speed Control
WHEN VEHICLE IS AT A STOP SIGN/LIGHT, ENGINE WOULD START TO RACE, AS IF IT WAS GOING TO TAKE OFF. WOULD HAVE KEEP FOOT ON BRAKES, AND TURN VEHICLE OFF. RESTARTED VEHICLE & PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR AGAIN. TOOK TO DEALER & PROBLEM WAS NOT LOCATED. HAS HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE. HAD TO DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL JUST IN CASE IT WAS PAR…
Read full complaint
WHEN VEHICLE IS AT A STOP SIGN/LIGHT, ENGINE WOULD START TO RACE, AS IF IT WAS GOING TO TAKE OFF. WOULD HAVE KEEP FOOT ON BRAKES, AND TURN VEHICLE OFF. RESTARTED VEHICLE & PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR AGAIN. TOOK TO DEALER & PROBLEM WAS NOT LOCATED. HAS HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE. HAD TO DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL JUST IN CASE IT WAS PART OF PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #841632
Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 1999
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
DRIVING DOWN STREET TOWARDS RED LIGHT. ATTEMPTED TO APPLY BRAKES AT NORMAL BRAKING DISTANCE, BRAKES SEEMED TO HAVE NO AFFECT, CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. APPLIED BRAKES TWO MORE TIMES. CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. IMPACT OCCURRED IN INTERSECTION. FINAL VELOCITY APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. *AK
NHTSA ODI #707842
Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 1999
Vehicle Speed Control
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED VEHICLE ACCELERATING AT INTERSECTION WHILE WATING FOR LIGHT TO CHANGE. ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE COMMENCED TO ACCELERATE, FORCING VEHICLE INTO THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. POLICE WITNESSED INCIDENT WHEN IT OCCURRED. DEALER NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY WILL DO UNLESS OWNER PAYS FOR THE REP…
Read full complaint
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED VEHICLE ACCELERATING AT INTERSECTION WHILE WATING FOR LIGHT TO CHANGE. ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE COMMENCED TO ACCELERATE, FORCING VEHICLE INTO THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. POLICE WITNESSED INCIDENT WHEN IT OCCURRED. DEALER NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY WILL DO UNLESS OWNER PAYS FOR THE REPAIRS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #835410
Official recalls
5Dec 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.
Aug 17, 1992
THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES ARE DEFECTIVE IN THREE WAYS. FIRST, A FASTENED SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. THIS RESULTS FROM INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE BUCKLE EJECTOR FINGER AND THE BUCKLE TONGUE WINDOW. THE SECOND DEFECT IS THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT LATCH. THE THIRD POSSIBLE DEFECT IS THAT THE TONGUE MAY BE RETAINED BY THE BUCKLE, BUT IT MAY NOT BE LATCHED SUFFICIENTLY TO PROVIDE OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AN INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED OR UNLATCHED SAFETY BELTINCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT. IF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH, IT WILL NOT ALLOW THEOCCUPANT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
Remedy: FORD WILL REPLACE THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH END RELEASE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES DESIGNED TO PREVENT LATCH PROBLEMS.
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.
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.
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
17DP95004 · 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
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
===
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
EA91011 · Seat Belt Buckle Failure
Opened Dec 18, 1990 · Closed Aug 13, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
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
===
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
===
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
===
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
Illustration