← New search

1990 Ford Taurus

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1990 Ford Taurus do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 318.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 11 of 381 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.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 78 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. 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.

29 crash reports23 fire reports18 injury reports

Structure complaints

68 reports
Clear category filter
70,000 miles · Dec 14, 2009
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeat Belts

HOW DO I GET FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO HONOR GENUINE NHTSA RECALLS ON A 1990 FORD TAURUS WAGON??? IT CURRENTLY HAS COMPLAINT # NHTSA 90E043001; NHTSA 98V323000; NHTSA 93V106002; NHTSA 91V34000. I CANNOT GET DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE AIR BAG MODULE DEFECT, SEAT BELT DEFECT OR CPU REPLACEMENT DEFECT. WHAT DO I DO TO GET SOME ACTION ON THE…

Read full complaint

HOW DO I GET FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO HONOR GENUINE NHTSA RECALLS ON A 1990 FORD TAURUS WAGON??? IT CURRENTLY HAS COMPLAINT # NHTSA 90E043001; NHTSA 98V323000; NHTSA 93V106002; NHTSA 91V34000. I CANNOT GET DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE AIR BAG MODULE DEFECT, SEAT BELT DEFECT OR CPU REPLACEMENT DEFECT. WHAT DO I DO TO GET SOME ACTION ON THESE ISSUES???? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10295663

Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2009
Structure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN GREATER EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER PULLED INTO A PARKI…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN GREATER EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TOWED THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENTS. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10277975

Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2005
Structure

WHOLE BACK END OF CAR FAILED AND HAD TO HAVE IT ALL REPLACED. THE BOLTS BROKE CAUSING THE REST OF THE BACK END TO TOTALLY FAIL AND BRAKE. HAD TO HAVE IT ALL REPLACED INCLUDING THE BOLTS, REAR SUSPENSION LINKAGE, BOTH SHOCKS, AND REAR AXLE. WE PAID OUT OF OUR OWN POCKET FOR THIS TO TUNE OF 800. AND NOW TO DO ALL OF THIS THE C…

Read full complaint

WHOLE BACK END OF CAR FAILED AND HAD TO HAVE IT ALL REPLACED. THE BOLTS BROKE CAUSING THE REST OF THE BACK END TO TOTALLY FAIL AND BRAKE. HAD TO HAVE IT ALL REPLACED INCLUDING THE BOLTS, REAR SUSPENSION LINKAGE, BOTH SHOCKS, AND REAR AXLE. WE PAID OUT OF OUR OWN POCKET FOR THIS TO TUNE OF 800. AND NOW TO DO ALL OF THIS THE CAR IS NOW ACTING LIKE IT IS EITHER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM OR THE REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS GOING OUT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10105704

119,000 miles · Jun 1, 2004
SteeringStructure

WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH SUB FRAME BOLTS SNAPPED. AS A RESULT, STEERING FAILED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10075494

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2002
Structure

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR A ROUTINE CHECK. MECHANIC STATES THAT THE SUBFRAME IS CORRODED FOR ENGINE, AND THEY ANYTIME ENGINE COULD FALL OUT. RESULTING IN A CRASH. MR

NHTSA ODI #8022596

Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2002
Structure

CONSUMER WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SUBFRAME AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 98 V 323 000. BUTTHIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #8014056

Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2002
Structure

I HAD TO HAVE THE SUBFRAME MOUNTS REPAIRD SEVERAL TIMES UNDER THE RECALL IN THE FIRST 18 MONTHS I OWNED THIS CAR.THE BOLTS HOLDING THE SUBFRAME EVEN BROKE AT ONE POINT AND I COULD NOT STEER MY CAR.I RECENTLY TOOK THIS CAR IN FOR A FRONT END ALLIGNMENT AND MY MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME ITSELF HAD FRACTURED.I CONTACTED THE…

Read full complaint

I HAD TO HAVE THE SUBFRAME MOUNTS REPAIRD SEVERAL TIMES UNDER THE RECALL IN THE FIRST 18 MONTHS I OWNED THIS CAR.THE BOLTS HOLDING THE SUBFRAME EVEN BROKE AT ONE POINT AND I COULD NOT STEER MY CAR.I RECENTLY TOOK THIS CAR IN FOR A FRONT END ALLIGNMENT AND MY MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME ITSELF HAD FRACTURED.I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO DID THE RECALL WORK ON THE SUBFRAME AND FORD.THEY BOTH TOLD ME THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE SUBFRAME ITSELF BREAKING AND THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL.WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS IF ANYONE ELSE HAS REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM AND IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED OR AM I JUST GOING TO HAVE TO JUNK THIS CAR AS IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #758948

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2001
Structure

WAS MAKING A TURN WHEN SUBFRAME BOLTS CAME OUT DUE TO BEING RUSTY. THIS CAUSED FRAME TO FALL DOWN, AND LOST CONTROL. CONTACTED FORD MANUFACTURER. WAS GIVEN NO INDICATION OF CAUSE OF PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #878496

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2000
Structure

WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN I ASKED THE SERVICE REP. IF THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. HE SAID THAT HE HAD SEEN IT BEFORE AND THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL BUT THAT IT WAS FOR THE 93. I LOOKED UP THE RECALL AND SAW THAT IT WAS FOR 88-92 MODELS SOLD OR REGISTERED IN 14 STATES (BUT NOT VA). I CALLED FORD'S 800 NUMBER AND THEY TOLD ME T…

Read full complaint

WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN I ASKED THE SERVICE REP. IF THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. HE SAID THAT HE HAD SEEN IT BEFORE AND THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL BUT THAT IT WAS FOR THE 93. I LOOKED UP THE RECALL AND SAW THAT IT WAS FOR 88-92 MODELS SOLD OR REGISTERED IN 14 STATES (BUT NOT VA). I CALLED FORD'S 800 NUMBER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED, BUT THAT A MANAGER WOULD CALL ME IN 24 HOURS (NO CALL TO DATE). I TALKED TO THE A DIFFERENT SERVICE REP (J. MORRISON) WHO TOLD ME MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL AND THAT THERE WAS NO ONE TO TALK TO, NO REGIONAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE. WHEN I PICKED MY CAR UP, I TALKED TO A THIRD SERVICE REP. WHO TOLD ME THERE IS A REGIONAL REP, BUT THAT HE DIDN'T KNOW THE NAME AND SUGGESTED I CALL FORD. NO ONE WILL TELL ME THE BASIS FOR WHY MY CAR WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL EVENTHOUGH IT EXHIBITED THE SAME EXACT DEFECT AND WAS REPAIRED IN THE SAME EXACT MANNER IF IT HAD BEEN RECALLED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #722172

Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2000
Structure

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #719873

Official recalls

6

98V323000 · 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.

92V113000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

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.

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.

90V159000 · Wheels:hubcap/cover

Aug 28, 1990

WHEELS MAY CONTAIN CRACKS THAT COULD PROPOGATE IN RAISED PORTION OF WHEEL CENTER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: UNDER SEVERE DUTY, THIS COULD RESULT IN EVENTUALSEPARATION OF WHEEL RIM FROM CENTER WITH LOSS OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLY ACOLLISION.

Remedy: REPLACE WHEELS WITH WHEELS OF A REVISED DESIGN.

89V171000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

Oct 13, 1989

AN INCORRECT TRANSISTOR MAY CAUSE AUTOLAMP SYSTEM LIGHT SENSOR MODULE MALFUNCTION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: HEADLAMPS COULD TURN OFF WHILE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN ORREMAIN ON AFTER VEHICLE IS PARKED. LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHTCOULD BE HAZARDOUS TO THE DRIVER AND OTHER TRAFIFIC.

Remedy: REPLACE LIGHT SENSOR MODULES.

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

15

DP96014 · Defective Air Bag Crash Sensor

Opened Nov 14, 1996 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

CFAS SENT A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON DECEMBER 12, 1996, TO CHANGE THE INTENT OF THE PETITION TO AIRBAG AGGRESSIVITY AND DEPLOYMENT VARIABILITY.NHTSA RECEIVED THE LETTER ON 12/12/96; ACCORDINGLY, THE PETITION DUE DAY WAS CHANGED TO APRIL 12, 1997.CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE 1991-92 CHEVROLET CORSICA/BERETTA, 1990-92 FORD TAURUS, AND 1994-96 CHRYSLER MINIVANS ARE DEFECTIVE.CFAS ALLEGE THAT INFORMATION ON LOW SPEED CRASHES HERE OCCUPANTS HAVE SUFFERED FATAL INJURIES SUGGESTS [THAT THE ABOVE VEHICLES] HAVE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS.

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

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

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

===

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

===

PE90113 · Safety Belt Buckle Locking

Opened Aug 20, 1990 · Closed Dec 18, 1990

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

There is no summary currently available

PE90104 · Wheel Separation

Opened Aug 2, 1990 · Closed Aug 30, 1990

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Wheels:hubcap/cover

There is no summary currently available