IllustrationMOTOR MOUNTS RUSTED. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED; HOWEVER, THE COVERAGE PERIOD HAS BEEN EXCEEDED. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
1992 Ford Taurus
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Taurus years
Owner complaints for the 1992 Ford Taurus are substantially higher than 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: 27 of 681 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 217 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 105 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
52 crash reports21 fire reports38 injury reports
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
217 reportsENGINE HEAD GASKETS BLEW OUT, CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK BRAKE SYSTEM TOTALLY REBUILT AT 52,453, MOTOR MOUNTS AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS REPLACED AT 35,771, TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT 62,188 MILES. *YH
MY AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT (ENTIRE SYSTEM) JUST AFTER HAVING IT A YEAR, I THEN PROCEEDED TO HAVE TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED, ALONG WITH MANY MANY OTHER SMALL PARTS, SUCH AS IDLER PULLY, WATER PUMP, ETC, ALL BEFORE MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS UP. JUST AFTER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS UP AT 80,000 MILES I HAD TO REPLACE MY RAD…
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MY AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT (ENTIRE SYSTEM) JUST AFTER HAVING IT A YEAR, I THEN PROCEEDED TO HAVE TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED, ALONG WITH MANY MANY OTHER SMALL PARTS, SUCH AS IDLER PULLY, WATER PUMP, ETC, ALL BEFORE MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS UP. JUST AFTER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS UP AT 80,000 MILES I HAD TO REPLACE MY RADIATOR. MY ENGINE WAS BABIED, MY HUSBAND CHANGED THE OIL FAITHFULLY EVERY 2500 MILES, CHANGED AIR FILTERS, FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION, ANYTHING TO MAINTAIN THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE BY THIS TIME I WAS TRAVELING FAR TO WORK EVERYDAY, (35MILES 1 WAY), SO I HAVE PUT A LOT OF HIGHWAY MILES ON IT, THEN WITHOUT WARNING THE HEADGASKET BLEW, SENDING ANTIFREEZE INTO THE ENGINE. IF I HAD KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEMS THEY WERE HAVING, I WOULD HAVE HAD IT TAKEN CARE OF, SINCE I DIDN'T I MISSED A LOT OF WORK AND HAD TO BUY A NEW CAR, SINCE THE EXPENSE OF REPAIR WASNT WORTH IT. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A COMPLETE LEMON, AND I HAVE THE $6000 WORTH OF WARRANTY WORK AS PROOF, PLUS THE ENGINE BLOWING. *AK
FIRST REPAIR ON 2-99 AT 50,000 MILES AT CONSUMERS COST. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED WITHIN SUMMARY.
ENGINE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, ENGINE BLOCK MAY BE CRACKED. *AK
I WAS INFORMED BY THE FORD DEALEERSHIP THE COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT WAS THE DIRECT RESULT OF THE TWO HEAD-GASKET FAILURES. I REASEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET/YAHOO. I WAS SURPRISED TO LEARN THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR FORDS 90-96 3.8L ENGINE. FORD CURRENTLY HAS A PROGRAM FOR 94-96 3.8L ENGINES AND A SECRET WARRENTY …
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I WAS INFORMED BY THE FORD DEALEERSHIP THE COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT WAS THE DIRECT RESULT OF THE TWO HEAD-GASKET FAILURES. I REASEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET/YAHOO. I WAS SURPRISED TO LEARN THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR FORDS 90-96 3.8L ENGINE. FORD CURRENTLY HAS A PROGRAM FOR 94-96 3.8L ENGINES AND A SECRET WARRENTY FOR THE 93 3.8 L ENGINE. HOWEVER IT HAS NO PROGRAM FOR THE SAME FAILURES IN THE 1992 ENGINE. *AK
HEAD GASKETS BLOWN AND THE FRONT TIMING COVER GASKET LEAKING COOLANT. COOLANT MIXED WITH OIL REQUIRING $2429.54 DOLLARS TO REPAIR DAMAGE TO ENGINE. ACCORDING TO USA TODAY ARTICLE DATED, APRIL 27, 2000, TITLED "FORD EXTENDS WARRANTY ON SOME V-6 ENGINES" THE 3.8L ENGINES IN FORD TAURUS'S AND OTHER FORD MODELS HAVE HAD PREMATUR…
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HEAD GASKETS BLOWN AND THE FRONT TIMING COVER GASKET LEAKING COOLANT. COOLANT MIXED WITH OIL REQUIRING $2429.54 DOLLARS TO REPAIR DAMAGE TO ENGINE. ACCORDING TO USA TODAY ARTICLE DATED, APRIL 27, 2000, TITLED "FORD EXTENDS WARRANTY ON SOME V-6 ENGINES" THE 3.8L ENGINES IN FORD TAURUS'S AND OTHER FORD MODELS HAVE HAD PREMATURE HEAD GASKET FAILURES ALLOWING COOLANT TO ENTER THE ENGINE. FORD AGREED TO FIX THESE CARS WITH THE 3.8L ENGINES FROM 1995 ON BUT EARLIER TAURUS'S WITH THE SAME 3.8L ENGINE, SUCH AS MY CAR HAD PREMATURE FAILURES. THE HEAD GASKET IN MY 1992 TAURUS (3.8L) BLEW IT'S HEAD GASKET AT 87,595 MILES, WELL BEFORE THE EXPECTED 120,000 INDICATED IN THE PRESS. I EXPECT FORD MOTOR CO. TO RECALL THESE ENGINES OR REIMBURSE ME FOR THIS UNNECESSARY EXPENSE. *AK
WHILE DRIVING STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND VEHICLE LOST STOPPING POWER. ALSO, SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER STOPPING (JUST BEFORE LOSING POWER THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF). *AK.ET.
ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAILED,CAUSING LOSS OF COOLANT INTO ENGINE. CAR HAD MILEAGE OF 70, 053. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 3.8L ENGINE. FORD IS EXTENDING WARRANTY ON LATER YEAR MODELS, BUT PROBLEM EXISTED PRIOR TO 1994. I HAD THE SERVICE PERFORMED BY LOCAL GARAGE AND ASKED FORD FOR REIMBURSEMENT BUT THEY REFUSED. NUMEROUS FINDIN…
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ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAILED,CAUSING LOSS OF COOLANT INTO ENGINE. CAR HAD MILEAGE OF 70, 053. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 3.8L ENGINE. FORD IS EXTENDING WARRANTY ON LATER YEAR MODELS, BUT PROBLEM EXISTED PRIOR TO 1994. I HAD THE SERVICE PERFORMED BY LOCAL GARAGE AND ASKED FORD FOR REIMBURSEMENT BUT THEY REFUSED. NUMEROUS FINDINGS ON THE INTERNET INDICATE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS VERY FREQUENT AFTER 65,000 MILES. *AK
IN 1999 MY CAR OVERHEATED DUE TO THE HEADGASKETS. NOW, IN APRIL OF 2000 IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. FORD IS NOT STEPPING UP TO HANDLE WHAT IS OBVIOUSLY A WIDE SPREAD DEFECT IN SEVERAL OF THEIR CARS. *AK
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.
97V025000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Feb 26, 1997
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.
97V019000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan
Feb 25, 1997
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.
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.
91V145000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut
Sep 4, 1991
MANUFACTURING ERRORS BY THE SUPPLIER OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH MECHANISM MAY CAUSE THE SECONDARY PORTION OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH NOT TO FUNCTION. IF THE LATCH IS NOT IN THE PRIMARY LATCH POSITION, THE LIFTGATE COULD OPEN WITHOUT OPERATOR ACTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE WERE TO OPEN DURING VEHCILE OPERATION,PASSENGERS OR CARGO COULD FALL FROM THE OPEN LIFTGATE.
Remedy: REPLACE MALFUNCTIONING LIFTGATE LATCHES.
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
14RQ98016 · Front Suspension Spring Breakage
Opened Sep 29, 1998 · Closed Jan 12, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
FRONT SUSPENSION SPRINGS AY BREAK DUE TO MANUFACTURING CRACHS IN COMBINATION WITH CORROSION.
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.
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.
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
PE95026 · Plastic Trim Panel Separation
Opened May 1, 1995 · Closed Aug 31, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
There is no summary currently available
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
EA93022 · Idle Air Spd Ctrl Vlv Malf
Opened Jul 30, 1993 · Closed Aug 31, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
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
PE93010 · Idle Air Spd Ctrl Vlv Malf
Opened Mar 2, 1993 · Closed Jul 30, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
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