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: 67 of 923 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 289 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 269 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 81 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
51 crash reports23 fire reports30 injury reports
What owners actually said
923 reports
190,000 miles · Nov 29, 2010
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWER THAN USUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE FRAME THAT CAUSED THE REAR SUSPENSION TO LOWER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO MADE A CLUNKING SOUND. THE DEALER STATED T…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWER THAN USUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE FRAME THAT CAUSED THE REAR SUSPENSION TO LOWER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO MADE A CLUNKING SOUND. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STRUTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.
NHTSA ODI #10368232
75,000 miles · Nov 23, 2010
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH HE HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND SHUT OFF. UPON EXAMINATION HE NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHIC…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH HE HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND SHUT OFF. UPON EXAMINATION HE NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75,000.
NHTSA ODI #10367237
Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineStructureCrash
THE FUEL PUMP, AND TRANSMISSION FOR THE 1994 FORD TAURUS GL 3.0 V6. BUCKS AND KICKS ALOT. EVEN AFTER FIXED. EVEN IF YOU AREN'T STEPPING ON THE GAS IT GETS A DELAYED REACTION SOMETIMES AND STILL KICKS OR BUCKS A LITTLE BUT WHILE COASTING. A RESULT COULD BE DAMAGING PROPERTY, AND POSSIBLE CRASHES THAT CANNOT BE AVOID IF A SUDDEN S…
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THE FUEL PUMP, AND TRANSMISSION FOR THE 1994 FORD TAURUS GL 3.0 V6. BUCKS AND KICKS ALOT. EVEN AFTER FIXED. EVEN IF YOU AREN'T STEPPING ON THE GAS IT GETS A DELAYED REACTION SOMETIMES AND STILL KICKS OR BUCKS A LITTLE BUT WHILE COASTING. A RESULT COULD BE DAMAGING PROPERTY, AND POSSIBLE CRASHES THAT CANNOT BE AVOID IF A SUDDEN STOP WAS NEEDED AND THE CAR DOES BUCK AND KICK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10354595
140,000 miles · Apr 12, 2010
Power TrainStructure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND THE CONTACT OBSERVED WHILE THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED WATER LEAKED ONTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A TRANMISSION DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #10325096
Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2010
Service Brakes, ElectricVehicle Speed Control
IT'S NOT GEARED TO ANY MANUFACTURE BECAUSE ALL THE VEHICLES I HAVE DRIVEN WORK THE SAME WAY. THIS PERTAINING TO CRUISE CONTROL. THEIR IS ONLY TWO WAYS TO SHUT IT OFF. THE ONE WAY YOU SHUT IT OFF IS TO HIT THE BRAKES LIKE IF YOU HAVE STOP FAST TO AVOID A ACCIDENT. BUT THE PROBLEM IS IF THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSE IS BLOWN IT WILL NOT S…
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IT'S NOT GEARED TO ANY MANUFACTURE BECAUSE ALL THE VEHICLES I HAVE DRIVEN WORK THE SAME WAY. THIS PERTAINING TO CRUISE CONTROL. THEIR IS ONLY TWO WAYS TO SHUT IT OFF. THE ONE WAY YOU SHUT IT OFF IS TO HIT THE BRAKES LIKE IF YOU HAVE STOP FAST TO AVOID A ACCIDENT. BUT THE PROBLEM IS IF THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSE IS BLOWN IT WILL NOT SHUT OFF THE CRUISE AND YOU ARE FIGHTING THE BRAKE WITH THE ENGINE REVVING AT A HIGHER RATE LIKE HIGHWAY SPEED. THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN BRING IT OFF CRUISE IS MANUALLY SHUT IT OFF THROUGH THE ON AND OFF SWITCH. NOW AT AVOIDING A ACCIDENT THE FIRST THING YOU DO HIT THE BRAKE I DON'T I THINK MOST PEOPLE WOULD SHUT IT OFF MANUALLY AT THE TIME OF A ACCIDENT WHEN THEIR UNDER PRESSURE OF A ACCIDENT AND HAVE TIME TO THE BURN OUT FUSE CAN HAPPEN FROM A SHORT THAT HAPPENS WITHIN THE VEHICLE ELECTRIC OR A SHORT IN A THE TOWING OBJECT. THIS HAPPENED YEARS AGO WITH ME BUT WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH THROTTLE THAT HAS HAPPEN RECENT MADE ME THINK ABOUT WHAT HAPPEN TO ME. AND AGAIN THIS IS NOT GEARED TO ANY CERTAIN MANUFACTURE I HAVE HAD FORD TO GM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315010
65,000 miles · Jun 1, 2009
Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. SINCE APPROXIMATELY THE MIDDLE OF 2003, THE COIL SPRING HAS FAILED. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION EVER SINCE THAT TIME. HE LOCATED RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. SINCE APPROXIMATELY THE MIDDLE OF 2003, THE COIL SPRING HAS FAILED. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION EVER SINCE THAT TIME. HE LOCATED RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 6/15/09 *CN THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE STRUT COIL. UPDATED 06/16/09.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10272582
60 miles · Jun 1, 2009
Suspension
BROKEN DRIVERS COIL SPRING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10272578
205,000 miles · Mar 20, 2009
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR BECAUSE THE HARNESS BURNED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY $100 TO REPAIR THE HARNESS. THE MANUFACTURER ST…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR BECAUSE THE HARNESS BURNED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY $100 TO REPAIR THE HARNESS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE HARNESS WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 205,000.
NHTSA ODI #10262531
123,000 miles · Jan 13, 2009
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) IN LATE DECEMBER OF 2008. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THE VEHICLE TO BE DESTROYED AND WOULD NOT INVESTIGATE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) IN LATE DECEMBER OF 2008. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THE VEHICLE TO BE DESTROYED AND WOULD NOT INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE COMPLETE COVERAGE. THE FIRE AND POLICE REPORT NUMBERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 123,000.
NHTSA ODI #10254880
109,000 miles · Jul 22, 2008
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH STATE INSPECTION AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR ENGINE MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS); HOWEVER, THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE RECALL IN THEIR SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH STATE INSPECTION AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR ENGINE MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS); HOWEVER, THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE RECALL IN THEIR SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. UPDATED 10/07/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/10/08. *JB
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHTS CAN FLASH INTERMITTENTLY AS A RESULT OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING. THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS CAN GO OUT FOR BRIEF INTERVALS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION CAN AFFECT A DRIVER'S ABILITY TO NAVIGATE THE ROADWAY AND REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH THAT INCORPORATES A CRICUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR AND WIRING, IF NEEDED.
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.
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.
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
4
RQ99017 · Front Suspension Spring
Opened Aug 9, 1999 · Closed Feb 16, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
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.
1994 Ford Taurus Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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