IllustrationCERTAIN LIGHTS AND FUSES WOULD GO OUT ON VEHICLE, BECAUSE OF TAILGATE DOOR OPENING/CLOSING, AND WIRES MAKING CONTACT WITH METAL, AND WHEN THEY ARE ALL FUSED TOGETHER IT CAN CAUSE A FIRE.*AK WIRING HARNESS WAS NOT INSULATED AND MAKES CONTACT WITH METAL AND BURNS. *YH
1994 Ford Taurus
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Taurus years
Owner complaints for the 1994 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: 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 reportsDEALER ADMITS THAT THERE HAS BEEN MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH HEAD GASKETS ON THIS MODEL. THEY SENT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY UP TO 100,000 MILES. THE CAR HIT 102,900 MILES AND THE HEAD GASKET BLEW. FORD REFUSES TO FIX A DEFECT THAT THEY KNEW EXISTED IN THIS CAR. PLEASE RESPOND BACK TO ME. *AK
VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ENGINE COOLING PROBLEMS, WATER PUMP REPLACED DUE TO A COOLANT LEAK, VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING, COOLANT CONTAINED 180/220 PPM OF CARBON MONOXIDE, HEAD GASKET PROBLEM, THERMOSTAT LEAK, CRACKED SERPENTINE BELT, OIL SENSOR LEAK, RADIATOR LEAK, FRONT COVER GASKET WAS LEAKING COOLANT, CONSUMER FEELS THESE…
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VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ENGINE COOLING PROBLEMS, WATER PUMP REPLACED DUE TO A COOLANT LEAK, VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING, COOLANT CONTAINED 180/220 PPM OF CARBON MONOXIDE, HEAD GASKET PROBLEM, THERMOSTAT LEAK, CRACKED SERPENTINE BELT, OIL SENSOR LEAK, RADIATOR LEAK, FRONT COVER GASKET WAS LEAKING COOLANT, CONSUMER FEELS THESE PROBLEMS ARE CAUSED BY THE FAILURE OF THE HEAD GASKET AND FEELS THAT ALL PROBLEMS SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *SLC
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 70 MPH VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE SPEED. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, HAD TO TURN OFF VEHICLE TO GET BACK TO REGULAR SPEED. THIS COULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME, AND HAPPENS WORSE IN SUMMER . CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER COULD NOT FIND WHAT WAS WRONG WITH VEHICLE. *AK
WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, DRIVER HEARD A SNAPPING NOISE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WENT FLAT, THE COIL SPRING BROKE, WHICH PUNCTURED THE TIRE, RECALL (994E-036) DESCRIBES DEFECT. *CJ
TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHILE SLOWING DOWN,TURNING, AND THEN ACCELERATING. *AK
VEHICLE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEMS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS BEFORE IT WAS FINALLY DIAGNOSED WITH A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. THE FIRST FORD DEALER I BROUGHT IT TO REFUSED TO ADMIT A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM AND INSTEAD WANTED TO REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT GASKET. AFTER REPLACING THAT GASKET THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE O…
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VEHICLE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEMS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS BEFORE IT WAS FINALLY DIAGNOSED WITH A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. THE FIRST FORD DEALER I BROUGHT IT TO REFUSED TO ADMIT A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM AND INSTEAD WANTED TO REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT GASKET. AFTER REPLACING THAT GASKET THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING PROBLEMS AND IT WAS FINALLY BROUGHT TO ANOTHER FORD DEALER WHERE THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED.*AK
MY BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED IN THE CROSSWALK OF MY SONS' ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WHILE SCHOOL WAS LETTING OUT. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT MIDAS FOUND A PERFECTLY GOOD BRAKE HOSE WITH A HOLE RUBBED IN TO IT. HE SAID (AND I HAVE IT IN WRITING), THAT THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE BRAKE HOSE IS VERY WIMPY AND BENDS TOO EASILY THEN RUBS A HOLE …
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MY BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED IN THE CROSSWALK OF MY SONS' ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WHILE SCHOOL WAS LETTING OUT. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT MIDAS FOUND A PERFECTLY GOOD BRAKE HOSE WITH A HOLE RUBBED IN TO IT. HE SAID (AND I HAVE IT IN WRITING), THAT THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE BRAKE HOSE IS VERY WIMPY AND BENDS TOO EASILY THEN RUBS A HOLE IN THE BRAKE HOSE. THEREFORE, ALL THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT AND MY BRAKES FAILED. I HAVE THE DEFECTIVE HOSE, AND THE BRACKET IS STILL ON THE CAR. LUCKILY NO KIDS WERE IN THE CROSSWALK OR SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE REPAIR COST WAS $200 (I HAVE THE RECEIPT) AND I WOULD LIKE FORD TO REIMBURSE ME AS WELL AS ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO DIE OR BE INJURED BEFORE THIS IS ADDRESSED. THE SERVICE MANAGER AND OWNER OF THE MIDAS SHOP WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED SAID HE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM IN OTHER FORDS. HE EVEN CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER ABOUT IT AND SAID HE NEVER HEARD ANYTHING BACK. *AK
IN A FOUR YEAR PERIOD WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE STARTER FIVE (5) TIMES, UPON REPAIR THIS LAST TIME WE WENT TO AN INDEPENENT MECHANIC WHICH WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. HE ALSO STATED ENGINE MOUNT WAS CRACKED AND LOOKED LIKE IT HAD BEEN FOR SOMETIME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO ON OCCASIONALLY THIS TO IS UN…
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IN A FOUR YEAR PERIOD WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE STARTER FIVE (5) TIMES, UPON REPAIR THIS LAST TIME WE WENT TO AN INDEPENENT MECHANIC WHICH WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. HE ALSO STATED ENGINE MOUNT WAS CRACKED AND LOOKED LIKE IT HAD BEEN FOR SOMETIME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO ON OCCASIONALLY THIS TO IS UNDETERMINED.*AK
HEAD GASKETS HAVE BLOWN TWICE, NOW THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS LEAKING AND THERE IS A TINY KNOCK IN THE ENGINE, MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT AND ROD BEARINGS NEEDED REPLACED DUE TO GLYCOL IN THE ANTIFREEZE THAT HAD LEAKED INTO THE CRANKCASE, THIS HAD HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THE PREVIOUS FAULTY HEAD GASKETS, CONSUMER FEELS F…
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HEAD GASKETS HAVE BLOWN TWICE, NOW THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS LEAKING AND THERE IS A TINY KNOCK IN THE ENGINE, MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT AND ROD BEARINGS NEEDED REPLACED DUE TO GLYCOL IN THE ANTIFREEZE THAT HAD LEAKED INTO THE CRANKCASE, THIS HAD HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THE PREVIOUS FAULTY HEAD GASKETS, CONSUMER FEELS FORD SHOULD PAY FOR THE PROBLEM. *SLC
Official recalls
498V323000 · 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.
98V009000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
Jan 21, 1998
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.
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.
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
4RQ99017 · 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.