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: 119 of 1,205 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.
Power Train. Review the 394 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 352 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
60 crash reports53 fire reports48 injury reports
What owners actually said
1,205 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2002
Power TrainCrashInjury
TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES/SLIPS WHEN VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP, LIKE WHEN TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. TRANSMISSION JUMPS INTO GEAR ABRUPTLY AFTER EXCELLERATOR PEDAL IS PRESSED HARD. THIS FAILURE CAUSED A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT AND INJURY WITH THIS OWNER WHEN TRYING TO MERGE ONTO A HIGHWAY. THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING REPEATED OVER AND OV…
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TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES/SLIPS WHEN VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP, LIKE WHEN TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. TRANSMISSION JUMPS INTO GEAR ABRUPTLY AFTER EXCELLERATOR PEDAL IS PRESSED HARD. THIS FAILURE CAUSED A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT AND INJURY WITH THIS OWNER WHEN TRYING TO MERGE ONTO A HIGHWAY. THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING REPEATED OVER AND OVER ON THIS WEB SITE. HOW MANY PEOPLE MUST BE INJURED BEFORE ACTION IS TAKEN?
NHTSA ODI #759925
Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2002
Power Train
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE HITS A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE WILL JUMP BACK AND FORTH INDICATING DIFFERENT SPEEDS. NLM THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN, SB051230, REGARDING THIS CONDITION. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO OPEN A RECALL. THE SPEEDOMETER ASSEMBLY…
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CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE HITS A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE WILL JUMP BACK AND FORTH INDICATING DIFFERENT SPEEDS. NLM THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN, SB051230, REGARDING THIS CONDITION. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO OPEN A RECALL. THE SPEEDOMETER ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AT OWNERS EXPENSE AT $657.20. *TT
NHTSA ODI #8006427
Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2002
Steering
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO STEER, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE POWER STEERING IS HARDER THAN IT SHOULD BE, THE RACK AND PINION HAS BEEN REPLACED YET THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. NLM
NHTSA ODI #8006373
Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2002
Power TrainSteeringSuspension
SPEEDOMETER WAS'T WORKING, VERY NOISY BRAKES
NHTSA ODI #9006530
Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT THIS NEEDS ENGINE REPLACEMENT AS WELL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #759777
Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2002
SteeringSuspension
STEERING WHEEL WAS MAKING A SQUEAKING NOISE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER REPLACED BOTH OUTER TIRE RODS, AND RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR AND LINK. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #8006156
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
CONSUMER WAS TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR RECALL 97V019000 REPAIRS ON ENGINE COOLANT FAN. ALSO, WHILE CHANGING DEFECTIVE COMPONENT MECHANIC WAS AWARE THAT ENGINE HEAD GASKET WAS DEFECTIVE. BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS OVER THE 7-YEAR WARRANTY MANUFACTURER WAS NOT RELIABLE FOR COMPONENT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8006047
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2002
Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING 65MPH VEHICLE DECELERATED AND STALLED IN TRAFFIC. GOT VEHICLE STARTED, WENT SEVERAL MILES, AND IT STALLED AGAIN. CAUSE OF PROBLEM UNKNOWN. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #8006026
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVisibility
WHEN THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE TO WARM THE ENGINE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS DESTROYED. THE CONSUMER IS ASKING FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE FIRE, ALSO THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACED PRIOR TO THE FIRE.(LAWYER ON BEHALF OF CLIENT). *YH
NHTSA ODI #563880
Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2002
Power Train
SPEEDOMETER HAS FAILED AND BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES SINCE 38000 MILES. FORD WANTS $500 FOR THE PART PLUS LABOR. THEY WILL NOT GURANTEE NEW SPEEDOMETER PARTS IN ANY WAY. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I AM TRAVELLING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I COULD BE HIT ON THE FREEWAY IF I AM GOING TOO SLOW. I ALSO DON'T LIKE THE IDEA OF GET…
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SPEEDOMETER HAS FAILED AND BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES SINCE 38000 MILES. FORD WANTS $500 FOR THE PART PLUS LABOR. THEY WILL NOT GURANTEE NEW SPEEDOMETER PARTS IN ANY WAY. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I AM TRAVELLING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I COULD BE HIT ON THE FREEWAY IF I AM GOING TOO SLOW. I ALSO DON'T LIKE THE IDEA OF GETTING A TICKET BECAUSE OF DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT. *AK
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.8L ENGINES AND MUSTANG VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 5.0L ENGINES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BEARING TO SEIZE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD BE GENERATED WHICH COULD MELT THE FAN MOTOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. COMPONENTS INSIDE THE COOLING FAN MOTOR COULD IGNITE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A CIRCUIT BREAKER. IF THE COOLING FAN IS INOPERATIVE, THE FAN AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
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: 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.
THE RETAINER CLIP WHICH HOLDS THE MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM IS MISSING OR NOT COMPLETELY INSTALLED. THE PUSH ROD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE RETAINER CLIP.
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.
1995 Ford Taurus Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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