NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,205 reports130,000 miles · Jul 24, 2009
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING. THE DAY BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLE…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING. THE DAY BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE DRIVER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY INOPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10278189
60,000 miles · Jul 17, 2009
SteeringVehicle Speed ControlVisibility
OUTER TIE RODS GONE BAD AT 80,000KM SPEEDOMETER JUMPS AT 60,000KM FRONT POWER WINDOWS GONE BAD AT 90,000KM I ONLY HAVE 96,000KM ON MY 1995 FORD TAURUS SE ITS NOW 2009. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10277215
44,783 miles · Jun 3, 2009
Suspension
THE VEHICLE'S FRONT SPRINGS FAILED AFTER NEW TIRES WERE INSTALLED ON THE FRONT TWO WHEELS. BOTH SPRINGS SNAPPED IN HALF AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS NOTICED BEFORE I DROVE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, HOWEVER THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT IS VERY HIGH CONSIDERING THE NUMBER OF THESE CARS ON THE ROAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10272787
200,000 miles · Sep 18, 2008
Suspension
THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING ON THE FRONT SUSPENSION BROKE AT THE CENTER OF THE SPRING CAUSING THE FRACTURED COIL TO SNAP OUT AND CONTACT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE SIDE WALL. THIS CONDITION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DROP FROM THE LOSS OF SUPPORT OF THE SPRING AND THEN THE VEHICLE FURTHER DROPPED FROM THE SUDDEN L…
Read full complaint
THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING ON THE FRONT SUSPENSION BROKE AT THE CENTER OF THE SPRING CAUSING THE FRACTURED COIL TO SNAP OUT AND CONTACT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE SIDE WALL. THIS CONDITION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DROP FROM THE LOSS OF SUPPORT OF THE SPRING AND THEN THE VEHICLE FURTHER DROPPED FROM THE SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE. THE END RESULT WAS A TIRE THAT WAS LOCKED UP AND A UN-CONTROLLED SPIN OUT OVER A DITCH THAT WAS OVERFILLED WITH WATER RUNOFF FROM A CURRENT HEAVY STORM . THE DITCH WAS ABOUT 8 FEET DEEP AND THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED OVER THE WATER. MY BOYFRIEND WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME AND STATED THAT THIS WAS AN EVER INCREASING OR RE-OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. HE FURTHER STATED THAT HE HAD TO REPLACE MANY FRONT SPRINGS ON THIS SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE, A FORD TAURUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242806
69,750 miles · Sep 15, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A HOT DAY ENGINE STALLED. WOULD NOT START. AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, IT STARTED AND WOULD ONLY ROUGH IDLE. AFTER A COUPLE OF HOURS CAME BACK AND CAR STARTED AND RAN FINE. DID THIS ONCE A COUPLE YEARS AGO WITH WIFE DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242215
64,980 miles · Sep 10, 2008
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY WITH THE STEERING. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY DISCOVERED EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON BOTH REAR CORNERS OF THE FRAME. IN ADDITION, THE SUBFRAME DROPPED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA C…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY WITH THE STEERING. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY DISCOVERED EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON BOTH REAR CORNERS OF THE FRAME. IN ADDITION, THE SUBFRAME DROPPED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 64,980.
NHTSA ODI #10241746
Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2008
Power Train
TRANSMISSION - CAR DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. IT JUST STOPPED SUDDENLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10241583
150,000 miles · Sep 5, 2008
Structure
I TOOK MY CAR INTO A GARAGE, AND THEY TOLD ME THE REAR CORNERS OF CRADLE MOUNT ARE RUSTED SO BADLY, THE MECHANIC COULD PUT HIS FINGER THROUGH THE HOLES. HE SAID IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. THAT IF I HIT A BIG BUMP, THE REAR CORNERS WHERE IT WAS ATTACHED COULD BREAK AWAY AND ONLY THE FRONT MOUNTS WOULD BE…
Read full complaint
I TOOK MY CAR INTO A GARAGE, AND THEY TOLD ME THE REAR CORNERS OF CRADLE MOUNT ARE RUSTED SO BADLY, THE MECHANIC COULD PUT HIS FINGER THROUGH THE HOLES. HE SAID IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. THAT IF I HIT A BIG BUMP, THE REAR CORNERS WHERE IT WAS ATTACHED COULD BREAK AWAY AND ONLY THE FRONT MOUNTS WOULD BE HOLDING IT. I SAW ON THE NHTSA WEB SITE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. I CALLED FORD, AND THEY SAID THAT EVEN THOUGH MY CAR MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR WAS LISTED, MY CAR WASN'T INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL, BUT THEY OFFERED TO SELL ME A NEW CAR INSTEAD OF REPAIRING IT. MY CAR IS A 1995 FORD TAURUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10241038
Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2008
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD TAURUS. WHILE MAKING A TURN, A BOLT DETACHED FROM THE SUBFRAME. AS A RESULT, STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT AND AFFECTED THE CONTACT'S CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALER, BUT IT HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUC…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD TAURUS. WHILE MAKING A TURN, A BOLT DETACHED FROM THE SUBFRAME. AS A RESULT, STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT AND AFFECTED THE CONTACT'S CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALER, BUT IT HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE SPEED AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10239745
125,000 miles · Jul 29, 2008
Structure
DRIVING VEHICLE NORMAL, MAKING RIGHT HAND TURN, HEARD LOUD THUMB WHICH VIBRATED THREW FLOOR BOARDS. CONTINUED DRIVING UNTIL A SUITABLE PLACE WAS FOUND TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER (WORK APROX .75 MILES FROM INCIDENT). CALLED FAMILY MEMBER TO LOOK AT VEHICLE. DAMAGE NOTICED: REAR RIGHT SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE) SUBFRAME/ENGINE CRADLE HAD…
Read full complaint
DRIVING VEHICLE NORMAL, MAKING RIGHT HAND TURN, HEARD LOUD THUMB WHICH VIBRATED THREW FLOOR BOARDS. CONTINUED DRIVING UNTIL A SUITABLE PLACE WAS FOUND TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER (WORK APROX .75 MILES FROM INCIDENT). CALLED FAMILY MEMBER TO LOOK AT VEHICLE. DAMAGE NOTICED: REAR RIGHT SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE) SUBFRAME/ENGINE CRADLE HAD RUSTED TO THE POINT THE SECURING ELEMENTS HAD DISINTEGRATED AND ALLOWED THE SUBFRAME/CRADLE TO DROP DOWN. THIS RESULTED IN A VEHICLE WHICH IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THE STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT TO BE OUT OF ADJUSTMENT BY EST. 10 DEGREES RIGHT. SEVERAL SEARCHES ON THE NET INDICATE LIKE PROBLEMS WITH SAME VEHICLE MODEL AND YEAR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 98V323000, HOWEVER FORD CUSTOMER HOTLINE CLAIMS THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ALTHOUGH THE MODEL AND YEAR ARE IDENTICAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10236268
Official recalls
5Dec 21, 2001
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oct 11, 1994
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
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.
Illustration