1990 Ford Taurus

High concern

Owners filed 381 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 8 times.

Not among the Ford Taurus years to avoid. Which Ford Taurus years to avoid →

Most common 1990 Ford Taurus problems

64 of the 381 complaints (17%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame56
100
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine36
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine22
053
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags21
15115
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission20
010
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration19
301
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly13
000
Air Bags · airbags12
201
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly10
000
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch9
020

1990 Ford Taurus engine problems

17% of all complaints

64 of the 381 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • stalls19% · 12
  • knocks, grinds or clunks6% · 4

Share of the 64 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Peak year of filing
2000
13 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 5 · 3
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
None
“Vehicle stalls on highway and while pulling away from a stop. Engine check and battery lights come on as a warning signs. Vehicle loses all steering and brakes when it stalls. Manufacturer is doing nothing at this time to remedy situation.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 17, 2001
“While driving on a hot day engine will stall without a prior warning. Consumer will have to stop vehicle, and let engine cool off. Then, restart vehicle again.*ak”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 18, 2001

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1989: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'891990: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine1991: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'911992: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine1993: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'931994: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine1995: 57 complaints, 9 about the engine'951996: 61 complaints, 6 about the engine1997: 51 complaints, 11 about the engine'971998: 42 complaints, 9 about the engine1999: 75 complaints, 9 about the engine'992000: 40 complaints, 13 about the engine2001: 15 complaints, 4 about the engine'012002: 18 complaints, 3 about the engine2003: 8 complaints, 0 about the engine'032004: 6 complaints, 0 about the engine2005: 3 complaints, 0 about the engine'052006: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2007: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'072008: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2009: 3 complaints, 0 about the engine'09Recall 89V171000 (headlights)Recall 90V159000 (wheels)Recall 90E043001 (airbags)Recall 91V134000 (brakes)Recall 92V065000 (wheels)Recall 92V113000 (seat belts)Recall 94E036000 (suspension)Recall 98V323000 (body and frame)NHTSA investigation DP96014NHTSA investigation DP95004NHTSA investigation EA94008NHTSA investigation PE93100NHTSA investigation PE93065NHTSA investigation EA91042
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1990 Taurus peaked in 1999, with 75 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 17% of the complaints. In 2009 owners filed 3 so far.

8 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Frame and Members98V323000
Filed Dec 16, 19982,697,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Suspension › Front › Shock Absorber94E036000
Filed Nov 25, 199498,000 vehiclesMonroe Auto Corp.

Defect. THE ARC WELDS ON THE SWAY BAR BRACKET, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE STRUT RESERVE TUBE, DID NOT FUSE PROPERLY.

Risk. OVER TIME, A PORTION OF THE BRACKET CAN TEAR AWAY FROM THE STRUT, FALLING INTO AND PUNCTURING THE TIRE OR CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy. MONROE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STRUT FREE OF CHARGE.

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly92V113000
Filed Aug 17, 1992565,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES ARE DEFECTIVE IN THREE WAYS. FIRST, A FASTENED SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. THIS RESULTS FROM INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE BUCKLE EJECTOR FINGER AND THE BUCKLE TONGUE WINDOW. THE SECOND DEFECT IS THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT LATCH. THE THIRD POSSIBLE DEFECT IS THAT THE TONGUE MAY BE RETAINED BY THE BUCKLE, BUT IT MAY NOT BE LATCHED SUFFICIENTLY TO PROVIDE OCCUPANT PROTECTION.

Risk. AN INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED OR UNLATCHED SAFETY BELTINCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT. IF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH, IT WILL NOT ALLOW THEOCCUPANT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.

Remedy. FORD WILL REPLACE THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH END RELEASE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES DESIGNED TO PREVENT LATCH PROBLEMS.

Wheels92V065000
Filed May 11, 1992654,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor91V134000
Filed Aug 6, 1991325,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.

Risk. SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy. REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.

Air Bags › Frontal90E043001
Filed Oct 30, 1990172,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.

Risk. INFLATOR COMPONENT SEPARATION ALLOWS HOT COMBUSTION GASES TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy. REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.

Wheels › Hubcap/Cover90V159000
Filed Aug 28, 19901,212 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. WHEELS MAY CONTAIN CRACKS THAT COULD PROPOGATE IN RAISED PORTION OF WHEEL CENTER.

Risk. UNDER SEVERE DUTY, THIS COULD RESULT IN EVENTUALSEPARATION OF WHEEL RIM FROM CENTER WITH LOSS OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLY ACOLLISION.

Remedy. REPLACE WHEELS WITH WHEELS OF A REVISED DESIGN.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch89V171000
Filed Oct 13, 19892,900 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. AN INCORRECT TRANSISTOR MAY CAUSE AUTOLAMP SYSTEM LIGHT SENSOR MODULE MALFUNCTION.

Risk. HEADLAMPS COULD TURN OFF WHILE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN ORREMAIN ON AFTER VEHICLE IS PARKED. LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHTCOULD BE HAZARDOUS TO THE DRIVER AND OTHER TRAFIFIC.

Remedy. REPLACE LIGHT SENSOR MODULES.

All 8 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 15 name the 1990 Taurus.

DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSORDefect petition DP96014Open
Opened Nov 14, 1996airbags

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 …

ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODSDefect petition DP95004Closed
Opened Aug 8, 1995Closed Aug 30, 1995unknown or other

Alleged defective tie rods

BROKEN TIE RODSEngineering analysis EA94008Closed
Opened Feb 16, 1994Closed Feb 27, 1995steering

There is no summary currently available

POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKSPreliminary evaluation PE93100Closed
Opened Dec 2, 1993Closed Jun 30, 1994suspension

There is no summary currently available

UNDERBODY FUEL LINE FAILSPreliminary evaluation PE93065Closed
Opened Jul 15, 1993Closed Nov 30, 1993throttle and acceleration

There is no summary currently available

BROKEN TIE RODSPreliminary evaluation PE93058Closed
Opened Jun 15, 1993Closed Feb 16, 1994steering

There is no summary currently available

SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAILEngineering analysis EA92040Closed
Opened Nov 30, 1992Closed Jun 30, 1993Led to recall 93V106001body and frame

There is no summary currently available

POWER STEERING LEAKS/FIRESPreliminary evaluation PE92044Closed
Opened Apr 27, 1992Closed Aug 31, 1992steering

There is no summary currently available

ENGINE MOUNT FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE92014Closed
Opened Feb 4, 1992Closed Jun 25, 1992engine

There is no summary currently available

STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATIONEngineering analysis EA91042Closed
Opened Oct 28, 1991Closed May 21, 1992Led to recall 92V065000body and frame

===

STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATIONPreliminary evaluation PE91108Closed
Opened Aug 1, 1991Closed Oct 28, 1991body and frame

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILUREEngineering analysis EA91011Closed
Opened Dec 18, 1990Closed Aug 13, 1992Led to recall 92V113000seat belts

There is no summary currently available

BRAKE DISC HUB SEPARATIONSEngineering analysis EA90045Closed
Opened Sep 28, 1990Closed Sep 12, 1991Led to recall 91V134001brakes

===

SAFETY BELT BUCKLE LOCKINGPreliminary evaluation PE90113Closed
Opened Aug 20, 1990Closed Dec 18, 1990seat belts

There is no summary currently available

WHEEL SEPARATIONPreliminary evaluation PE90104Closed
Opened Aug 2, 1990Closed Aug 30, 1990Led to recall 90V159000wheels

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

67 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1990 Taurus. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 16engine 12visibility 11electrical system 5equipment 5steering 5brakes 4suspension 4
01124Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 25, 2001engine

ON SOME VEHICLES, ENGINE OIL MAY CONTINUE TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET AREA AFTER AN ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED. *TT

99183Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 6, 1999engine

SERVICE TIP INFORMATION ON REVISED OIL PAN GASKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT

99816Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 3, 1999engine

FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT

982310Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 23, 1998engine

MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK

9874Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 13, 1998engine

A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC

9864Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 30, 1998engine

INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 12 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 14, 200970,000 milesMI

HOW DO I GET FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO HONOR GENUINE NHTSA RECALLS ON A 1990 FORD TAURUS WAGON??? IT CURRENTLY HAS COMPLAINT # NHTSA 90E043001; NHTSA 98V323000; NHTSA 93V106002; NHTSA 91V34000. I CANNOT GET DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE AIR BAG MODULE DEFECT, SEAT BELT DEFECT OR CPU REPLACEMENT DEFECT. WHAT DO I DO TO GET SOME ACTION ON THESE ISSUES???? *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 22, 2009MO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN GREATER EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TOWED THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENTS. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.

Air Bags › Frontal1 injured
Filed Apr 6, 2009TX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 30 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR A CRASH OCCURRING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER ARMS, LACERATIONS ON HER FACE AND ARMS, AND A LARGE BURN ON HER LIP. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN INSPECTOR TO INVESTIGATE THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 5/5/09 *CN UPDATED 05/07/09.*JB

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 7, 2008NJ

I HAD A LOOSE IGNITION ON MY 1990 FORD TAURUS IN WHICH I COULD REMOVE MY KEY WHILE IT WAS STILL RUNNING I HAD THIS CHANGED WHILE I WAS HAVING OTHER WORK DONE ON THE CAR AND LESS THEN A WEEK LATER I HAD A VERY EXPENSIVE PAPERWEIGHT BECAUSE AFTER THEY PLACED A NEW IGNITION INTO MY CAR IT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT BURNING OUT ALL THE WIRING AND DESTROYING THE WIRES CONNECTED TO MY BATTERY. I TOWED THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALER AND I HAD TO LAY OUT EVEN MORE MONEY FOR THEM TO TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT. THERE HAVE NEVER BEEN ANY FIRES OR RECALLS AND THAT WAS THAT. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jul 28, 2006WA

CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON STAYED ON. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON FLASHES 9 TIMES PAUSES AND THEN FLASHES 9 TIMES REPEATS. CRUISE CONTROL STOPS WORKING. *JB

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed May 31, 200583,000 milesFL

THE BELTS WERE REPLACED DUE TO RECALL CAMPAIGN# 92V113000 AT 88K MILES. AT 120K MILES, THE DRIVER SIDE LATCH MECHANISM BECAME STIFF, THEN THE OUTER SLEEVE HAD COME APART. THE SLEEVE WAS PLACED BACK INTO PLACE AND THE BELT WAS BACK FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. *AK *SC *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash
Filed Feb 28, 2005110,000 milesPA

OWNER WAS DRIVING AND PULLED OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. OWNER HAD TO AVOID SEVERAL POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS BY PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. HOWEVER, OWNER'S VEHICLE DID HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATING TO THIS DEFECT. *AK

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 4, 2005WI

WHOLE BACK END OF CAR FAILED AND HAD TO HAVE IT ALL REPLACED. THE BOLTS BROKE CAUSING THE REST OF THE BACK END TO TOTALLY FAIL AND BRAKE. HAD TO HAVE IT ALL REPLACED INCLUDING THE BOLTS, REAR SUSPENSION LINKAGE, BOTH SHOCKS, AND REAR AXLE. WE PAID OUT OF OUR OWN POCKET FOR THIS TO TUNE OF 800. AND NOW TO DO ALL OF THIS THE CAR IS NOW ACTING LIKE IT IS EITHER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM OR THE REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS GOING OUT.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Sep 24, 2004240,000 milesPA

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION DUE TO LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID FROM THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE VALVE. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED.*AK

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 21, 200472,323 milesUT

SEAT BELT WOULD NOT SECURE FOUND 8 OTHER RECALL ITEMS FROM A CANADIAN RECALL WEB SITE THAT WERE NOT ON ANY U.S. RECALL SITES. *AK

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 1, 2004119,000 milesIL

WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH SUB FRAME BOLTS SNAPPED. AS A RESULT, STEERING FAILED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Air Bags
Filed Apr 5, 200457,000 milesNY

THE VEHICLE HAS AN ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMING ON WHILE DRIVING. THIS MAY RESULT IN THE AIR BAG NOT DEPLOYING OR DEPLOY PREMATURELY. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE RELAY SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *JB

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 30, 2004WI

WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT, AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND HIT CONSUMER IN THE CHEST, PUSHING HER NECK BACK. CONSUMER SUSTAINED A SPINAL CORD INJURY AND A HERNIA DISC INJURY. ALSO, VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

Air Bags
Filed Jan 15, 2004100,000 milesVA

WHEN THE PAINT BEGAN TO PEEL, I CHOSE NOT TO REPAINT THE VEHICLE DUE TO COST. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, I CHOSE NOT TO REPAIR IT DUE TO THE COST TO REPAIR. WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING, I CHOSE NOT TO REPAIR DUE TO THE COST TO REPAIR. IF I GET THE TRANSMISSION FIXED, I INTEND TO HAVE THE AIRBAG FIXED AS WELL.

Steering
Filed Oct 29, 2003KS

CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE COMPONENTS FELL ONTO THE STEERING MECHANISM, MAKING IT VERY HARD TO STEER. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 24, 2003136,000 milesVA

I HAVE A 1990 TAURUS LX WAGON THAT HAS ONE OF THE FAULTY AXOD TRANSMISSIONS. LAST YEAR THIS TRANSMISSION FAILED, AND I REFUSED TO REPAIR IT. AFTER RESENT RESEARCH,IT APPEARS MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS AND ONLY A FEW HAVE RECEIVED ANY RESTITUTION FROM FORD (1993-95 TUARUS/SABLE OWNERS). *LA

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light
Filed Oct 22, 200390,000 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ABS LIGHT STAYED ON AT ALL TIMES. HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS NOT EXPERIENCING BRAKE PROBLEM. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 30, 2003MD

WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE CAR SOMETIMES MOVES BACKWARDS AND VICE VERSA. NEAR ACCIDENT IN A PARKING LOT WHILE COMING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE.*AK

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 10, 2003CA

VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED AT A HIGH SPEED ON THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE DOOR. THEN, VEHICLE IMPACTED OTHER VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core
Filed Jun 19, 2003210,000 milesNC

HEATER CORE LEAKS. THIS PART HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN 5 YEARS OF TIME. IT IS A CHEAPLY MADE PART AND PROBABLY THE MOST PROFITABLE FORD MAKES. LABOR IS 10 HOURS TO REPLACE THE PART. APPLIES TO ALL TAURUS'. *NLM

Steering
Filed May 22, 2003NJ

WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 10, 2003OH

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *JB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 12, 2002OH

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR A ROUTINE CHECK. MECHANIC STATES THAT THE SUBFRAME IS CORRODED FOR ENGINE, AND THEY ANYTIME ENGINE COULD FALL OUT. RESULTING IN A CRASH. MR

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Oct 31, 2002CA

WHEN VEHICLE MERGED ONTO THE STREET, IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT BRAKES BEING APPLYED. HAD VEHICLE TOWED. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE INNER TIE RODS BOLTS HAD BROKEN OF. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS

Air Bags › FrontalCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 10, 2002NY

CONSUMER STATES THAT IN A FRONTAL COLLISON NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT. *MR *YH

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipFire
Filed Sep 11, 2002MA

WHILE DRIVING BRAKES LOCKED UP. THEN, A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAS YET NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Sep 9, 2002NY

CONSUMER STATES HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. CONSUMER IS AWARE OF SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING PROBLEM WITH AN ALUMINUM PISTON WHICH TENDS TO CRACK AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WITH A STEEL PISTON. VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TT

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Aug 21, 2002OH

MASTERCRAFT, COOPER, P794 P20565R15, U9 UR P294P20, REPLACEMENT TIRES. DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM SIDEWALL. CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 16, 2002CA

CONSUMER WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SUBFRAME AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 98 V 323 000. BUTTHIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Jul 16, 2002CA

CONSUMER HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SEAT BELT BUCKLE AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 92 V 113 000. BUT, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Air Bags
Filed Jul 16, 2002CA

CONSUMER HAS SAME PROBLEM WITH AIR BAGS AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 90 E 043 001. BUT THIS VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Power Train › Automatic TransmissionFire
Filed Jun 18, 2002DC

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HGHWAY TRANSMISSION EXPLODED CAUSING A FIRE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO SOLUTION.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jun 14, 2002PA

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CAR STALLS, THE POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES ARE LOST, ALMOST CAUSING SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. *MJ

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Jun 6, 2002CA

PLASTIC PISTON CAUSED BRAKES TO OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE.*AK

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Mar 5, 2002NY

I HAD TO HAVE THE SUBFRAME MOUNTS REPAIRD SEVERAL TIMES UNDER THE RECALL IN THE FIRST 18 MONTHS I OWNED THIS CAR.THE BOLTS HOLDING THE SUBFRAME EVEN BROKE AT ONE POINT AND I COULD NOT STEER MY CAR.I RECENTLY TOOK THIS CAR IN FOR A FRONT END ALLIGNMENT AND MY MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME ITSELF HAD FRACTURED.I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO DID THE RECALL WORK ON THE SUBFRAME AND FORD.THEY BOTH TOLD ME THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE SUBFRAME ITSELF BREAKING AND THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL.WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS IF ANYONE ELSE HAS REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM AND IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED OR AM I JUST GOING TO HAVE TO JUNK THIS CAR AS IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Feb 20, 2002NJ

VEHICLE STALLS IN TRAFFIC SINCE 50,000 MILES.

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Feb 6, 2002CA

PROBLEM OF GLARE FROM ONCOMING CARS AT NIGHT. PROBLEM MAINLY WITH SUVS AND PICKUPS AND OTHER HIGH FIXED LIGHTS. *AK

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core
Filed Jan 27, 2002TN

THIS CAR HAS HAD A LOT OF WORK DONE TO IT.IT NEVER WORKS RIGHT. IT HAS HAD OVERHEATING PROBLEMS,THERE HAS BEEN OVER 5000.00 PUT TOWARDS IT TO FIX &IT IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING.I HAVE TAKEN IT TO OVER 5 MECHANICS IN THE PAST 7 MONTHS ALSO THE HEATER HAS NEVER WORKED THE DASHBOARD HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT SEVERAL TIMES TO FIX. I THINK THIS CAR IS A LEMON!!!!!!!!!I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A FORD AGAIN. THE MONEY I HAVE SPENT ON THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN USED AS A DOWN PAYMENT ON ANOTHER ONE.DEFINATELY A LEMON. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jan 17, 2002FL

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE STALLS WHILE IDLING AND WHILE IN MOTION, AFTER VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, IT WOULD RESTART. *SLC

Parking Brake › Conventional
Filed Jan 9, 2002MO

VEHICLE PARKED ON HILL ENGINE RUNNING PARKING BRAKE APPLIED. DRIVER EXITED VEHICLE, CLOSED DOOR AND TOOK ONE STEP FORWARD WHEN PARKING BRAKE WAS HEARD TO RELEASE AND VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING DOWN HILL. DRIVER RAN AFTER VEHICLE RE-ENTERED AND APPLIED PARKING BRAKE AND THEN USED 1 GEAR ON MANUAL TRANSMISSION. SINCE THIS IS A MANUALLY SHIFTED TRANSMISSION THE PARKING BRAKE IS USED REGULARLY WHICH MAY THEREFORE SHOW INCREASED WEAR. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION, RE-ENTERING VEHICLE WHILE VEHICLE WAS MOVING.*AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Dec 31, 2001FL

WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER CONSTANTLY HAS TO STEER TO LEFT TO KEEP VEHICLE IN LINE. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE THE DESIGN FOR THE POWER STEERING IS POOR, THE PUMP IS IN THE RIGHT FORWARD CORNER OF THE ENGINE AND THE HOSES GOING TO THE RACK AND PINION GO OVER THE FWD EXHAUST MANIFOLD, PASS OVER THE TRANSAXLE, AND THEN PASS OVER THE AFTER EXHAUST MANIFOLD. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Sep 7, 2001CT

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, IT STALLED, AND EVERYTHING CUT OFF. NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES SO FAR.*AK *YH

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Aug 17, 2001ID

VEHICLE STALLS ON HIGHWAY AND WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP. ENGINE CHECK AND BATTERY LIGHTS COME ON AS A WARNING SIGNS. VEHICLE LOSES ALL STEERING AND BRAKES WHEN IT STALLS. MANUFACTURER IS DOING NOTHING AT THIS TIME TO REMEDY SITUATION. *AK CONSUMER STATES BATTERY WAS CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION, HOWEVER BOTH THE BATTERY AND ENGINE LIGHTS STILL ILLUMINATE, CONSUMER HAS SPENT OVER 1000 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS, AND VEHICLE STILL IS NOT REMEDIED. *SLC

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 13, 2001NJ

ACCELERATOR "STICKS" WHEN FLOORED, MAKING THE CAR SPEED UP UNCONTROLABLY. VERY DANGEROUS, AS CAR SPEEDS UP UNCONTROLABLY. ACCELERATOR MUST BE "PUMPED" TO UNSTICK IT. HAPPENS ONLY WHEN ACCELERATOR IS FLOORED, WHICH IS RARE. TOOK IT TO A DEALER- NO RECALL, COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM, SAID IT WAS OK. DIDN'T STICK FOR A FEW YEARS, BUT APPARENTLY ONLY BECAUSE I HAVEN'T FLOORED IT.*AK

Electrical System › Ignition › Module
Filed Aug 7, 2001NY

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED WHILE DRIVING, ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS ALLOWED TO COOL OFF THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS FAILURE IS RELATED TO THE TFI MODULE WHICH WAS RECALLED IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. NLM

Suspension › Rear
Filed May 21, 2001IN

CONSUMER STATES WHEN DRIVING MORE THAN 30 MPH SHE LOSES CONTROL OF VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO DEALERSHIP AND UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A PRECISION ALIGNMENT COULD NOT BE PERFORMED ON THE THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BECAUSE THERE WAS A DEFECTIVE PART, CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, THIS INDICATES A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, THEREFORE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS NEEDED TO RESOLVE PROBLEM. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 6, 2001CT

WE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION IN AUGUST OF 2000 AND NOW WE ARE HAVING TO REPLACE IT AGAIN FORD TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND DENIES THERE BEING A PROBLEM. *AK

Steering › Rack and Pinion › Rack
Filed Mar 28, 2001WA

RIGHT HAND CAME UNDONE FROM STEERING RACK, AND CONSUMER LOST CONTROL. *AK

Air Bags
Filed Mar 19, 2001FL

AIRBAG LIGHT IS COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 6, 2001WA

TRANSMISSION CAN'T TAKE HILLS, TRANSMISSION HAS TO BARE DOWN GOING UP HILL, AND TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKS AROUND MAIN SEAL. THIS WILL BLEED TRANSMISSION DRY. CONSUMER HAD IT TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION COMPANY, AND HAD IT REBUILT AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. THEN 6 MONTHS LATER, TRANMISSION FLUID IS LEAKING OUT AGAIN.*AK CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A LOSS OF HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONER. WINDHSHIELD WIPERS WORK POORLY. DRIVER SEATBELT IS DEFECTIVE. ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. *SLC

Complaints 1-50 of 381, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1993
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201918200Routine
201852410Routine
201744400Routine
201687410Routine
2015283610Above average
2014229510Above average
2013585960Above average
201279530Routine
2011187421Fatalities reported
2010204352Fatalities reported
200964010Routine
2008175170Routine
2007149100Routine
2006318341Fatalities reported
20057741102Fatalities reported
20043752132Fatalities reported
20031,2234122Fatalities reported
20021,4264110High concern
20011,03710155Fatalities reported
20001,1958251Fatalities reported
19998747164Fatalities reported
19985454144Fatalities reported
19977705124Fatalities reported
19968258121Fatalities reported
19951,2056542Fatalities reported
19949235233Fatalities reported
19931,5578493Fatalities reported
19926816212Fatalities reported
19916495210High concern
1990 — this page3818230High concern

Compare every Taurus year →

1990 Ford Taurus: questions buyers ask

Is the 1990 Ford Taurus a good car?

It is not among the Taurus years to avoid. Owners filed 381 complaints, against about 545 for a typical Taurus year. The most common complaint is about the engine (17%).

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Ford Taurus?

The engine: 64 of the 381 complaints (17%) are about it. Owners most often say it stalls (19%) and knocks, grinds or clunks (6%).

How many recalls does the 1990 Ford Taurus have?

8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Dec 16, 1998. The largest, 98V323000, covered 2,697,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1990 Ford Taurus problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 100,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1990 Ford Taurus?

Yes, 15 times. The latest, DP96014 ("DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR"), was opened Nov 14, 1996 and is still open.

Are there service bulletins for the 1990 Ford Taurus?

The manufacturer filed 67 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (16), the engine (12) and the visibility (11). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 16, 1998. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.