“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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.