“The engine stalls at idle and at a stop hot or cold numerous attempts by mechanics did not help this car is a lemon they are not kidding FORD does stand for fix or repair daily. Signed never will buy a FORD again”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 15, 2004 at 60,000 miles
“Consumer is against FORD motor company. The consumer stated FORD makes faulty cars and his car is one of them. The consumers vehicle did not get good gas mileage. The vehicle had constant engine and transmission failure. The seat was broken, the tire blew out, the vehicle stalled. *jb nar 1/22/2003”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 7, 2003
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 1992 Taurus peaked in 1999, with 139 filed that year. Owners had filed 27 complaints about the engine before the first recall that covers it, 97V019000 in February 1997; 162 more have come in since. In 2017 owners filed 1 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 Feb 26, 1997212,700 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan97V019000
Filed Feb 25, 199775,200 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
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 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.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut91V145000
Filed Sep 4, 19911,300 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. MANUFACTURING ERRORS BY THE SUPPLIER OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH MECHANISM MAY CAUSE THE SECONDARY PORTION OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH NOT TO FUNCTION. IF THE LATCH IS NOT IN THE PRIMARY LATCH POSITION, THE LIFTGATE COULD OPEN WITHOUT OPERATOR ACTION.
Risk. IF THE LIFTGATE WERE TO OPEN DURING VEHCILE OPERATION,PASSENGERS OR CARGO COULD FALL FROM THE OPEN LIFTGATE.
Remedy. REPLACE MALFUNCTIONING LIFTGATE LATCHES.
All 6 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. 14 name the 1992 Taurus.
FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING BREAKAGERecall query RQ98016Closed
Opened Sep 29, 1998Closed Jan 12, 1999Led to recall 98V094000suspension
Front suspension springs ay break due to manufacturing crachs in combination with corrosion.
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 …
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRESEngineering analysis EA96024Closed
Opened Sep 30, 1996Closed Apr 15, 1997Led to recall 97V019000engine
Opened Jul 31, 1996Closed Jan 26, 1998Led to recall 98V009000headlights
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 …
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRESPreliminary evaluation PE96033Closed
Opened May 2, 1996Closed Sep 30, 1996Led to recall 97V019000engine
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.
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODSDefect petition DP95004Closed
Opened Aug 8, 1995Closed Aug 30, 1995unknown or other
Alleged defective tie rods
PLASTIC TRIM PANEL SEPARATIONPreliminary evaluation PE95026Closed
Opened May 1, 1995Closed Aug 31, 1995unknown or other
SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT
Showing the newest 6 of 14 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jun 30, 2017190,000 milesMA
A CAR RAN A STOP SIGN, T-BONED ME ON FRONT PASS-SIDE PUSHING ME OFF THE ROAD TO THE LEFT. SEATBELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME, BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, LEFT BAG BLEW SHRAPNEL CUTTING MY FACE AND INJURING MY RIGHT EYE.
Tires
Filed Oct 31, 2012126,000 milesSC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD TAURUS WITH GILLETTE SILVER BEAR (205/65R/15) TIRES (DOT E2URMYC2003). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE DRIVER STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE TIRE. THE DRIVER NOTICED THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT HE WOULD HAVE TO MAIL THE TIRE IN FOR INSPECTION. AFTER THE TIRE WAS INSPECTED, THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THE TIRE HAD EVIDENCE OF OVER DEFLECTION. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 26, 201072,000 milesOH
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD TAURUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUBFRAME BOLTS ON THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WERE COVERED WITH RUST WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 98V323000 (COMPONENT: STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS) BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL; HE WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL REPAIR COSTS. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO CONFIRMED WHAT THE DEALER STATED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 72,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 1, 2008137,000 milesKY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE REAR MOUNTING ATTACHMENT FOR THE ENGINE CRADLE DETERIORATED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY ROAD SALT, DEBRIS, AND OTHER NATURAL MATERIALS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE MAJOR SAFETY HAZARDS. IF THE ENGINE CRADLE IS NOT SUPPORTED, A LOSS OF STEERING AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR. HE WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER PROVIDED HIM WITH A REASSEMBLY KIT, AS IF THE FAILURE WERE COMMON. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. UPDATED 5/19/08 *CN
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs1 injured
Filed May 18, 200714,526 milesIA
I BOUGHT 3 FORD TAURUS WAGONS IN 6 MONTHS AND THE SPRINGS BROKE IN ALL OF THE 3 LATEST CARS. BOTH SPRINGS BROKE WILE I WAS DRIVING ,PUNCTURING 1 TIRE. NO REPAIR MADE YET. *AK
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Mar 8, 2007185,600 milesDE
K-FRAME(SUB FRAME)FELL. BOTH TIMES WHILE DRIVING, BUT BOTH TIMES AT LOW SPEEDS. FRAME FELL AND I COULD NOT STEER CAR. BOTH TIMES MY TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED. 1ST TIME MAY, 2006, WAS DUE TO FAULTY BUSHINGS AND WASHERS. 2ND TIME, FRAME BROKE, RUSTED, GONE. ALL AT THE PRESCRIBED LOCATION AND PROBLEM THAT LED TO RECALL. AM I DRIVING A DEATH TRAP, IS FORD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR, IS IT MY FAULT, THE TRANSMISSION GUYS FAULT OR FORDS ? PLEASE HELP ME. BY THE GRACE OF GOD I WAS SPARED BEING ON THE OPEN ROADWAY, BUT IF I HAD AND MY FAMILY WAS WITH ME WE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE WEIGHT OF THE ENGINE AND TRANS. FALLS DIRECTLY ON THE STEERING, I ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT STEER THE CAR. PLEASE SOMEONE RESPOND TO ME BEFORE SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS. THANK YOU ! *JB
Child Seat
Filed Oct 16, 2006CA
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT WAS TOO VERTICAL WHEN INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE BY A CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY TECHNICIAN, CAUSING THE HEAD OF THE INFANT TO JERK FORWARD UPON STOPPING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN IT WAS STOPPED UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, WHO STATED THAT THIS SITUATION DID NOT POSE A HAZARD TO THE CHILD. THE SAFETY SEAT WAS AN EVENFLO DISCOVERY.
Steering
Filed Apr 19, 2006MA
1992 TAURUS STEERING PROBLEM. *TS
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 7, 2006MA
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO REPLACED THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR SUB FRAME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN ALERTED AND AGREE THE VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL, # 98V323000 CONCERNING THE FRAME AND MEMBERS. HOWEVER, BOTH REFUSE TO REIMBURSE FOR THE REPAIR.
Suspension › Front › Shock Absorber
Filed Jan 12, 2006120,000 milesMA
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING A SNAPPING NOISE WAS HEARD IN THE FRONT LEFT SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME WHERE IT WAS DETERMINE D THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT. THE SWAY BAR BRACKET TORE AWAY FROM THE STRUT AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE REPAIR PERSONNEL SUGGESTED REPLACING THE SHOCK ABSORBER AND STRUT. THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 94E036000. HOWEVER ,THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED INCLUDED DUE TO THE VIN. *AK
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 28, 2005154,553 milesNH
DT: 1992 FORD TAURUS. THE U SHAPED HOUSING THAT HOLDS UP THE ENGINE RUSTED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT IT WAS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. THE RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD, ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED. ALSO, THE FRONT, EMERGENCY, SERVICE AND REAR BRAKES WERE NO GOOD, THE KEY BROKEN IN THE IGNITION. THERE WERE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER ACQUIRED VEHICLE FROM AN AUCTION HOUSE. HE HAD A MECHANIC INSPECT IT, AND FOUND IT WAS BAD. HE TOOK IT BACK THE AUCTION HOUSE AND HE KEPT THE TITLE. CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE TAMPERED WITH THE ODOMETER . THE INCIDENT DATE HE TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE REJECTED THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO CAPITAL AUCTION 603-622-9058.*AK
Suspension › Front
Filed May 20, 2005129,000 milesNY
FORD TAURUS, 1992, FRONT K-FRAME BROKE LOOSE FROM CHASSIS RESULTING IN A LOCK-UP OF THE STEERING, FORTUNATELY AT A LOW SPEED, THEREBY ENDANGERING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE WE LEARNED THAT THIS WAS NOT UNUSUAL IN THE 1989-1994 FORD TAURUS CARS. THE FAILURE OF THE STRUCTURAL MEMBER WAS CAUSED BY NORMAL RUST DAMAGE TO THE FRONT A-FRAME. I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED TO FIND THIS DESIGN DEFECT ON THIS SITE.*AK *NM
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Feb 3, 200543,689 milesIA
THE VEHICLE IS A 1992 FORD TAURUS WAGON. ON JULY 26, 1996 THE COIL SPRINGS BROKE PUNCTURING THE FRONT TIRE WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF MIDAS FOR AN OIL CHANGE. FORD AT THE TIME SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE SO THEREFORE IT WAS REPAIRED AT MIDAS. THIS MORNING, FEBRUARY 3, 2005 THE COIL SPRINGS AGAIN BROKE PUNCTURING THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE AND WILL AGAIN NEED NECESSARY REPAIRS TOTALLY APPROXIMATELY $450.00. CALLED FORD SAID THERE WERE NEVER ANY RECALLS ON THIS YEAR VEHICLE BUT INFORMATION FROM THE INTERNET INDICATED THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECALLED NEARLY 900,000 FORD TAURUS AND MERCURY SABLE 1999, 2000, AND 2001 SEDANS STATING IN COLD WEATHER STATES SALT FROM ROADS COULD CORRODE AND FRACTURE THE CARS' FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND THEY WERE INSTALLING PROTECTIVE SHIELDS IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES. MY CONCERN IS THAT EVEN THOUGH THIS MODEL IS OLDER AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS WHAT IS THE SAFETY OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE? I WONDER WHAT THE OUTCOME WOULD BE HAD THIS VEHICLE HAD THE COIL SPRING BREAK WHILE ON THE FREEWAY...WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR? THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE GREATLY CONCERNS US.*JB
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 23, 2004146,444 milesNY
I WAS PROCEEDING AFTER WAITING FOR A TRAFFIC SIGNAL WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP. I HESITATED FOR A MOMENT, THEN PROCEEDED SLOWLY AND DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT; I CALLED AAA FOR SERVICE. AFTER THE CAR WAS HOISTED ONTO A FLATBED TRUCK I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE HAD DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME AT TWO POINTS JUST ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE WAY BACK FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND HAD DROPPED DOWN ABOUT 6 INCHES. THE TWO MOUNTING BOLTS WERE POINTING UPWARD FROM THE CONNECTING POINTS ON THE ENGINE CRADLE. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO THE FORD DEALER WHERE I HAD PURCHASED IT. THEY SAID THERE WAS $1200.00 IN DAMAGES AND THAT FORD DOES NOT HAVE A PROGRAM IN PLACE OFFERING NO-COST REPAIR OF THE FAILURE. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT. THE CAR HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY RECALLED FOR THAT PARTICULAR SAFETY DEFECT AND I HAD THE REPAIR DONE IN JULY OF 1999.*AK
Electrical System › Starter Assembly2 injured
Filed May 19, 200458,000 milesTX
MY 1992 FORD TAURUS JUST CUTS OFF; THE 1ST TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT QUIT. I HAD THE CAR SERVED AND CHECKED. I'D DRIVE APPRX. 60 MILES AND IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN, THEN I WAS GOING BACK TO FLORIDA AND IT DID IT AGAIN, SO I TOOK IT TO ORANGE FORD IN ORANGE ,TEXAS AND THEY PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER AND SAID IT WAS FINE BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD STILL COME ON AND THE CAR WOULD CUT -OFF, THIS HAPPENED A GOOD HALF A DOZEN TIMES AND I LIMPED INTO BLOUNTSTOWN, FL. WHERE I HAD MY MECHANIC KEITH LEE PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER, HE COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING YET THE CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THE CAR WOULD JUST QUIT RUNNING. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT THE MAP SENSOR, FUEL FILTER,MAIN BRAIN,THERMOSTAT AND TEMPERTURE SENSOR HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED AND I MADE IT BACK TO TEXAS. THEN ON APRIL 29TH 2004 I WAS IN TRAFFIC ON HWY 290 TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MILES AN HOUR AND IT JUST QUIT CAUSING ME AND MY PASSENGERS TO LURCH AND I HAD TO RE-START MY CAR. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN WHEN I WAS JUST MOVING THE CAR TO A SHADY PARKING SPOT ON THE 29TH OF APRIL. I'M 60 YEARS OLD AND I ONLY HAVE THE ONE CAR FOR TRANSPORTATION SO IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT MY CAR BE MAINTAINED AND I HAVE A CHILTON'S BOOK FOR MY CAR AND INSIST THAT ANYONE WHO WORKS ON MY CAR FOLLOW THE MANUALS INSTRUCTIONS TO A TEE, LIKE DISCONNECTING THE NEGATIVE GROUND BEFORE WORKING ON MY CAR AFTER ALL THE ENGINEERS WHO DESIGNED IT KNOW BEST. WE ARE A FORD FAMILY AND OWN A BRONCO II, AND A FORD F-350 W/ A CUMMIN DIESEL ENGIN
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 11, 2004191,000 milesOH
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH TRAILING ARM BROKE WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE ENTIRE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED ONTO THE TIRES. *AK
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Mar 23, 2004MI
I HAVE OWNED THIS TAURUS SINCE, 1993-1994, IT HAD 43,000 MILES ON IT, FROM A DEALER (FLANNERY FORD). I HAVE HAD MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED, WATER PUMPS (2) (ALMOST $1,000), BRAKES AND CALIPERS(TOO MANY TO REMEMBER), STRUTS (TOO MANY TO REMEMBER), IGNITION. THIS PAST SATURDAY, WHILE MY MOTHER WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP, BECAUSE THE INSIDE DOOR LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OFF AND THE ALARM BELL (THAT DINGS WHEN YOU LEAVE THE KEY IN OR LIGHTS ON), THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL FELL OFF THE CAR. THE ENTIRE TIE RODS HAD TO BE REPLACED, STRUTS AND SPRINGS (THAT WAS $1,000). I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE OIL PAN REPLACED BECAUSE IT RUSTED OUT AND HAD ENGINE MOUNTS REPLACED AGAIN DURING THIS PROCEDURE (THAT WAS ALMOST $1,000). I CAN ONLY REMEMBER RECEIVING 1 RECALL NOTICE AND THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR. *AK
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Mar 11, 2004VT
WHILE DRIVING HIS HEADLIGHTS CAME ON AND OFF ON THEIR OWN. CONSUMER STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM SCARED HIM, ESPECIALLY DRIVING AT NIGHT DUE TO POOR VISIBILITY. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200480,000 milesNY
HEAD GASKET/ TRANSMISSION FAILURE
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200460,000 milesNY
THE ENGINE STALLS AT IDLE AND AT A STOP HOT OR COLD NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS BY MECHANICS DID NOT HELP THIS CAR IS A LEMON THEY ARE NOT KIDDING FORD DOES STAND FOR FIX OR REPAIR DAILY. SIGNED NEVER WILL BUY A FORD AGAIN
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 2004101,377 milesOR
IGNITION MODULE FAILED IN JUNE, 2001 AT 101,377 MILES AND NOW AGAIN IT HAS FAILED AT 113,000 MILES. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR JUST WOULDN'T START IN FRONT OF A BUILDING, THE SECOND TIME AT A CITY INTERSECTION AT MIDNIGHT. IN CHECKING WITH FORD CORP AND THE LOCAL FORD DEALER THEY HAVE NO HEAT DEFLECTOR, INSULATOR OR KIT TO MOVE THE IGNITION MODULE FROM ITS LOCATION JUST ABOVE THE ENGINE AT THE BASE OF THE DISTRIBTOR. NOW I FEEL MY CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND NO ONE WILL EVEN OFFER A SOLUTION. DO I NEED TO FILE A LAWSUIT FOR THE BLUE BOOK VALUE OF MY CAR AGAINST FORD?
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 2004CA
COOLANT LEAKING INTO HEAD GASKET AND PISTON/CYLINDERS CAUSING ENGINE TO VAPOR LOCK AND FREEZE. WE BOUGHT A $900 EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS VEHICLE, AND WE HAD TO PAY A $95.00 DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG, HANSEL FORD IN SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA SAYS THAT WARRANTY WILL NOW ONLY COVER SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE ENGINE AND NOT ALL OF THE ENGINE AS DESCRIBED IN EXTENDED WARRANTY, WE BOUGHT THE ESTATE WARRANTY FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN CASE SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENED. WE HAVE NOW NO MONEY TO PAY FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR THAT WE THOUGHT WAS COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, AND BASICALLY HAVE NO RECOURSE EXCEPT TO EITHER TOW THE VEHICLE FROM HANSEL FORD IN SANTA ROSA TO OUR PLACE OF RESIDENCE IN SANTA ROSA, AND OR SELL/OT TOWED TO A JUNK YARD BECAUSE SAID WARRANTY IS OF NO USE. WE HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE A LITTLE MORE THAN 1 YEAR. HAVE PUT APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, WHICH THE WARRANTY STATES CAR IS STILL UNDER BECAUSE ITS 36,000 MILES OR 3 YEARS WHICH WE COME WELL UNDER THAT. IF DEALERS WOULD BE HELD MORE LIABLE, AS WELL AS THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY, THEY WOULD PROBABLY BACK THEIR PRODUCTS (CARS,TRUCKS ETC. BETTER.)
Suspension › Front › Shock Absorber
Filed Jan 6, 2004NJ
AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR RECALL 94E036000 FOR FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM . CONSUMER BOUGHT A USED VEHICLE. DEALER STATED NOTHING THEY COULD DO. COMPUTER SHOWED THE STRUTS WERE REPLACED.*AK
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 23, 2003100,005 milesFL
MOTOR MOUNT FAILED. VIN: [XXX]. 1998 FORD TAURUS GL. CORROSION PROBLEM. SEE NHTSA RECALL NO. 98V323. ALTHOUGH THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED AND REGISTERED IN FL IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN IN NEW YORK FOR A CONSIDERABLE TIME IN THE EARLY YEARS. ALL OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE AND NOT JUST THE OWNERS IN THE NORTHERN STATES SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE POTENTIAL FAILURE AND COVERED UNDER THE RECALL IT THE CARS WERE EXPOSED TO ROAD SALT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 23, 2003100,000 milesFL
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD CLUNKY NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE BROKE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 2, 200372,000 milesOH
WHEN THE VEHICLE IDLES A THUMPING NOISE IS PRODUCED. *AK
Seat Belts › Front › AnchorageCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 21, 2003NJ
PASSENGER SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK DURING AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. PASSENGER WAS INJURED, SUSTAINING A CERVICAL FRACTURE. *LA
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 2, 2003PA
I OWN A 92 FORD TAURUS WAGON LEFT TO ME BY MY NOW-DECEASED FATHER. HE HAD A RECALL DONE 3-99 FOR THE MOTOR MOUNT RECALL DONE. MY FATHER PASSED AWAY 12-99. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD A CONTINUING PROBLEM WITH THIS MOTOR MOUNT. IT IS NOW BROKEN AGAIN. IS THERE ANY WAY THIS PROBLEM CAN BE RECTIFIED. THANKS. *LA
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 10, 2003OH
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH SUB FRAME CORROSION AS STATED IN RECALL 98V323000. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 10, 2003OH
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH SUB FRAME CORROSION AS STATED IN RECALL 98V323000. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 24, 2003NC
ENGINE MOUNTS BROKE. INDEPENDENT SHOP WILL REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Sep 22, 2003137,210 milesCT
THE VEHICLE STALLED ALL AROUND TOWN BUT NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. *PH THE STALLING OCCURRED DAILY. NUMBER OF FAILURES WERE TOO NUMEROUS TO COUNT. *SCC POSSIBLE IGNITION PROBLEMS. *JB
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash2 injured
Filed Sep 12, 2003CA
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY APPLYING THE BRAKE THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL AND ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE CONSUMER FROM BEHIND. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE. THERE WERE NO FATALITIES. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *PH
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 6, 200317,000 milesMD
PROBLEMS WITH MOUNTS ON THE SUB-FRAME OF VEHICLE.*MR *TS
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › U-bolt, Leaf Spring to Axle
Filed Jul 30, 2003MA
WHILE A MECHANIC WAS INSPECTING THE VEHICLE BOTH REAR MOUNT ARE WARP AND CORRODE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
Tires › Tread/Belt1 injured
Filed Jul 26, 2003135,300 milesGA
TOYO 800 ULTRA TIRE TREAD SEPARATION-TOYO 800 ULTRA DOT CX9L 49V428 800U P205/65R15 92T. TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AT 65 MPH, CAUSING FENDER AND BODY DAMAGE TO AUTOMOBILE. PARTS OF THE TIRE HIT DRIVER SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR BREAKING MIRROR FROM MOUNTS AND HITTING DRIVER IN THE SHOULDER/FACE CAUSING MINOR CUTS AND BRUISING.*AK
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Jul 23, 200337,000 milesPA
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL AND GAS PEDAL ARE TOO CLOSE. CONSUMER HAS ACCELERATED INSTEAD OF STOPPING. AS A RESULT, CAME CLOSE TO HAVING A COLLISION. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 31, 200360,000 milesPA
ENGINE HAD HEAD GASKET/HEAD CRACKING PROBLEMS. AIR CONDITIONING REPLACED TWICE. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM REPAIRED TWICE AS A RESULT OF THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON CONSTANTLY. *TT
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 30, 200391,986 milesAZ
FORD TAURUS AXOD-E TRANSMISSION FAILED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WITH WHOLE FAMILY IN THE CAR. IT TOOK ALMOST 2 HOURS TO FINALLY HAVE THE CAR SAFELY MOVED OUT OF HARMS WAY. *AK
Structure
Filed May 19, 2003MD
THE REAR LOWER SUB FRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT EXPERIENCED STRESS CORROSION CRACKING. *NLM
Electrical System
Filed Apr 3, 2003CA
THE CONSUMER EXPRESSED HIS CONCERN OF WHAT HE/SHE FEELS TO BE UNFAIR/DISHONEST TREATMENT GIVEN BY FORD. PER INVOICE, THERE WAS AN ISSUE OR CONCERN ABOUT THE IGNITION COIL(S). THE CONSUMER REQUEST MONEY BACK. MR SCC *JB
Electrical System › Ignition › SwitchFire
Filed Mar 18, 2003146,000 milesIN
I OWN A 92 FORD TAURUS, AND RECENTLY IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE DASH BOARD...I HAVE BEEN DOING RESEARCH ON DEFECTS FOR FORD IGNITION SWITCHES...I HAVE FOUND MANY DOCUMENTS ABOUT CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS FOR OTHER OWNERS OF FORD VEHICLES FROM 1983-1995...I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS BEING A DEFECT IN MY CAR AND BELIEVE THAT FORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIRE IN MY DASHBOARD...I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS STILL POSSIBLE FOR RECALLS/DEFECTS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS. *JB
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Feb 3, 2003IL
SEAT BELT CLIP NOT WORKING. FORD COMPANY SAID THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING IT IF YOUR CAR IS OVER 50,000 MILES AND I HAVE OVER 120,000 MILES ON MY CAR. PH
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 7, 2003DC
CONSUMER IS AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE CONSUMER STATED FORD MAKES FAULTY CARS AND HIS CAR IS ONE OF THEM. THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE DID NOT GET GOOD GAS MILEAGE. THE VEHICLE HAD CONSTANT ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE SEAT WAS BROKEN, THE TIRE BLEW OUT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. *JB NAR 1/22/2003
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Flasher Unit
Filed Nov 2, 2002NY
FOR REASONS THAT HAVE PROVEN TO BE A TOTAL MYSTERY TO THE GARAGE I HAD THE PROBLEM EXAMINED AT, THE DIRECTIONALS HAVE STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. DT
Air Bags › Frontal2 injured
Filed Oct 15, 2002102,000 milesNJ
THE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED, WHICH CAUSED INJURIES TO THE CONSUMER AND OCCUPANT. MR *JB
Parking Brake › Conventional
Filed Oct 15, 2002WI
I OWN TWO TAURUS STATION WAGONS, THIS ONE AND A 1990 MODEL, BOTH PURCHASED USED. BOTH HAVE HAD TWO PROBLEMS IN COMMON. THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ON BOTH CARS HAS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. ON THE 1992 MODEL, THIS LED TO A LEAKING REAR WHEEL HYDRAULIC BRAKE CYLINDER DUE TO OVERHEATING. ON THE 1990 MODEL, I ONCE DROVE 2 HOURS ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ON. THIS LATER CAUSED THE REAR RIGHT SPINDLE TO BEND, PUTTING THE TIRE SEVERELY OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE HEAT HAD ESSENTIALLY ANNEALED AND SOFTENED THE SPINDLE. NO MECHANIC I HAVE TALKED TO HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES. BOTH BECAME UNRELIABLE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. SIMILAR MODEL CARS AT THE JUNKYARD ALSO HAD BROKEN BUCKLES. BOTH AT TIMES APPEARED TO BE BUCKLED, THEN LATER SLID OPEN. MR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 30, 2002CA
HEAD GASKET FAILED; I NOW FIND OUT THIS WAS A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH TAURUS CARS FROM THIS YEAR. MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE NOTIFVIED CONSUMERS BACK WHEN IT TOLD DEALERS OF THIS PROBLEM SO OWNERS COULD GET PREVENTIVE MEASURES TAKEN. *AK
Air Bags › Side/Window
Filed Aug 26, 2002NJ
WHEN HITTING BRAKES AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Aug 22, 2002CA
ENGINE WOULD CRANK OVER BUT NOT START---VEHICLE STALLS AT TIMES WHEN COMING TO A STOP
Complaints 1-50 of 681, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Taurus years to avoid. Owners filed 681 complaints, against about 545 for a typical Taurus year. The most common complaint is about the engine (28%).
What is the most common problem with the 1992 Ford Taurus?
The engine: 189 of the 681 complaints (28%) are about it. Owners most often say it stalls (13%), leaks oil or fluid (9%) and overheats (8%). The typical report comes at 80,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 1992 Ford Taurus have?
6 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 1992 Ford Taurus problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 101,377 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 80,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 1992 Ford Taurus?
Yes, 14 times. The latest, RQ98016 ("FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING BREAKAGE"), was opened Sep 29, 1998 and closed Jan 12, 1999.
Are there service bulletins for the 1992 Ford Taurus?
The manufacturer filed 83 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (23), the engine (14) 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
2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
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.