1993 Ford Taurus

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,557 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 8 times.

Avoid One of the Ford Taurus years to avoid: 2.9× the complaints of a typical Taurus year. Which Ford Taurus years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
105,000 milesMedian miles at failure

65 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000–200,000 miles.

Most common 1993 Ford Taurus problems

573 of the 1,557 complaints (37%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine371
120
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine125
0141
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission98
101
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs87
101
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer67
100
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights59
000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch · headlights45
000
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame44
000
Electrical System › Ignition44
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine35
010

1993 Ford Taurus engine problems

37% of all complaints

573 of the 1,557 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • leaks oil or fluid13% · 77
  • overheats12% · 66
  • smokes or smells of burning9% · 51
  • stalls8% · 45

Share of the 573 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
70,000 mi
median of 19 reports
Peak year of filing
2000
217 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 19 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
“Ford taurus heater started blowing cold air and a cloud of white smoke was coming out of the rear exhaust pipe which made it difficult to see. Limp into dealer who said the head gasket is shot which is common on the 3.8l v6 engines in fords. Mentioned to the dealer that I only had 63,890 miles on the car and he said that's when they usually start to go.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 1, 2005 at 63,890 miles
“Numerous complaints concerning leaking head gaskets. *bf the vehicle has had numerous problem with the vehicle which include the intake manifold, cooling fan, ignition wiring, coil spring failure, check engine light illuminated, alternator, head gasket and muffler. While researching the vehicle on NHTSA site the consumer discovered several recalls on the vehicle related the failures his vehicle experienced. *nm”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 18, 2004

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1993: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'931994: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine1995: 89 complaints, 10 about the engine'951996: 126 complaints, 11 about the engine1997: 105 complaints, 23 about the engine'971998: 253 complaints, 66 about the engine1999: 346 complaints, 112 about the engine'992000: 338 complaints, 217 about the engine2001: 147 complaints, 82 about the engine'012002: 62 complaints, 24 about the engine2003: 28 complaints, 11 about the engine'032004: 30 complaints, 9 about the engine2005: 8 complaints, 2 about the engine'052006: 6 complaints, 2 about the engine2007: 5 complaints, 2 about the engine'072008: 9 complaints, 2 about the engine2009: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'092010: 2 complaints, 0 about the engine2011: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'112012: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2013: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'132014: 1 complaints, 0 about the engineRecall 93V023000 (brakes)Recall 94E036000 (suspension)Recall 97V019000 (engine)Recall 97V025000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 98V009000 (headlights)Recall 98V094000 (suspension)NHTSA investigation RQ99017NHTSA investigation EA99023NHTSA investigation EA96024NHTSA investigation EA96019NHTSA investigation DP95004NHTSA investigation EA94008NHTSA investigation PE93100
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1993 Taurus peaked in 1999, with 346 filed that year. Owners had filed 22 complaints about the engine before the first recall that covers it, 97V019000 in February 1997; 551 more have come in since. In 2014 owners filed 1 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 › Springs › Coil Springs98I002000
Filed Jun 24, 1998281,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF NEW YORK, MICHIGAN, OHIO, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, INDIANA, NEW JERSEY, MAINE, CONNECTICUT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, KENTUCKY, MARYLAND, DELAWARE, AND WEST VIRGINIA. FORD IS PROVIDING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH THE YEAR 2001 FOR REPLACEMENT OF FRON TSPRINGS DUE TO FRACTURE. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN COMBINATION WITH SMALL CRACKS IN THE SPRINGS.

Risk. THE FRONT TIRE COULD DEFLATE DUE TO A BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRING CONTACTING THE TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. CUSTOMERS WITH VEHICLES THAT HAVE BROKEN SPRINGS ARE TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLE FOR SPRING REPLACEMENT. BOTH SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED EVEN IF ONLY ONE SPRING IS FRACTURED.

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs98V094000
Filed May 6, 1998281,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF NEW YORK, MICHIGAN, OHIO, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, INDIANA, NEW JERSEY, MAINE, CONNECTICUT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, KENTUCKY, MARYLAND, DELAWARE, AND WEST VIRGINIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN COMBINATION WITH SMALL CRACKS IN THE SPRINGS.

Risk. THE FRONT TIRE COULD DEFLATE DUE TO A BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRING CONTACTING THE TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING CATCHER BRACKET WHICH WILL PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM CONTACTING A TIRE.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch98V009000
Filed Jan 21, 1998506,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHTS CAN FLASH INTERMITTENTLY AS A RESULT OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING. THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS CAN GO OUT FOR BRIEF INTERVALS.

Risk. LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION CAN AFFECT A DRIVER'S ABILITY TO NAVIGATE THE ROADWAY AND REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH THAT INCORPORATES A CRICUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR AND WIRING, IF NEEDED.

Vehicle Speed Control97V025000
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.

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip93V023000
Filed Jan 4, 1993212 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CONTROLLERS DESIGNED FOR REAR WHEEL DRIVE CARS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THESE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CARS..

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY AND POSSIBLEVEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy. REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL DRIVE ABS CONTROLLER WITH A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE ABS CONTROLLER.

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. 13 name the 1993 Taurus.

FRONT SUSPENSION SPRINGRecall query RQ99017Closed
Opened Aug 9, 1999Closed Feb 16, 2000Led to recall 98V094000suspension

There is no summary currently available

WINDSHIELD WIPEREngineering analysis EA99023Closed
Opened Aug 6, 1999Closed Jun 12, 2001visibility

ODI has received 50 additional complaiints on MY 1993 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles alleging malfunction of the windshield wiper system including; intermittent or complete stoppage of wiper sweeping; inadequate sweep speed; and other general complaints of poor performace.In some cases, the owner alleges havingto leave the roadway or roll down the window and manually restart the sweeping motion of the wiper arms.Other complaints allege that the wiper sweeps too slowly at the maximum speed setting resulting in inadequate vision during heavy precipition.Some complaints allge repeated …

WINDSHIELD WIPERPreliminary evaluation PE99015Closed
Opened Feb 24, 1999Closed Aug 6, 1999visibility

Alleged that the windshield wipers fail without warning

FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILUREEngineering analysis EA97026Closed
Opened Nov 26, 1997Closed May 13, 1998suspension

Alleged the front suspension coil springs may fracture, permitting suspension collapse, possible tire puncture and the potential for compromise to vehicle safety

FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE97035Closed
Opened Jul 22, 1997Closed Nov 26, 1997suspension

Front Suspension coil springs may fracture with the vehicle in motion, posing a potential compromise to the driver's ability to control the vehicle.

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRESEngineering analysis EA96024Closed
Opened Sep 30, 1996Closed Apr 15, 1997Led to recall 97V019000engine

There is no summary currently available

HEADLIGHT FAILUREEngineering analysis EA96019Closed
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.

HEADLIGHTS FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE96018Closed
Opened Mar 5, 1996Closed Jul 31, 1996headlights

There is no summary currently available

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

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

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

113 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1993 Taurus. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 29engine 16brakes 16visibility 10electrical system 9equipment 8steering 5suspension 5
0214Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 21, 2002engine

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

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

14584Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2001engine

SUBJECT REGARDING FLEX FUEL VECHICLE OIL AND FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS. *JB

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

Showing the newest 6 of 16 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Filed Sep 12, 201465,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S HANDS BECAME STUCK TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO RELEASE THE STEERING WHEEL AND NOTICED A DARK YELLOW GLUE OR PASTE LIKE SUBSTANCE COMING OUT OF THE SEAMS OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 10/30/14*CN UPDATED 4/27/2015 *JS

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 26, 201377,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD SURPASSED THE STATUE OF LIMITATIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Nov 6, 2012160,000 milesCA

HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. FIDDLED DESPERATELY WITH THE ON/OFF SWITCH & GOT THEM TO COME BACK ON. WENT OUT SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE NEXT 30 MINUTES ... DISCOVERED TURNING OFF AND BACK ON FIXED. SUSPECTED IT HAD TO DO WITH THE HEAT. OVER THE TWO MONTH, RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER DRIVING FOR 30 MINUTES OR SO. ALSO FOUND THAT USUALLY PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE SWITCH ITSELF AND JIGGLING WOULD BRING THEM BACK, AND DISCOVERED I COULD HOLD THE HIGH BEAMS ON. FINALLY SEARCHED HERE AND FOUND 98V009000, WHICH SEEMS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM. HAVE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER ... BUT GAVE THEM RECALL 98S01 (FOUND ELSEWHERE WHEN LOOKING FOR REPLACEMENT PART WHEN I HAD DECIDED THAT IT MOST LIKELY WAS IN THE SWITCH). *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 8, 2010105,000 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH THE FRAME ON THE VEHICLE FRACTURED AND COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING HIM TO TEMPORARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRAME HAD CORRODED CAUSING IT TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Mar 1, 2010162,036 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT A WARNING. HE WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HE THEN TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS THE TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE WHERE HE NOTIFIED A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CAUSED THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 162036.

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Nov 28, 2008119,000 milesOH

I PULL IN THE DRIVEWAY IN MY 1993 FORD TAURUS. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OFF. I PULLED THE CAR IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE TO SEE HOW I COULD SHUT IT OFF. THE ENGINE STARTED TO ACCELERATE. AS IT WAS BUILDING RPM'S SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER NEATH THE CAR AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR TO LIFT THE HOOD TO PULL SOME WIRE TO DISCONNECT THE ENGINE. AS I STARED TO LIFT THE HOOD THE CAR TOOK OFF IN REVERSE AT A HIGH SPEED. IT WENT FIFTY FEET AND TURNED RIGHT HIT A ELECTRIC POLE AND SLAMMED INTO A HOUSE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control › Cables
Filed Oct 3, 200886,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THROUGH THE TOLL PLAZA, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT EXITED OFF THE INTERSTATE AND APPROACHED A TRAFFIC LIGHT THIRTY SECONDS LATER. SHE NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CABLE TO THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS STUCK. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD NEVER USED THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED HER TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, IT WAS ALREADY BEING REPAIRED BY HER MECHANIC. THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS STUCK WHICH CAUSED THE THROTTLE TO SATY OPEN. UPDATED 11/19/08. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Jul 29, 200859,630 milesFL

I BOUGHT MY 1993 FORD TAURUS 3 MONTHS AGO..IT HAS 59K ON IT...ONE WEEK AFTER BUYING IT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON..WHEN I APPROACHED THE DEALERSHIP THERE COMMENT WAS.."WELL THINGS GO WRONG DAILY WITH USED CARS..I DRIVE THE CAR FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES THEN THE LIGHT WILL COME ON. I HAVE CHANGED ALL THE SENSORS..HAD A TUNE UP..RADIATOR FLUSH..JUST TO MENTION A FEW THINGS...HAD NEW MOTOR MOUNTS PUT IN TOO..ALL OF WHICH HAS COST ME WELL OVER 700.00...I CALLED FORD WHEN I NOTICED THEY HAD A RECALL ON THE ELECTRICAL IN WHICH I WAS INFORMED THEY WOULDN'T DO A THING..I CAN ONLY DRIVE THIS CAR FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME BEFORE THE ENGINE STARTS SMELLING HOT..THOUGH WITH THE NEW THERMOSTAT IT NEVER REGISTERS ITS OVER HEATING..TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HAD A COMPUTER CHECK DONE..BUT WOULDN'T U KNOW LIGHT WOULDN'T COME ON SINCE IT WAS JUST SITTING. SEEMS IT ONLY COMES ON WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD..AGAIN TOLD THE DEALERSHIP...THEY KEEP SAYING MUST BE A CENSOR..WHICH SEEMS TO ME THEY KNEW THIS WHEN THE CAR WAS SOLD TO ME..YET DIDN'T DISCLOSE THAT PART..WHEN I PURCHASED IT. I WAS SOLD A LEMON..AND FORD WILL NOT HONOR THERE RECALLS ON IT..SO SEEMS IM DOOMED..IM ON DISABILITY AND CANT AFFORD ALL THESE REPAIRS BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE.. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Jul 9, 2008150,000 milesWI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS AND STRUTS FAILED AND THE SWAY BAR WAS DAMAGED. PRIOR TO THIS INFORMATION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT END WAS LOWER THAN NORMAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98I002000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS) WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jun 4, 200842,988 milesFL

THERE ARE ALOT OF RECALLS ON MY CAR AND NO ONE WILL HELP ME. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed May 16, 200859,963 milesFL

THE HEAT FROM THE ENGINE COMES INSIDE MY CAR...MAKING IT HOTTER ON THE INSIDE THAN OUTSIDE..DRIVING IT YESTERDAY THE A/C FAN FROZE UP CAUSING IT TO SMOKE AND WAS UNDRIVABLE. JUST HAD IT IN FOR A MAJOR TUNE UP A WEEK AGO YET STILL THIS PROBLEMS OCCURS.. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Apr 26, 200896,000 milesWI

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE RIGHT SIDE SPRING BROKE. I PARKED THE CAR AND IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS I REPLACED THE WHOLE STRUT . WHEN I WAS DONE I TOOK IT FOR A RIDE AND WENT ABOUT TWO BLOCKS AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SPRING BROKE. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Jan 16, 2008106,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. THE FRONT SUSPENSION FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE COIL SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V094000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 8, 2008113,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE SUBFRAME OF THE REAR CORNERS FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE STEERING TO LOCK AND NEARLY RESULTED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS) IN 1999. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT PROVIDED ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 113,000.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Nov 20, 2007157,815 milesIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED TO THE LEFT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000) AND REFERRED HIM TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ACCESS THE RECALL. AS OF NOVEMBER 20, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 157,815.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Sep 24, 2007192,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED RAPIDLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH FAILED AND THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V009000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 192,000. *UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire
Filed Jun 28, 2007170,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. ON MAY 30, 2007, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE CONTACT NOTICED BLACK SMOKE RISING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, WHICH LED TO THE VEHICLE BEING ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE LOT WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED SUSTAINED DAMAGE AS WELL AS THE ITEMS THAT WERE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES AND CAN OBTAIN A COPY OF THE SHERIFF'S REPORT. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 170,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 8, 200770,000 milesOH

1993 HEAD GASKET WENT BAD WITH ONLY 70,000 MILES

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Apr 26, 200770,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. THE VEHICLE RECEIVEDE RECALL REGARDING THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO DIM FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE, BUT FORD STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 130,000, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 29, 200663,890 milesIL

BLOWN HEAD GASKET ON 1993 FORD TAURUS WITH 3.8L ENGINE WITH 63,890 MILES. TOTAL REPAIR $2008.12. *JB

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Aug 22, 2006OH

1993 FORD TAURUS LEFT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. *TS *JB

Tires
Filed Aug 22, 2006OH

2003 FORD TAURUS BLEW A TIRE AND BOUNCED ACROSS THE MEDIAN INTO WESTBOUND TRAFFIC. *KB *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 12, 2006WA

CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING 1993 TAURUS ENGINE PROBLEMS. *TS *JB

Air Bags › FrontalCrash2 injured
Filed Feb 27, 200693,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MULTI CAR CRASH AT 30 MPH IN ICY CONDITIONS; HOWEVER THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY NUMEROUS OTHER VEHICLES AND THE VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED ON THE ENTIRE FRONT END, PASSENGER'S SIDE DOORS AND DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR. INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED TO THE DRIVER TO THE CHEST FROM IMPACTING THE STEERING WHEEL AND KNEES HITTING THE DASH. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, A COLLAPSED RIGHT LUNG AND SEVERAL BROKEN RIBS FROM IMPACTING THE DASH BOARD. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. THE POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE AND MADE A WRITTEN REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND DEEMED TOTALED. UPDATED 03/280/6. *JB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 27, 2006PA

SUBFRAME WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION DROPPED OUT WHILE DIVING. STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT. CAR WAS PULLED OFF ROAD WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. RECALL ITEMS WHICH WERE REPLACED IN 1999 HAD FAILED AGAIN. FORD TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR SECOND FAILURE.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 23, 2005107,000 milesKY

HEAD GASKET FAILED ON 1993 FORD TAURUS GL, 3.8L. THIS DEFECT IS PREVALENT IN THE MAJORITY OF AUTOMOBILES MANUFACTURED WITH THIS ENGINE. *JB

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Nov 19, 2005134,730 milesNY

RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON LOCAL ROAD. HAD IT REPAIRED AT LOCAL NEARBY SERVICE STATION. RIGHT TIE ROD WAS RUINED TOO. THIS SPRING HAD BEEN REPLACED BY THE FORD DEALER AS PART OF A SAFETY RECALL IN 1998. *NM

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Nov 19, 2005148,683 milesNY

LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD TO BE TOWED TO LOCAL SERVICE STATION. BROKEN SPRING COULD NOT BE REMOVED WITHOUT PUNCTURING LEFT FRONT TIRE. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THIS SPRING HAD BEEN REPLACED BY THE FORD DEALER AS PART OF A SAFETY RECALL IN 1998. MY RIGHT SPRING FROM THIS RECALL ALSO FAILED THE YEAR BEFORE. SEE COMPLAINT WITH INCIDENT DATE 6/9/2003. *NM

Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Jun 17, 2005WA

I RECENTLY READ AN ARTICLE ABOUT SPONTANEOUS FIRES IN FORD MODELS ON CNN. I USED TO HAVE A FORD TAURUS WHICH CAUGHT ON FIRE. LUCKILY WE PUT IT OUT BEFORE IT GOT VERY LARGE BUT THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS BURNT AND IT WAS UNREPAIRABLE.

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module1 injured
Filed May 31, 2005136,200 milesCA

HIT DIP (ROAD DEFECT) 04/26/05; DRIVER'S-SIDE AIRBAG (FROM STEERING WHEEL) DEPLOYED. THOUGHT CAR ABOUT TO CATCH ON FIRE (THAT AIRBAG POWDER WAS SMOKE); QUICKLY EXITED CAR, THEN REALIZED SITUATION. SUSTAINED AIRBAG BURNS - LOWER FACE/CHIN, ALL ACROSS CHEST/BREASTS; RIGHT HAND BRUISED, SWOLLEN BETWEEN 2ND & 3RD KNUCKLES. *NO* DAMAGE TO CAR, OTHER THAN AIRBAG DEPLOYING. MY OPINION REGARDING AIRBAGS SHIFTED 180 DEGREES; JUST WANT MY CAR'S AIRBAGS DISABLED, BUT TOLD THAT'S ILLEGAL (AT LEAST IN CA). SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DRIVE AFRAID OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT & INJURY OR EVEN DEATH, WITHOUT ANY SAY IN THE MATTER. AS I UNDERSTAND IT, AIRBAGS DESIGNED TO PROTECT 220-LB. _MAN_ IN FRONT-END COLLISION, RE-ENGINEERED AFTER 1ST GENERATION TO DEPLOY WITH MORE FORCE BECAUSE _NON-SEAT-BELT-WEARERS_ INJURED. I _ALWAYS_ WEAR SEAT BELT IN CAR (CA LAW); SINCE RELATIVELY SHORT (5'5"), DIRECTLY IN LINE OF DRIVER'S-SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT); LIGHTWEIGHT (125 LBS.) -- NOWHERE NEAR 220 LBS. EXTREMELY LUCKY NO OTHER CARS AROUND WHEN INCIDENT OCCURRED; ELSE UNNECESSARY AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT: DEPLOYMENT (EXPLOSION) AND RESULTANT POWDER SHOCKED ME & OBSCURED VISION. PER MOTOR SPORTS DIGEST ([email protected]), FOR PROFESSIONAL/SKILLED RACE CAR DRIVERS: - "... SHOWROOM STOCK CLASSES ... USE THE SAME KIND OF CARS WE ALL DRIVE EVERY DAY, ONLY THEY _REMOVE_ THE AIR BAG FOR SAFETY!" AT RACING SPEEDS, WITH SAFETY PARAMOUNT -- YET RACERS REALIZE AIRBAGS ARE DANGEROUS. - "... IT['S] STRANGE WHY PEOPLE

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 23, 2005LA

WHILE BEING PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 6-8 HOURS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 30, 200594,000 milesOH

THE CAR STARTED STALLING. THE CAR JUST STOPPED WORKING. IT HAS ALSO ALMOST CAUSED US TO GET HIT WHEN IT STALLS OUT AND WHEN IT WAS ABOUT TO GO OUT WE ALOMOST CAUSED SOME ACCIDENTS. WE HAFT TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE IT IS CRACKED. EVERYONE HAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS OUT OF TAURUS.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 1, 200563,890 milesIL

FORD TAURUS HEATER STARTED BLOWING COLD AIR AND A CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE REAR EXHAUST PIPE WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE. LIMP INTO DEALER WHO SAID THE HEAD GASKET IS SHOT WHICH IS COMMON ON THE 3.8L V6 ENGINES IN FORDS. MENTIONED TO THE DEALER THAT I ONLY HAD 63,890 MILES ON THE CAR AND HE SAID THAT'S WHEN THEY USUALLY START TO GO. PAID TOTAL OF $2008.12 FOR REPAIR INCLUDING NEW RADIATOR WHICH THEY SAID I NOW NEED AFTER PUTTING IT ALL BACK TOGETHER BECAUSE THE CAR WAS LEAKING COOLANT WHICH IT HAD NOT BEFORE I GOT CAR HOME AFTER BEING ALL FIXED AND IT WAS LEAKING COOLANT. RETURNED BACK TO FORD AND THEY FORGOT TO TIGHTEN A HOSE. I BELIEVE THE ORGINAL RADIATOR WAS FINE THE HOSE WAS NOT TIGHTENED ENOUGH IN THE FIRST PLACE. *JB

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Nov 15, 2004140,000 milesME

DRIVERS SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURE 1993 FORD TAURUS. *AK

Child Seat › Tether › Strap/Webbing
Filed Nov 1, 2004MA

EVENFLO CAR SEAT HARNESS ADJUSTER STRAP DIFFICULT TO ADJUST WEATHER THE CSS IS OCCUIED OR OCCUPEID. CSS INSTALLED FORWARD FACING, BACK SEAT, CENTER WITH LAP BELT. *BF *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 18, 2004IL

NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS CONCERNING LEAKING HEAD GASKETS. *BF THE VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE WHICH INCLUDE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, COOLING FAN, IGNITION WIRING, COIL SPRING FAILURE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, ALTERNATOR, HEAD GASKET AND MUFFLER. WHILE RESEARCHING THE VEHICLE ON NHTSA SITE THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED SEVERAL RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE RELATED THE FAILURES HIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 7, 2004CA

WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 13, 2004CA

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH CONSUMER SAW SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO A BODY SHOP FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPLACED IT. THREE YEARS LATER WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO A BODY SHOP FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A HEAD GASKET BLOW OUT. *AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Aug 12, 200463,000 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS CUT INTO THE TIRE AND CAUSED A TIRE BLOWOUT. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. *AK RECALL# 98I002000. THE CONSUMER'S SON WAS DRIVING WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AND ASSUMED THAT THE TIRE WAS THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE OTHER SIDE BLEW OUT. THE SERVICE DEALER FOUND THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS HAD BROKEN AND HAD CUT INTO THE TIRES. LATER, A TRUSTED MECHANIC OF THE CONSUMER'S FOUND THAT THE SPRING CATCHER BRACKET THAT WAS INSTALLED BY FORD HAD FAILED TO PREVENT THE BROKEN SPRING FROM PUNCTURING THE TIRE. (THE STOP GAG MEASURE DID NOT WORK PROPERLY TO RECTIFY THE DEFECTIVE COILS) *SC *JB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 16, 2004143,145 milesFL

IN JULY OF 2000 I HAD RECALL WORK DONE ON MY CAR, A 1993 FORD TAURUS. THE RECALL WAS TO PREVENT A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENGINE SUB FRAME. THE RECALL WAS TSB #98S36. ON JULY 15, 2004 I EXPERIENCED THAT MAJOR FAILURE OF THE ENGINE SUB FRAME, LOOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS LOSS OF CONTROL WAS DUE TO THE SUBFRAME PLATE CORROSION THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE PREVENTED BY THE RECALL 98S36. I GOT THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER (GREENWAY FORD, ORLANDO FL.). THEY REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE IT HAD BEEN DONE ONCE. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH NO RESULTS. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT A RECALL FOR A CORRODING PLATE SHOULD BE A ONE TIME PERMANET FIX. IF RECALL WORK CANNOT BE DONE TWICE, THEN A SECOND RECALL IS IN ORDER. *AK

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 15, 2004186,000 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER STOPPED THE VEHICLE, LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE WAS SITTING SIDEWAYS. A MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS DAMAGED.*AK *JB

Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
Filed Jun 29, 2004PA

CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY THE DOUGHNUT SPARE TIRE BLEW OUT. AS RESULT, THE LEFT REAR WINDOW BROKE. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 14, 200454,000 milesCT

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE ACCELERATES. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK IN THE LAST 5 MONTHS THE CONSUMER HAS HAD 2 NEAR ACCIDENT IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE FORD DEALER OFFERED NO INFORMATION THAT WAS HELPFUL, THEREFORE THE CONSUMER CONTACTED A SERVICE STATION WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 3, 2004FL

THE DASHBOARD IS LEAKING AN UNKNOWN RESIDUE, LIKE CHEWING GUM, OVER THE BRAKE PEDALAND GOT STUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SHOE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *NM

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 14, 2004192,000 milesCA

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUBFRAME CORROSION. ALSO, THE BOLT THAT ATTACHED THE MOUNT TO THE SUBFRAME WAS MISSING. A RECALL WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 19, 2004190,000 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING FRAMES SEPARATED ON DRIVER'S SIDE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 17, 2004124,211 milesCO

THE VEHICLE EMITTED WHITE SMOKE, STEAM AND LOTS OF COOLANT VIA TAIL PIPE. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 12, 2004102 milesCO

VEHICLE WAS PULLED INTO THE CARPORT FROM CONSUMER'S HOME. THE GEAR WAS PUT IN PARK AND VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED THREE TIMES. DEALER CLAIMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE.*AK

Electrical System › Horn
Filed Mar 8, 2004IL

THE HORN NOR THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS WORKED IN THE STEERING WHEEL HUB. *PH CONSUMER FELT THAT THERE'S NO NEED TO FIX THE PROBLEM AT ONCE EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SUCH AN INCONVENIENCE ON HIS BEHALF. AFTER TEN MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP OF VEHICLE PURCHASED FROM E-BAY, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO REPAIR FACILITY TO HAVE STEERING CONTROLS FIXED. MECHANIC CALLED CONSUMER AND WAS INFORMED THAT AIR BAG HAD BEEN REMOVED FROM STEERING WHEEL HUB AND REPLACED WITH FOAM TO SIMULATE THE SHAPE OF THE AIR BAG. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO HAVE AIR BAG INSTALLED INTO STEERING WHEEL HUB ALONG WITH THE REPAIRS ON HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL. CONSUMER NOW ASKING IF IT'S AGAINST FLORIDA OR FEDERAL LAW TO SELL A CAR WITH THE AIR BAG EITHER UNIONIZATION OR INOPERATIVE AND NOT INFORM THE BUYER. *LA

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Feb 11, 200454,000 milesIL

HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED ON AND OFF. THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY EVERY TWENTY MINUTES. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 1,557, 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
1993 — this page1,5578493Fatalities reported
19926816212Fatalities reported
19916495210High concern
19903818230High concern

Compare every Taurus year →

1993 Ford Taurus: questions buyers ask

Is the 1993 Ford Taurus a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Taurus years to avoid: owners filed 1,557 complaints, 2.9 times as many as a typical Taurus year. The most common complaint is about the engine (37%).

What is the most common problem with the 1993 Ford Taurus?

The engine: 573 of the 1,557 complaints (37%) are about it. Owners most often say it leaks oil or fluid (13%), overheats (12%) and smokes or smells of burning (9%). The typical report comes at 70,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1993 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 1993 Ford Taurus problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 105,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 70,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1993 Ford Taurus?

Yes, 13 times. The latest, RQ99017 ("FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING"), was opened Aug 9, 1999 and closed Feb 16, 2000.

Are there service bulletins for the 1993 Ford Taurus?

The manufacturer filed 113 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (29), the engine (16) and the brakes (16). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

3 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.