1994 Ford Taurus

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 923 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 5 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
95,858 milesMedian miles at failure

66 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 1994 Ford Taurus problems

257 of the 923 complaints (28%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission169
201
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine152
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine49
130
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame37
001
Electrical System › Ignition31
112
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration28
535
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine24
000
Power Train · transmission20
000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch · headlights20
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags20
18011

1994 Ford Taurus engine problems

28% of all complaints

257 of the 923 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • overheats14% · 36
  • leaks oil or fluid13% · 34
  • stalls10% · 26
  • smokes or smells of burning7% · 18

Share of the 257 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
85,000 mi
median of 17 reports
Peak year of filing
1999
77 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 4 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
“Tl*the contact owns a 1994 FORD taurus. While driving 30 MPH, the subframe on the vehicle dropped. The contact lost complete control of the steering. The vehicle is currently at an auto shop and the mechanic stated that the subframe dropped. The estimated repair cost was $1,000. Nhtsa campaign id number 98v323000 (structure:frame and members) was referenced.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 17, 2008 at 103,000 miles
“The vehicle was recalled because of overheating and head gasket failure. The same problem emerged again, less than four years since repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and there was no response. *ak the vehicle continued losing antifreeze. *sc *jb”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 19, 2004 at 47,502 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1994: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'941995: 44 complaints, 2 about the engine1996: 40 complaints, 4 about the engine1997: 74 complaints, 11 about the engine1998: 130 complaints, 17 about the engine'981999: 223 complaints, 77 about the engine2000: 165 complaints, 67 about the engine2001: 98 complaints, 37 about the engine2002: 53 complaints, 18 about the engine'022003: 28 complaints, 11 about the engine2004: 27 complaints, 7 about the engine2005: 11 complaints, 2 about the engine2006: 3 complaints, 0 about the engine'062007: 4 complaints, 0 about the engine2008: 4 complaints, 2 about the engine2009: 4 complaints, 0 about the engine2010: 5 complaints, 0 about the engine'102011: 3 complaints, 0 about the engine2012: 1 complaints, 1 about the engine2013: 3 complaints, 1 about the engine2014: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'142015: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2016: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine2017: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2018: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'18Recall 94E036000 (suspension)Recall 97V019000 (engine)Recall 97V025000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 98V009000 (headlights)Recall 98V323000 (body and frame)NHTSA investigation RQ99017NHTSA investigation EA96024NHTSA investigation EA96019
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1994 Taurus peaked in 1999, with 223 filed that year. Owners had filed 7 complaints about the engine before the first recall that covers it, 97V019000 in February 1997; 250 more have come in since. In 2018 owners filed 1 so far.

5 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.

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.

All 5 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. 4 name the 1994 Taurus.

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

There is no summary currently available

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.

Technical service bulletins

116 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1994 Taurus. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 34engine 24brakes 13electrical system 8equipment 8visibility 7fuel system 5steering 4
00M09Warranty extensionJan 1, 2001engine

INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINE REPLACEMENTS WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM. *YH

00M10Warranty extensionJan 1, 2001engine

INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINE REPLACEMENTS WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM. *YH

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

00M09Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 1, 2000engine

INFORMATION REGARDING PREMATURE FAILURE OF HEAD GASKETS. *JB

Showing the newest 6 of 24 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 1, 201870,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHTS GO OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN COME BACK ON IT HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN STOPS HAPPENING

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 25, 2017127,000 milesMT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING AND THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V009000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 30, 2015110,540 milesCA

AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES ON/OFF FREQUENTLY. DEFECTIVE SENSOR IS SUSPECTED. PART IS UNAVAILABLE. A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. NOT SURE IF THERE WAS A RECALL PRIOR TO PURCHASE OR CHANGE OUT OF PARTS. *TR

Power Train
Filed Nov 7, 201395,858 milesFL

THE CAR WHEN LEAVING A STOP ACTS LIKE ITS IN NEUTRAL THEN CATCHES AND LEAPS FORWARD. FORD USED A CHEAP FORWARD CLUTCH PISTON. *TR

Power Train
Filed May 22, 201385,000 milesMN

AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A WHILE AND APPROACHES A STOP, IT "DE-CLUTCHES" AND EITHER FAILS TO SHIFT INTO GEAR, WHEN PUSHING GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE OR IT THEN SHIFTS HARD DURING TAKE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE IS 85,000. MANUFACTURE HAS SUPPOSEDLY SENT OUT TSB FOR REVISED FORWARD CLUTCH PISTON #9837. FORD HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN'S 91-5-7, 92-1-4,92-26A-6, 93-9-11 AND 94-24-7 WHICH EVEN TELLS THE DEALERS TO USE A STEEL PISTON AND NOT TO USE THE ALUMINUM PISTON AND IF THEY HAVE ANY IN STOCK TO RETURN THEM TO THE PARTS DEPOT FOR CREDIT. *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 9, 201388,000 milesVA

I JUST GOT OFF THE TELEPHONE WITH FORD CORP., ~ I HAVE INHERITED A 1994 TAURUS FROM MY GRANDMOTHER, WHO TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF IT AND IT ONLY HAS 88,000 ORIGINAL MILES ~ THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING, THE HEAD GASKET BLEW & THE EXHAUST STARTED POURING OUT THICK SMOKE, I WAS ABLE TO GET TO A SAFE LOCATION IMMEDIATELY, BUT I LOOK UNDER THE CAR AND THERE WERE ALL DIFFERENT COLOR FLUIDS COMING OUT. BACK IN 1999 THERE WAS A LETTER SENT TO MR. WILLIAM CLAY FORD RELATING TO THIS ISSUE ~ A VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN SO WELL KEPT AND NOT EVEN HAVE PASSED 100K MILES... THIS MALFUNCTION OF FORD, SHOULD BE FIXED AND HONORED AT ALL COSTS AND NOW I AM LOOKING AT A BILL OF $2300.00 TO GET THIS FIXED ~ WHEN IF IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BUILT RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING THIS ISSUE WOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. I AM ASKING FOR HELP OF PROGRAM 98M01 ~ THIS EXTENSION IS MANDATORY FOR I AM A SINGLE MOTHER / DRIVER OF A FORD VEHICLE ~ IT'S THE AMERICAN WAY...... RIGHT???? MR. WILLIAM CLAY FORD ~ GET ME BACK INTO A SAFE VEHICLE. *TR

Engine
Filed Sep 18, 2012155,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND BOTH THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION COLLAPSED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 93V106000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS) AND CONTACTED THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY FILED A COMPLAINT ON THE CONTACT'S BEHALF. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 11, 2011120,000 milesCA

CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR FIVE DAYS WITHOUT USE. ABOUT 9:00AM I MOVED THE CAR AND PARKED IT IN THE STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEM OF ANY KIND. ABOUT 45 MIN. LATER I WAS ALERTED TO THE SOUND OF A CAR HORN AND FOUND THE FORDS HORN WAS HONKING. WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR TO ATTEMPT TO PULL THE LEVER TO OPEN THE HOOD THERE WAS SMOKE IN THE CAR AND A SMALL FLAME ON THE LEFT LOWER CORNER OF THE CASH. I WENT TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PHONED 911, WAS GONE MAYBE 30 SECONDS AND WHEN I RETURNED THE DASH WAS FULLY AFLAME. I THEN DRAGGED MY HOSE OUT AND BY THE TIME @45 SECONDS LATER I GOT THE WATER ON, THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WAS FULLY ENGULFED. AFTER ABOUT 7 MIN. OF ME PUTTING WATER ON THE FIRE AND IT ABOUT 90% OUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP AND FINISHED PUTTING IT OUT. THE ONLY PROBLEMS THE CAR HAD BEFORE WAS THE INTERIOR LIGHTS HAD QUIT WORKING FROM THE DOOR IN JULY BUT STILL WORKED FROM THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO THE FUSE THAT FED THE RADIO AMONG OTHER THINGS HAD BLOWN BUT WHEN REPLACED WITH THE SAME 15AMP FUSE ALL HAD BEEN OK. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 4, 2011130,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL POP NOISE. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE CRADLE BOLT WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THE FAILURE AND ORDERED THE PART NEEDED FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS) AND ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 9/20/11 *CN UPDATED 10/11/11

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 26, 2011WI

THE FRONT LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT DROPPED. THERE WAS LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE FRONT CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWED THE FRONT CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 29, 2010190,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWER THAN USUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE FRAME THAT CAUSED THE REAR SUSPENSION TO LOWER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO MADE A CLUNKING SOUND. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STRUTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 23, 201075,000 milesNH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH HE HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND SHUT OFF. UPON EXAMINATION HE NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75,000.

Fuel System, GasolineCrash
Filed Sep 9, 2010MN

THE FUEL PUMP, AND TRANSMISSION FOR THE 1994 FORD TAURUS GL 3.0 V6. BUCKS AND KICKS ALOT. EVEN AFTER FIXED. EVEN IF YOU AREN'T STEPPING ON THE GAS IT GETS A DELAYED REACTION SOMETIMES AND STILL KICKS OR BUCKS A LITTLE BUT WHILE COASTING. A RESULT COULD BE DAMAGING PROPERTY, AND POSSIBLE CRASHES THAT CANNOT BE AVOID IF A SUDDEN STOP WAS NEEDED AND THE CAR DOES BUCK AND KICK. *TR

Structure
Filed Apr 12, 2010140,000 milesOR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND THE CONTACT OBSERVED WHILE THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED WATER LEAKED ONTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A TRANMISSION DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Service Brakes, Electric
Filed Feb 28, 2010VA

IT'S NOT GEARED TO ANY MANUFACTURE BECAUSE ALL THE VEHICLES I HAVE DRIVEN WORK THE SAME WAY. THIS PERTAINING TO CRUISE CONTROL. THEIR IS ONLY TWO WAYS TO SHUT IT OFF. THE ONE WAY YOU SHUT IT OFF IS TO HIT THE BRAKES LIKE IF YOU HAVE STOP FAST TO AVOID A ACCIDENT. BUT THE PROBLEM IS IF THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSE IS BLOWN IT WILL NOT SHUT OFF THE CRUISE AND YOU ARE FIGHTING THE BRAKE WITH THE ENGINE REVVING AT A HIGHER RATE LIKE HIGHWAY SPEED. THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN BRING IT OFF CRUISE IS MANUALLY SHUT IT OFF THROUGH THE ON AND OFF SWITCH. NOW AT AVOIDING A ACCIDENT THE FIRST THING YOU DO HIT THE BRAKE I DON'T I THINK MOST PEOPLE WOULD SHUT IT OFF MANUALLY AT THE TIME OF A ACCIDENT WHEN THEIR UNDER PRESSURE OF A ACCIDENT AND HAVE TIME TO THE BURN OUT FUSE CAN HAPPEN FROM A SHORT THAT HAPPENS WITHIN THE VEHICLE ELECTRIC OR A SHORT IN A THE TOWING OBJECT. THIS HAPPENED YEARS AGO WITH ME BUT WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH THROTTLE THAT HAS HAPPEN RECENT MADE ME THINK ABOUT WHAT HAPPEN TO ME. AND AGAIN THIS IS NOT GEARED TO ANY CERTAIN MANUFACTURE I HAVE HAD FORD TO GM. *TR

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Jun 1, 200960 milesMA

BROKEN DRIVERS COIL SPRING. *TR

Suspension
Filed Jun 1, 200965,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. SINCE APPROXIMATELY THE MIDDLE OF 2003, THE COIL SPRING HAS FAILED. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION EVER SINCE THAT TIME. HE LOCATED RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 6/15/09 *CN THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE STRUT COIL. UPDATED 06/16/09.*JB

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Mar 20, 2009205,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR BECAUSE THE HARNESS BURNED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY $100 TO REPAIR THE HARNESS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE HARNESS WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 205,000.

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Jan 13, 2009123,000 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) IN LATE DECEMBER OF 2008. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THE VEHICLE TO BE DESTROYED AND WOULD NOT INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE COMPLETE COVERAGE. THE FIRE AND POLICE REPORT NUMBERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 123,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 22, 2008109,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH STATE INSPECTION AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR ENGINE MOUNT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS); HOWEVER, THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE RECALL IN THEIR SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. UPDATED 10/07/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/10/08. *JB

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Apr 17, 2008MN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS FIRST DEPRESSED. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME OF THE ENGINE MOUNT WAS CORRODED. THE PURCHASE DATE, SPEED, AND MILEAGE INFORMATION WERE UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 5/6/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER FURTHER DISCUSSION WITH THEY HAVE AGREED TO REPAIR THIS VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL AND REPAIRS ARE NOW COMPLETE. UPDATED 05/06/08 *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan
Filed Mar 17, 2008103,000 milesSC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE SUBFRAME ON THE VEHICLE DROPPED. THE CONTACT LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT AN AUTO SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME DROPPED. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WAS $1,000. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS) WAS REFERENCED. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN FAILED TWO MONTHS AGO, AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. THE REPAIR COST WAS $400. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V019000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WAS REFERENCED. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE STRUTS ON HIS VEHICLE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 943036000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT: SHOCK ABSORBER) WAS REFERENCED. THE REPAIR COST WAS $300. THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT, AND THE COST FOR THE REPAIR WAS $1,500. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 103,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 24, 2008107,000 milesIL

HEAD GASKET FAILURE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Oct 1, 2007209,000 milesAZ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH AND THE FIRE FUSED THE WIRING HARNESS. IN AUGUST OF 2007, SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO CALL HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT SHE NEEDED TO PROVIDE HER VEHICLE INFORMATION TO OPEN AN INVESTIGATION. THE CONTACT HAS YET TO PROVIDE THE REQUESTED DOCUMENTATION. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 209,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 4, 200796,000 milesOR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A WHILE AND APPROACHES A STOP, IT "DE-CLUTCHES" AND EITHER FAILS TO SHIFT INTO GEAR OR SHIFTS HARD DURING TAKE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 96,000.

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Aug 30, 200790,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. TWO MONTHS AFTER THE FIRE, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 90,000.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Mar 26, 200762,053 milesMS

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE 1994 FORD TAURUS WITH 62053 ACCELERATED WHILE THE CONTACTS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE DASHBOARD LIGHT ALSO FLICKERED ONCE, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,153.*AK UPDATE *4/16TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 31, 2006129,000 milesMN

MY CAR SHAKES WHEN I DRIVE AND JERKS VERY BADLY WHEN YOU PUT ON THE BRAKES. I JUST PUT NEW PADS ON THE FRONT AND THAT'S WHERE IT'S SHAKING FROM. IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS GONNA FALL APART. *NM

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Feb 17, 2006CA

RECALL 98V009000 HEADLAMP FLASH INTERMITTENTLY MY 94 FORD TAURUS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FORD OASIS SYSTEM IN REGARDS TO FACTORY RECALL ENDING ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED 2 MONTHS BEFORE MINE . YOUR RECALL GOES FROM 93 TO 95 FORD VEHICLES. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Jan 19, 2006100,000 milesOR

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE EXTERIOR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY WORK. THE LIGHTS GO OUT FOR BRIEF INTERVALS. THE LIGHTS HAD TO BE TURNED ON MANUALLY USING THE SWITCH RATHER THAN AUTOMATICALLY ILLUMINATING WHEN THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 98V009000, REGARDING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. *NM

Suspension › Front › Macpherson Strut
Filed Dec 16, 2005WI

DT: THE CONTACT STATES VEHICLE VIBRATED. SHE TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS BROKE AND RUBBED ON THE TIRES. THE COIL SPRINGS AND TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE STRUTS AND STRUT PLATES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. *AK UPDATED 01/11/06. *JB

Electrical System › WiringFire1 injured
Filed Oct 31, 2005157,000 milesPA

DT: CONTACT STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD THE CHARACTERISTICALLY OF A FORD RECALL, BUT IT WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. THE SAFETY DEFECT WAS THE ELECTRICAL HOUSING CAN FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO SPARK, AND THERE WAS A LOT OF SMOKE WITHIN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE, INCLUDING RADIATOR ELECTRICAL MOTOR, ENGINE COOLING FAN MODULE, AND CYLINDER HEAD GASKET. SHE WAS NOT ALERTED OF ANY OF THESE RECALLS, AND SHE PAID FOR REPAIRS FOR ALL OF THEM OUT OF POCKET. ONCE SHE CONTACTED FORD, SHE WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE OUT OF DATE AND SHE COULD NOT BE REIMBURSED. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 21, 2005MA

DT: THE CONTACT STATED FORD HAD A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THE ENGINE HEAD GASKETS. THERE WAS A LIMITATION ON THIS RECALL, SEVEN YEARS OR 100,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED ON OCTOBER 19, 2005 HE NOTICED WATER COMING FROM THE TAIL PIPE. ALSO, THE VEHICLE LEAKED COOLANT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND HE DETERMINED THE HEAD GASKETS WERE BLOWN. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Oct 6, 2005111,000 milesNJ

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS 1994 FORD TAURUS GL. THE FRONT END OF CAR WAS GOING TO THE LEFT AND SOMETIMES WHEN SHE TURNED THE WHEEL THERE WAS TIGHTNESS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, AND HE TOLD HER HE COULD NOT ALIGN THE FRONT END BECAUSE ONE OF THE BOLTS WAS MISSING. THE BOLT HAS TO DO WITH KEEPING THE CAR STRAIGHT. THE CAR WAS SUPPOSE TO HAVE TWO OF THE BOLTS. RECALL 98V323000 WAS ISSUED ON THIS ITEM. SHE CALLED FORD, AND WAS TOLD THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Oct 5, 2005NJ

DT: NOTICED ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2005, AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES THE HEADLIGHTS FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS RECALL 98V009000, FOR THE SAME THING. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THERE NO FOREWARNING AND NO NOISE. CONTACTED THE DEALER THEY SAID THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, AND L THAT THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE IT FIXED. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 30, 2005IL

DT: 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE FELT AS THOUGH SOMEONE HAD REAR ENDED IT. THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE IT KICKED INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, AND WAS DETERMINED IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE AUTOMATIC CLUTCH PISTON. THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. WHEN THE CONSUMER CALLED FORD, THEY STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE PROBLEM STARTED AROUND THE MIDDLE OF JULY. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE SINCE THEN. IT OCCURRED AT LEAST 12 TIMES. *AK *JB

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Aug 5, 2005NY

DT: THE VEHICLE BEGAN PERFORMING POORLY THEN STARTED SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE POLICE ARRIVED BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. *AK *NM THE VEHICLE WAS ACTING SLUGGISH PRIOR TO THE FIRE

Structure › Frame and Members1 injured
Filed Jul 13, 2005140,000 milesNJ

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE. RECALL # 98V323000. THE WASHER CORRODED. THE CONSUMER SAID THE INCIDENT HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT. THE CONSUMERS WIFE HIT HER HEAD BUT SHE WAS NOT HURT VERY BAD. DEALER STATED IT WAS THE RECALL PROBLEM BUT THE MANUFACTURER SAID IT WAS NOT THE RECALL. DEALER WILL NOT FIX IT WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION FROM MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 27, 20059,524 milesKS

DT: THE VEHICLE HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE DYING. THE ENGINE BLEW A HEAD GASKET. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED, AND THE NEW ENGINE ALSO BLEW OUT AT 97,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING A FLUCTUATION IN TEMPERATURE. THEN , FORD WAS CONTACTED, AND FORD SAID THEY COULD NOT HELP. *AK *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Linkages
Filed Jun 3, 2005105,000 milesMA

DT: WITHOUT WARNING CALLER EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND RACING OF ENGINE. WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL. CALLER TURNED CAR OFF AND BACK ON, AND IT STILL ACCELERATED. CALLER GOT UNDER HOOD AND PLAYED WITH THE THROTTLE LINKAGE. AFTER THAT IT WORKED OKAY. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CALLED YET. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF SUCH A THING.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jan 19, 200580,000 milesPA

THE HEADLIGHTS GO OFF AND COME BACK ON BY THEMSELVES. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE LIGHTS TURN OFF. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT IT MAY BE A SHORT IN THE HEADLIGHT WIRING SYSTEM. *TC

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 3, 2004ME

RECALL FOR 1994 FORD TAURUS, RECALL WAS NEVER IMPLEMENTED. *BF RECALL#98V323000. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED BUT IT WASN'T. *SC *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Oct 22, 2004150,000 milesPA

RECASLL 98V009000 CONCERNING HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT BREAKER. HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLASH INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AT NIGHT. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT T VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 15, 2004NV

WHILE SHIFTING AND WHILE DRIVING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 15, 2004148,000 milesNV

WHILE SHIFTING,THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE GEAR WOULD SHIFT ERRATIC WHILE ENGAGING. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 21, 200464,000 milesGA

TRANSMISSION HAD BEGIN TO FAIL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. ALL OF THE SUDDEN ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING WITH MY WIFE AND SON AND CAR BEGAN TO LUNGE BACK AND FORTH. AND AS I HAD GOTTEN THIS LOOKED AT I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING FROM A PROFESSIONAL IN HAWAII. I THEN PAID OVER 1 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO GET THE TRANSMISSION FIXED. NOT EVEN A YEAR LATER AND LESS THAN 30,OOO MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO AT UP AGAIN. CAME BACK TO THE STATES HAD SOMEONE LOOK AT IT AND AGAIN I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. THIS IS NOT SUPPOSE TO BE HAPPENING. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO GET THIS FIXED. MY WIFE WON'T EVEN DRIVE THE CAR IN FEAR OF LEAVING HER STRANDED. I KNOW THAT FORD WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THE PROBLEM ON THIS PARTICULAR CAR.*AK

Suspension
Filed Sep 16, 2004146,000 milesAZ

OWNER SAYS THAT THE STRUT BLEW OUT DUE TO THE KNUCKLE BEING BENT AND THE BOLT WILL NOT GO BACK IN IT. THE KNUCKLE IS CAST IRON AND THE DEALER IS REFUSING TO LOOK AT THE PROBLEM AND DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM TO ASSIST THE OWNER. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

Suspension › Front
Filed Sep 2, 200471,000 milesPA

FORD TAURUS GL 1994. V6-182 3.0L. FRONT SPRING BREAKAGE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING ERRATIC STEERING MALFUNCTION AND FAILURE. TIRE PUNCTURED AS A RESULT. PRIOR TO BREAKAGE, THERE WERE 3 WEEKS WHEN NOISE CAME FROM THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE WHEN STEERING, TURNING, OR HITTING A BUMP. STRUT ALSO BROKEN AWAY FROM THE CAR AND STRUT WAS DESTROYED, POSSIBLY CONTRIBUTING TO TIRE PUNCTURE. SHOCK ABSORPTION MALFUNCTION. PERHAPS CONTRIBUTING TO THE PROBLEMS ARE STRUCTURAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING UNDER CARRIAGE AND DUST BACKING PLATES ALMOST TOTALLY DESTROYED FROM SALT WATER CORROSION. AN ACCIDENT OCCURED WHILE DRIVING, AND ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS WERE THEN DIAGNOSED AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR GARAGE. REPAIRS FOR THE STRUT, COIL, RE-ALIGNMENT AFTER ACCIDENT, TIRE, AND SHOCK ABSORPTION SYSTEM FOR THE FRONT OF THE CAR ALONE WERE $708, NOT INCLUDING ANY REPAIRS FOR THE DESTROYED, CORRODED UNDERCARRIAGE AND DUST BACKING PLATES.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 19, 200447,502 milesIL

THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED BECAUSE OF OVERHEATING AND HEAD GASKET FAILURE. THE SAME PROBLEM EMERGED AGAIN, LESS THAN FOUR YEARS SINCE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. *AK THE VEHICLE CONTINUED LOSING ANTIFREEZE. *SC *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Jul 30, 2004969,467 milesFL

THE SWITCH FOR THE HEADLIGHTS MELTED AND NEARLY CAUSED A FIRE. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT A FIRE WAS IMMINENT IF THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. *NM *SC *JB

Complaints 1-50 of 923, 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
1994 — this page9235233Fatalities reported
19931,5578493Fatalities reported
19926816212Fatalities reported
19916495210High concern
19903818230High concern

Compare every Taurus year →

1994 Ford Taurus: questions buyers ask

Is the 1994 Ford Taurus a good car?

It is not among the Taurus years to avoid. Owners filed 923 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 1994 Ford Taurus?

The engine: 257 of the 923 complaints (28%) are about it. Owners most often say it overheats (14%), leaks oil or fluid (13%) and stalls (10%). The typical report comes at 85,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1994 Ford Taurus have?

5 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 1994 Ford Taurus problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 95,858 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 85,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1994 Ford Taurus?

Yes, 4 times. The latest, RQ99017 ("FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING"), was opened Aug 9, 1999 and closed Feb 16, 2000.

Are there service bulletins for the 1994 Ford Taurus?

The manufacturer filed 116 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (34), the engine (24) and the brakes (13). They include a warranty extension, 00M09, filed Jan 1, 2001. 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.