Owners have filed 13 complaints
about the 1994 Ford Taurus SHO with NHTSA between 2001 and 2010.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 29
Against the median year of the Ford Taurus SHO. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
69.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1994 compares with every other Ford Taurus SHO
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1994 Ford Taurus SHO
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Acceleration & Cruise Control
646.2%
1 crashes, 3 fires · median 145,000 mi
Brakes
215.4%
Median failure at 134,000 miles
Electrical System
215.4%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Other & Unspecified
17.7%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 110,000 mi
Airbags
17.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 180,000 mi
Engine & Cooling
17.7%
Median failure at 36,600 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
116.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
350.0%
150,000+ miles
233.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2001peak 2Apr 2010
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 180,000 milesRedmond, CACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1994 FORD TAURUS SHO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE; IT SLID SIDEWAYS AND THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLICE, ROLLED APPROXIMATELY EIGHT TIMES AND CRASHED INTO THE LIGHT POLE AGAIN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT AND A PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND HOSPITAL REPORTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. UPDATED 07/08/10 *BF UPDATED 07/09/10.*JB UPDATED 07/22/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS THE THROTTLE CABLE. UPDATED 07/26/10
NHTSA complaint #10327620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesRedmond, CACrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1994 FORD TAURUS SHO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE; IT SLID SIDEWAYS AND THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLICE, ROLLED APPROXIMATELY EIGHT TIMES AND CRASHED INTO THE LIGHT POLE AGAIN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT AND A PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND HOSPITAL REPORTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. UPDATED 07/08/10 *BF UPDATED 07/09/10.*JB UPDATED 07/22/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS THE THROTTLE CABLE. UPDATED 07/26/10
NHTSA complaint #10327620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shaker Heights, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
1994 FORD TAURUS CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE DESTROYING THE VEHICLE. CUSTOMER STATES THAT FORD SHOULD GIVE HER HOWEVER MUCH MONEY THE CAR IS WORTH. SHE STATES THERE WAS A INCIDENT REPORT INDICATING THE FAULTY EQUIPMENT. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HAS INCIDENT REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INDICATING THE FIRE ORIGINATING IN THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10205005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesBelchertown, MAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON DECEMBER 26TH 2002 OUR 1994 FORD SHO CAUGHT FIRE IN OUR GARAGE WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF. WE RECENTLY GOT A NOTICE IN THE MAIL STATING THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE WARNING OF A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. THANKS FOR THE WARNING FORD. A LITTLE TOO LATE. WE WERE OUT OF OUR HOUSE FOR OVER 6 MONTHS.
NHTSA complaint #10203685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shaker HTS, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
I JUST RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY 1994 FORD TAURUS INDICATING THAT A DEFECTIVE PART MAY CAUSE AN ENGINE FIRE. MY ENGINE DID CATCH FIRE IN JULY, 2005 AND THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I NEED TO KNOW IF I AM ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION FOR THE VALUE OF THE CAR ($2000) OR WHO I SHOULD CONTACT.
NHTSA complaint #10203220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Center, NDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1994 FORD TAURUS SHO. CAR WAS SITTING IDLE NOT RUNNING FOR HOURS AND SUDDENLY STARTED ON FIRE. APPROXIMENTLY 1 MONTH BEFORE THIS THE CRUISE CONTROL JUST STOPPED WORKING. ALL WIRING IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND THE MOTOR IS NON REPAIRABLE. THE FIRE WAS FROM UNDER THE HOOD, DRIVERS SIDE, NEAR THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT STARTED BEHIND THE FIREWALL. I HAVE SEEN ON THE NEWS AND HEARD ON THE RADIO THAT A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS DAMAGE. MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAVE CALLED 1-888-327-4236, AND THEY SAY THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALLS ON IT. WHY, MAY I ASK, WOULD IT HAVE BEEN ON THE NEWS AND RADIO IF THERE WERE TO BE NO RECALLS? MY CAR IS STILL SETTING WHERE THE FIRE TOOK PLACE. I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR SOME KIND OF ANSWER INVOLVING THIS ISSUE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO TRY TO FIX IT, MANY HAVE LOOKED AT IT AND SAID "YOU KNOW THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS MAKE AND YEAR, CHECK INTO IT". SO I AM FILING A COMPLAINT, HOPING I CAN GET SOME ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS. THANK YOU....
NHTSA complaint #10127352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 180,000 milesRedmond, CACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1994 FORD TAURUS SHO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE; IT SLID SIDEWAYS AND THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLICE, ROLLED APPROXIMATELY EIGHT TIMES AND CRASHED INTO THE LIGHT POLE AGAIN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT AND A PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND HOSPITAL REPORTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. UPDATED 07/08/10 *BF UPDATED 07/09/10.*JB UPDATED 07/22/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS THE THROTTLE CABLE. UPDATED 07/26/10
NHTSA complaint #10327620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesRedmond, CACrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1994 FORD TAURUS SHO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE; IT SLID SIDEWAYS AND THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLICE, ROLLED APPROXIMATELY EIGHT TIMES AND CRASHED INTO THE LIGHT POLE AGAIN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT AND A PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND HOSPITAL REPORTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. UPDATED 07/08/10 *BF UPDATED 07/09/10.*JB UPDATED 07/22/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS THE THROTTLE CABLE. UPDATED 07/26/10
NHTSA complaint #10327620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shaker Heights, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
1994 FORD TAURUS CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE DESTROYING THE VEHICLE. CUSTOMER STATES THAT FORD SHOULD GIVE HER HOWEVER MUCH MONEY THE CAR IS WORTH. SHE STATES THERE WAS A INCIDENT REPORT INDICATING THE FAULTY EQUIPMENT. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HAS INCIDENT REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INDICATING THE FIRE ORIGINATING IN THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10205005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesBelchertown, MAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON DECEMBER 26TH 2002 OUR 1994 FORD SHO CAUGHT FIRE IN OUR GARAGE WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF. WE RECENTLY GOT A NOTICE IN THE MAIL STATING THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE WARNING OF A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. THANKS FOR THE WARNING FORD. A LITTLE TOO LATE. WE WERE OUT OF OUR HOUSE FOR OVER 6 MONTHS.
NHTSA complaint #10203685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shaker HTS, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
I JUST RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY 1994 FORD TAURUS INDICATING THAT A DEFECTIVE PART MAY CAUSE AN ENGINE FIRE. MY ENGINE DID CATCH FIRE IN JULY, 2005 AND THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I NEED TO KNOW IF I AM ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION FOR THE VALUE OF THE CAR ($2000) OR WHO I SHOULD CONTACT.
NHTSA complaint #10203220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesSlingerlands, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
DURING A PANIC STOP IN MY 1994 FORD TAURUS SHO I EXPERIENCED A HYDRAULIC FAILURE IN MY BRAKES. THIS WAS DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION OF THE STEEL BRAKE LINES. I CAME WITHIN 6 INCHES OF REAR ENDING ANOTHER CAR. I REPLACED BRAKE LINES FROM THE AREA WHERE IT WAS SOUND BACK TO THE REAR BRAKES. THE FORWARD LINES PROBABLY SHOULD ALSO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10176779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,600 milesSalem, NH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
FORDS RECALL OF THEIR 3.8 V6 MOTOR IS A TRAVESTY THAT THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH IT! THEY KNEW THE MOTOR WAS BAD, PUT OUT A RECALL WITH A MILEAGE LIMIT (100,000), BUT THEN ALSO A TIME LIMIT (7 YEARS)! HOW ABOUT A CAR THAT IS NOT DRIVEN THE 100K, AND GETS THE PROBLEM? THE ASSUMPTION IS THAT IF ONE GOES 100K, THEN THEY GOT SOME VALUE OUT OF IT! THEREFORE FORD DID THEIR JOB! BUT WHEN ONE PAYS GOOD MONEY FOR THEIR SCREW UP, AND THE PROBLEM HAPPENS, AND DID NOT DO 100K, THEN THE PURCHASER DID NOT GET SOME VALUE OUT OF IT! FORD SHOULD STICK TO THE 100K, AND NOT THE TIME LIMIT! THE SOB'S HAVE ONCE AGAIN, GOTTEN AWAY WITH A LAZYASS DESIGN, AND WERE ABLE TO THROW A LAME EXCUSE AND GET AWAY WITH IT! I'D LIKE TO KNOW, WHO AND HOW TO SUE! SOME HAVE HAD SUCCESS, AND I'D LIKE TO KNOW HOW THEY DID!
NHTSA complaint #10145697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT FUNCTION, BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK, COULD NOT GET CAR OUT OF PARK, #1 -15 AMP FUSE KEPT BURNING OUT. CAR HAS HAD THESE PROBLEMS FOR 1 YEAR. FUSE WOULD SOMETIME BURN OUT OTHER TIMES WOULD WORK FINE. DRAINED BATTERY. BOUGHT NEW BATTERY, REPLACED SPEED CONTROL SWITCH THAT GOES ON THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. CAUSE OF FAILURE. BRAKE FLUID LEEKED INTO SWITCH. FOUND PROBLEM WHEN CHECKING TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY EXCESSIVE AMPS BEING PULLED FROM BATTERY, THE SWITCH WAS SMOKING.
NHTSA complaint #10133682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT FUNCTION, BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK, COULD NOT GET CAR OUT OF PARK, #1 -15 AMP FUSE KEPT BURNING OUT. CAR HAS HAD THESE PROBLEMS FOR 1 YEAR. FUSE WOULD SOMETIME BURN OUT OTHER TIMES WOULD WORK FINE. DRAINED BATTERY. BOUGHT NEW BATTERY, REPLACED SPEED CONTROL SWITCH THAT GOES ON THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. CAUSE OF FAILURE. BRAKE FLUID LEEKED INTO SWITCH. FOUND PROBLEM WHEN CHECKING TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY EXCESSIVE AMPS BEING PULLED FROM BATTERY, THE SWITCH WAS SMOKING.
NHTSA complaint #10133682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Center, NDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1994 FORD TAURUS SHO. CAR WAS SITTING IDLE NOT RUNNING FOR HOURS AND SUDDENLY STARTED ON FIRE. APPROXIMENTLY 1 MONTH BEFORE THIS THE CRUISE CONTROL JUST STOPPED WORKING. ALL WIRING IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND THE MOTOR IS NON REPAIRABLE. THE FIRE WAS FROM UNDER THE HOOD, DRIVERS SIDE, NEAR THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT STARTED BEHIND THE FIREWALL. I HAVE SEEN ON THE NEWS AND HEARD ON THE RADIO THAT A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS DAMAGE. MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAVE CALLED 1-888-327-4236, AND THEY SAY THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALLS ON IT. WHY, MAY I ASK, WOULD IT HAVE BEEN ON THE NEWS AND RADIO IF THERE WERE TO BE NO RECALLS? MY CAR IS STILL SETTING WHERE THE FIRE TOOK PLACE. I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR SOME KIND OF ANSWER INVOLVING THIS ISSUE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO TRY TO FIX IT, MANY HAVE LOOKED AT IT AND SAID "YOU KNOW THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS MAKE AND YEAR, CHECK INTO IT". SO I AM FILING A COMPLAINT, HOPING I CAN GET SOME ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS. THANK YOU....
NHTSA complaint #10127352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesFT Lauderdale, FLFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY 1994 FORD TAURAS SHO SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE LAST TUESDAY NIGHT. I NOTED THAT THIS VEHICLE IS ONE LISTED AS HAVING THE SAME CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH THAT HAS STARTED FIRES IN OTHER VEHICLES, MANY OF WHICH HAVE BEEN RECALLED. THE CAR WAS IN TORONTO AND FIVE FIRE TRUCKS ATTENDED THE FIRE. ACCORDING TO POLICE, NO BYSTANDERS WERE HURT ONLY BECAUSE MY SON GOT IT OFF A BUSY STREET ONTO A QUIET SIDE STREET. THE VEHICLE IS A WRITE OFF. IF I HAD AN EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND IT TO, I COULD SEND YOU A PICTURE.
NHTSA complaint #10125732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
ONE DAY THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPS TO THE FLOOR WHEN COMING TO A STOP. BRAKES PUMP UP OK. BLEED BRAKES WHEN I GET HOME, THEY'RE SOFTER THAN USUAL BUT STOP FINE. NOTICE SMOKE COMING FROM WINDSHIELD WIPER AREA AT A STOP ABOUT A WEEK LATER. OPEN HOOD, I DON'T SEE ANY VISUAL DAMAGE, SMOKE IS GONE BY THE TIME I CHECK.. 2 DAYS LATER BRAKE PEDAL DROPS TO THE FLOOR, DOESN'T PUMP UP. BLEEDING DOESN'T HELP, PEDAL STAYS SOFT. I NOTICE SOMETHING THAT LOOKS LIKE A SWITCH OR SENSOR THAT SCREWS INTO THE BOTTOM OF THE MASTER CYLINDER. IT'S WET AND WHEN I FEEL IT I CAN TELL IT'S BRAKE FLUID. I TRY TO PULL OFF THE CONNECTOR BUT IT SNAPS OFF, I NOTICE THAT IT'S BEEN ON FIRE OR HAS BEEN VERY HOT. I CHECK WITH THE DEALER AND IT'S CALLED A HYDRAULIC DISCONNECT SWITCH, IT DISENGAGES THE SPEED CONTROL WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE BRAKES. APPARENTLY IT STARTED LEAKING AND THAT'S THE FIRST TIME I LOST THE PEDAL. APPARENTLY WHEN I NOTICED THE SMOKE IS THE TIME THE CONNECTOR BECAME VERY HOT OR WAS ON FIRE, BECAUSE THE HYDRAULIC SWITCH LEAKED AND ALLOWED BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK ONTO THE CONNECTOR. I ORDERED A SWITCH BUT IT'S ON NATIONAL BACK-ORDER. I STILL HAVE THE CHARRED SWITCH AND CAN CUT OFF THE CONNECTOR IF IT NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED.
NHTSA complaint #758544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES STALLING DUE TO A FAULTY IGNITION MODULE, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN STALLING DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A MODULE BECAUSE IT IS NOT AVAILABLE IN ST. LOUIS. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #558473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.