FaultScore

1991 Ford Taurus acceleration problems

27 of the 946 complaints about the 1991 Ford Taurus are about the throttle and cruise control — 3% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 57,321 miles.

F

27

Complaints

7

Crashes

0

Fires

3

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Vehicle Speed Control 17 63.0%
Accelerator Pedal 5 18.5%
Cruise Control 2 7.4%
Cables 2 7.4%
Linkages 1 3.7%

Acceleration & Cruise Control across every Ford Taurus year

1987 15 0.7%
1988 16 0.8%
1989 23 1.1%
1990 31 1.5%
1991 27 1.3%
1992 51 2.4%
1993 58 2.8%
1994 63 3.0%
1995 88 4.2%
1996 43 2.0%
1997 58 2.8%
1998 113 5.4%
1999 113 5.4%
2000 90 4.3%
2001 100 4.7%
2002 77 3.7%
2003 90 4.3%
2004 166 7.9%
2005 541 25.7%
2006 181 8.6%
2007 55 2.6%
2008 32 1.5%
2009 10 0.5%
2010 25 1.2%
2011 15 0.7%
2013 18 0.9%
2015 10 0.5%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 89,163 miles Kingwood, TX Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MY 1991 NON SHO FORD TAURUS WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR 1 DAY. I WALKED OUT TO MY CAR IN THE EARLY MORNING TO TAKE IT TO WORK. I PUT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND SHIFTED THE CAR INTO REVERSE. IT WAS AT THIS MOMENT, THAT THE CAR ACCELERATED AND I ENDED UP GOING IN REVERSE DOWN THE STREET WITHOUT BRAKES AT A VERY RAPID SPEED. I CAME TO A JARRING STOP AFTER I IMPACTED A CAR THAT WAS PARKED ON THE STREET. BRAKES WERE SQUISHY AND NON-FUNCTIONING. THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO STOP BY MECHANICAL MEANS. THE CAR ACCELERATED TO 45 MILES AN HOUR. THE CAR IS NOW TOTALED AND IS VISUALLY COMPLETELY WRECKED. I EXPERIENCED WHIPLASH AND IF THE CAR WAS NOT IN THE STREET THAT MORNING, I WOULD HAVE SMASHED INTO A HOUSE, POSSIBLY KILLING SOMEONE OR MYSELF IN THE PROCESS. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED.

NHTSA complaint #10482512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 25,480 miles Sarasota, FL Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BUMPER WAS PARTIALLY OUT OF THE GARAGE. HE DROVE APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH, TO CLEAR THE GARAGE DOOR DID NOT TOUCH ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THERE WAS $5,000 IN DAMAGES TO VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 25,480.

NHTSA complaint #10318082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Neherrin, VA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

AFTER MAKING A STOP WHEN DEPRESSING GAS PEDAL TO GAIN SPEED VEHICLE WOULD NOT TRAVEL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #895277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lucerne, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, THE DEALER REPLACED THE CV JOINTS AND BOOTS, HOWEVER THIS DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *SLC

NHTSA complaint #557892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Homewood, IL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

AMPLIFIER FOR CRUISE CONTROL HAS BECAME DEFECTIVE, CAUSING GAS PEDAL TO STICK TO FLOOR AT VARIOUS TIMES UNEXPECTEDLY. CONSUMER MUST SHUTDOWN VEHICLE, AND TURN OFF THE IGINTION TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. ONCE VEHICLE IS RESTARTED PEDAL WILL RELEASE ITSELF. DEALER DISCONNECTED THE AMPLIFIER AND CRUISE CONTROL ELECTRICAL AND VACUUM BOX.

NHTSA complaint #869252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Homewood, IL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

AMPLIFIER FOR CRUISE CONTROL HAS BECAME DEFECTIVE, CAUSING GAS PEDAL TO STICK TO FLOOR AT VARIOUS TIMES UNEXPECTEDLY. CONSUMER MUST SHUTDOWN VEHICLE, AND TURN OFF THE IGINTION TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. ONCE VEHICLE IS RESTARTED PEDAL WILL RELEASE ITSELF. DEALER DISCONNECTED THE AMPLIFIER AND CRUISE CONTROL ELECTRICAL AND VACUUM BOX.

NHTSA complaint #869252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Temple, GA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TRANSMISSION AT A STOP RUMBLES CAR TREMENDOUSLY AND CAUSES ENGINE TO RACE THEN AS GAS IS APPLIED , CAR SLIPS THEN TAKES OFF, THEN COMES OUT OF GEAR. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM .PLEASE INFORM ME IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS CARS TRAMISSION.ON THE LIST OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR, THERE SEEMS TO BE MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #724117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Troy, MI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

EFC RESET THROTTLE FAILED. NLM

NHTSA complaint #550008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hemet, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

IDLE SPEED CONTROL VALVE BROKE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO REV UP TO A HIGH SPEED, BREAKING FRONT MOTOR MOUNT, HITTING INSIDE OF HOOD AND DENTING IT.

NHTSA complaint #852011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Harvey, LA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE MOTOR IS RACING. ALSO, THERE IS SOME KNOCKING AND RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. WHEN SHIFTING GEARS THERE IS A LOUD NOISE. CONSUMER HAD THE SUBFRAME REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #851687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Parker, CO

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65MPH, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 85 MPH, AND KEPT GOING UNTIL THE OCCUPANT HAD TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO STOP IT. DEALER DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #845121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Alhambra, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND COMING OFF THE FREEWAY RPM'S WON'T GO DOWN ,AND VEHICLE WENT UP TO HIGH SPEED. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND BRAKES WERE HARDENGINE KEPT ON RACING HIGH. CONSUMER HAD TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO STOP TENGINE FROM RACING HIGH ,AND TO BRING VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP.

NHTSA complaint #838942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Anoke, MN

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY IN CRUISE CONTROL AND CAR WENT INTO FULL THROTTLE BY ITSELF, COULDN'T GET THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF. MANUFACTURER CONTACTED, AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. REPAIRS AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. PROBLEM OCCURRED TWICE. *AK

NHTSA complaint #833628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Portsmith, VA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

WHEN STEPPING DOWN ON GAS PEDAL THE MOTOR RAISES UP IN FRONT AND ROLLS BACKWARDS. MOTOR MOUNTS ARE LIQUID FILLED AND HAVE A DEFECT. DEALER CONTACTED, REPLACED NEW BOLT. REPAIRS WOULD BE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE DUE TO NO WARRANTY. *AK.ET.

NHTSA complaint #833144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Troy, IL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

CRUISE CONTROL FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #538913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Irvine, CA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, PRESSED THE BRAKE AND PUT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE, AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, RESULTING IN A CRASH. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint #825337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dana Point, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

WHILE DRIVING ACCELERATOR CABLE BROKE, CAUSING ENGINE RUNAWAY AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #821153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Toledo, OH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY THE ACCELERATOR STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE KEPT GOING . CONSUMER TRIED HITTING THE BRAKES AND THEY WOULDN'T WORK. THE VEHICLE KEP PICKING UP SPEED AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HAD TO KEEP HITTING THE GAS PEDAL HARD WITH FOOT IN ORDER FOR IT TO UNSTICK, AND THEN COULD USE THE BRAKES.

NHTSA complaint #814027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Forks, WA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

VALVE ASSEMBLY THROTTLE REPLACED DUE TO NOISE WHEN IDLING/ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. *SKD

NHTSA complaint #484424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Plai, NJ Crash 2 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

GAS PEDAL BECAME STUCK DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING OF HAND BRAKE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURIES.

NHTSA complaint #486152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kings Park, NY Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE WAS PARKED, PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE, VEHICLE WENT OPEN THROTTLE POSITION, HITTING A TREE, IMPACT 11:00, POSITION SPEED 80 MPH. TT

NHTSA complaint #968976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westminster, CO

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE DRIVING, SUDDENLY ENGINE SURGED, WHEN PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, THEN THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN AT 90-100MPH, BRAKES SEEMED INEFFECTIVE IN STOPPING VEHICLE. TT

NHTSA complaint #965646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oakland, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATED, RESULTING IN HITTING A POLE, REPAIR IDLER AND INSTALL A SENSOR TO NO AVAIL. TT

NHTSA complaint #964866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Winton, CA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE ACCELERATED AFTER OWNER HEARD WEIRD THUMP SOUND. OWNER COULDN'T CONTROL RPMS WHICH THEN SHE JUMPED OUT OF VEHICLE. TT

NHTSA complaint #964856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elgin, 00 Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN IN REVERSE GEAR, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *SKD

NHTSA complaint #481970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ridgewood, NJ

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

ACCELERATOR CABLE BROKE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *SKD

NHTSA complaint #480140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roseville, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SHIFT HARD/JUMP.

NHTSA complaint #480879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 1991 Ford Taurus problems

← Full 1991 Ford Taurus report