FaultScore report
Owners have filed 2,206 complaints about the 1993 Ford Taurus with NHTSA between 1995 and 2014. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 27 worst.
FaultScore 68/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Taurus.
How this is worked out2,206
Complaints
80
Crashes reported
58
Fires reported
58
Injuries reported
3 complaints report a death.
96,750 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
10%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
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.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
1 crashes, 0 fires
Median failure at 42,988 miles
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
| Configuration | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 Ford Taurus 4-DR. | — | — | — | — |
| 1993 Ford Taurus 4-DR. Wagon | — | — | — | — |
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.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING
WINDSHIELD WIPER
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 wip...
WINDSHIELD WIPER
ALLEGED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WITHOUT WARNING
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILURE
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 FAILURE
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 FIRES
HEADLIGHT FAILURE
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 CONTIN...
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
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.
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Steering
On certain vehicles located in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador, the lower sub frame mount plate nut may corrode and fail due to exposure to road salt. This could result in loss of structural integrity of the subframe mount attachment. Detachment of the body mounts at the rear corners of the sub frame which supports the engine and transmission, allows the rear corners of the sub frame to drop. Should both rear corners drop, steering control would be adversely affected. Correction: Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plate and plate nuts.
Suspension
NOTE: VEHICLES SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ONTARIO, QUEBEC, AND THE ATLANTIC PROVINCES. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN COMBINATION WITH SMALL TRANSVERSE CRACKS IN THE SPRINGS. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR TIRE DEFLATION FROM INTERACTION OF A BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRING AND THE TIRE. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: A SPRING CATCHER BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM CONTACTING A TIRE.
Lights And Instruments
THE HEADLIGHTS MAY FLASH INTERMITTENTLY AS A RESULT OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING DUE TO OVERHEATING. EXTENDED CYCLING OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER COULD RESULT IN LONGER AND MORE FREQUENT LIGHT OUTAGES. LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION COULD POTENTIALLY AFFECT A DRIVER'S ABILITY TO NAVIGATE THE ROADWAY. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH INCORPORATING A REVISED DESIGN CIRCUIT BREAKER AND, IF REQUIRED, A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR AND WIRING WILL BE INSTALLED.
Electrical
VEHICLES WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES THAT WERE INVOLVED IN SAFETY RECALL 95S22 (95-202) WERE MODIFIED WITH A MAXI-FUSE THAT DOES NOT PROVIDE THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PROTECTION FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ALSO, BECAUSE A SIMILAR MAXI-FUSE CIRCUIT WAS USED ON CERTAIN 1994-95 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES, THESE VEHICLES WILL BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. CORRECTION: A FUSED WIRING HARNESS THAT PROVIDES THE REQUIRED LEVEL OF PROTECTION WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Engine
DIRECT WATER SPRAY OR LONG TERM WET DRIVING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE WATER TO ACCUMULATE IN THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT. UNDER COLD CONDITIONS THIS WATER COULD FREEZE AND PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. THIS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT DRIVER CONTROL AND CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: MOISTURE WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CABLE CONDUIT AND A BOOT WILL BE ADDED TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE TO PREVENT WATER ENTRY.
Electrical
NOTE: 1992-94 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINES; 1994-95 TAURUS/SABLE (EXCEPT SHO) WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINES; 1992-93 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES; 1992-94 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MAY BECOME FROZEN IN PLACE BY SNOW, ICE OR SLUSH. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE COOLING FAN IS ACTIVATED, EITHER AUTOMATICALLY TO REDUCE COOLANT TEMPERATURE OR WHEN THE DEFROSTER IS TURNED ON, THE COOLING FAN WILL NOT ROTATE AND CAN OVERHEAT. THIS CAN DAMAGE THE FAN MOTOR, FAN, FAN WIRING AND SHROUD WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SMOKE OR A FIRE TO RESULT. CORRECTION: IN SOME CASES, THE FUSE FOR THE COOLING FAN CIRCUIT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SMALLER FUSE. IN OTHER CASES, A JUMPER HARNESS WITH DEDICATED CIRCUIT PROTECTION FOR THE COOLING FAN WILL BE INSTALLED.
Structure
On certain vehicles with 3.0 Litre and 3.8 Litre engines, the body mounts on the rear corners of the subframe which supports the engine and transmission may become detached due to corrosion of the rear lower mount retaining plates, allowing the rear corners of the subframe to drop. Should this occur, steering could become very difficult, thereby adversely affecting vehicle control. Correction: modified lower body mounts and attaching bolts will be installed on affected vehicles.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10250042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10194836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10151291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10125574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
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 (MSD@STIC.NET), 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 CAN'T REALIZE THAT WHAT CAN KILL A SMALL CHILD WILL AT LEAST INJURE AN ADULT!" [ I AGREE] - "... MECHANICS AND INSTALLERS ARE ALL WARNED OF THE DANGERS OF THE AIR BAG.... TOUCHING THE WRONG WIRE WHILE THEIR HEAD IS UNDER THE DASH CAN CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS AT THE VERY LEAST IF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYS." (LOCAL FORD DEALER REQUIRES $324.00 TO HOOK UP, RUN AIRBAG SIMULATOR BEFORE RE-INSTALLING AIRBAG (WHICH I DIDN'T WANT ANYWAY!) TO INSURE MECHANIC'S SAFETY.)
NHTSA complaint #10122475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 (MSD@STIC.NET), 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 CAN'T REALIZE THAT WHAT CAN KILL A SMALL CHILD WILL AT LEAST INJURE AN ADULT!" [ I AGREE] - "... MECHANICS AND INSTALLERS ARE ALL WARNED OF THE DANGERS OF THE AIR BAG.... TOUCHING THE WRONG WIRE WHILE THEIR HEAD IS UNDER THE DASH CAN CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS AT THE VERY LEAST IF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYS." (LOCAL FORD DEALER REQUIRES $324.00 TO HOOK UP, RUN AIRBAG SIMULATOR BEFORE RE-INSTALLING AIRBAG (WHICH I DIDN'T WANT ANYWAY!) TO INSURE MECHANIC'S SAFETY.)
NHTSA complaint #10122475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
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
NHTSA complaint #10632773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10537234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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).
NHTSA complaint #10483504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
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).
NHTSA complaint #10483504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10369643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
NHTSA complaint #10315193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10250042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10244315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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..
NHTSA complaint #10236203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10233620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THERE ARE ALOT OF RECALLS ON MY CAR AND NO ONE WILL HELP ME.
NHTSA complaint #10229979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
THERE ARE ALOT OF RECALLS ON MY CAR AND NO ONE WILL HELP ME.
NHTSA complaint #10229979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
THERE ARE ALOT OF RECALLS ON MY CAR AND NO ONE WILL HELP ME.
NHTSA complaint #10229979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THERE ARE ALOT OF RECALLS ON MY CAR AND NO ONE WILL HELP ME.
NHTSA complaint #10229979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THERE ARE ALOT OF RECALLS ON MY CAR AND NO ONE WILL HELP ME.
NHTSA complaint #10229979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
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..
NHTSA complaint #10227978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10225773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10215092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10214209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10209515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
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
NHTSA complaint #10204003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10194836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1993 HEAD GASKET WENT BAD WITH ONLY 70,000 MILES
NHTSA complaint #10192798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10188946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10188946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.