Owners have filed 1,132 complaints
about the 1996 Ford Taurus with NHTSA between 1995 and 2016.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 27 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 — 77
Against the median year of the Ford Taurus. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 68
13.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 7
4% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
32.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
54.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1311.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4135.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3631.0%
150,000+ miles
1815.5%
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.
Oct 1995peak 38Jan 2016
Recalls on the 1996 Ford Taurus
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.
United States — NHTSA
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
98V067000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER FORD SERVICE BULLETIN 97-17-9 FROM AUGUST 1997 THROUGH DECEMBER 1997. THESE VEHICLES WERE INADVERTENLY EQUIPPED WITH AN 18-GALLON FUEL TANK RATHER THAN THE 16-GALLON AS SPECIFIED. THE 18-GALLON TANK HAS A SECOND VALVE LOCATION WHERE A SHIPPING PLUG SHOULD BE INSTALLED.
Risk: IF THIS SHIPPING PLUG IS DISPLACED, FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE.
96V176000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARK PAWL SHAFT MAY NOT BE FREE TO ROTATE AS INTENDED. IF THE PARK PAWL SHAFT DOES NOT ROTATE, IT WOULD PREVENT THE PARK PAWL FROM ENGAGING THE PARK GEAR WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS IN THE PARK POSITION.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS IF IN NEUTRAL WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE PARK POSITION.
96V166000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK.
Risk: UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
96V151000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR LOCATED ON THE FUEL RAIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAS A VACUUM DIAPHRAGM THAT WAS DAMAGED DURING MANUFACTURE OF THE REGULATOR.
Risk: IF THE DIAPHRAGM TEARS OR RUPTURES, LIQUID FUEL COULD ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD PLENUM THROUGH THE VACUUM LINE RESULTING IN EITHER RELEASE OF FUEL FROM THE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY OR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. FUEL RELEASE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE.
96V086000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WAS IMPROPERLY POSITIONED WHEN THE ROLL PIN THAT RETAINS IT WAS INSTALLED DURING TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY. IF THE SHAFT WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONED, THE ROLL PIN MAY NOT HAVE LINED UP WITH THE GROOVE IN THE SHAFT AND HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AT ASSEMBLY. ALSO, A BURR COULD HAVE BEEN RAISED ON THE SHAFT.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PARK PAWL OCCASIONALLY NOT ENGAGING WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS IF IN NEUTRAL IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE.
96V016000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
THE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR LAMP SWITCH CAN MALFUNCTION. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE SWITCH MALFUNTIONS, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP WILL EITHER REMAIN ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY OR FAIL TO LIGHT AS INTENDED WHEN THE FLUID LEVEL FALLS TO A CERTAIN LEVEL. IN EITHER CASE, THE VEHICLE OPERATOR WOULD NOT BE WARNED OF A LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL CONDITION.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199811418 units in Canada
Fuel System
VEHICLES THAT WERE SERVICED FOR A STALL CONDITION BETWEEN AUGUST 1, 1997 AND DECEMBER 1, 1997 MAY HAVE RECEIVED AND INCORRECT FUEL TANK. THE INCORRECT TANK CONTAINS AN ADDITIONAL VENT HOLE WHICH PROVIDES THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND FUEL TANK WILL BE REPLACED WITH THE CORRECT TANK IF NECESSARY.
Recall 199704736 units in Canada
Emissions
NOTE: FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES. A SEAL FOR THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR MAY SWELL IN THE PRESENCE OF UNLEADED FUEL AND FORCE THE CONNECTOR APART CREATING AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THIS WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF FUEL PUMP OPERATION AND FUEL PRESSURE. IN ADDITION, THE VAPOUR CONTROL VALVES, LOCATED ON THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY RESULTING IN VAPOUR EMISSIONS IN EXCESS OF THE STANDARD. CORRECTION: WIRING CONNECTOR SEAL AND FUEL TANK VAPOUR VENT VALVE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED.
Recall 199614817,222 units in Canada
Powertrain
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK MECHANISM MAY NOT PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING EVEN IF THE TRANSAXLE SHIFT LEVER IS FIRMLY PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION. IF THE DRIVER IS UNAWARE THAT THE PARK MECHANISM OF THE TRANSAXLE HAS NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED AND LEAVES THE VEHICLE UNATTENDED WITHOUT SETTING THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD BE FREE TO ROLL AS IF IN NEUTRAL. THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: PARK MECHANISM WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, A NEW PARK PAWL SHAFT WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE TRANSAXLE.
Recall 19961352,391 units in Canada
Powertrain
THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH MAY CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK. AS A RESULT, UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recall 1996124209 units in Canada
Engine
On certain Taurus SHO, the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm may rupture. Should this occur, engine damage or fuel leakage could result. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could potentially result in a fire. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and fuel pressure regulators will be replaced where required.
Recall 19960846,307 units in Canada
Structure
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FORD AX4S AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES. THE PARK PAWL SHAFT MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY POSITIONED DURING TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PARK PAWL NOT ENGAGING WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION. THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AS IF IN NEUTRAL IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND IF NECESSARY THE PARK PAWL SHAFT ROLL PIN AND PARK PAWL SHAFT WILL BE REPLACED.
Recall 19960344,690 units in Canada
Brakes
THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 105 - HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS. THE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR MAY MALFUNCTION WHICH COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP TO: (1) REMAIN ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY, OR (2) FAIL TO ILLUMINATE AS INTENDED SHOULD THE FLUID LEVEL FALL TO A CERTAIN LEVEL. CORRECTION: BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR LAMP SWITCHES WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 263,984 milesBlue Ridge, GACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED VIOLENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A POLE WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST AND HEAD INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 3/13/13 *CN UPDATED 03/19/13 UPDATED 03/20/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES DIDN'T WORK, AND SHE HIT SEVERAL CURBS AND TWO TIRES BURST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. SHE HIT A LAMP POST AND SOME SHRUBS, AS WELL AS AN ATM MACHINE. UPDATED 04/10/13
NHTSA complaint #10494584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,890 milesGlendale, AZCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE CONTACT, WHO WAS SEATING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, HIT HER HEAD ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,890.
NHTSA complaint #10486575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesNiceville, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. DURING THE CRASH ALL OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BUT DURING DEPLOYMENT, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DETACHED FROM THE DASHBOARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED BUT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PARKING LOT WHERE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10386441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesNorfolk, VA1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
COOLANT SYSTEM FAILURE OF ALL TYPES ALL PART PRONE TO EXTREME CHEMICAL CORROSION VERY AGGRAVATING PROBLEM AND NOW THE COOLANT BYPASS HOSE HAS FAILED WITH THE SAME CORROSIVE SYMPTOMS AS THE OTHER COMPONENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10251024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,643 milesFrankfort, KY1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR HOME FROM WORK, WHEN HER TIRE EXPLODED. SHE CALLED CRYING AND VERY SHOOK UP. WHEN I ARRIVED THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR WAS ON THE GROUND. APPARENTLY THE COIL SPRING SHOT OFF THE STRUT ASSY AND PUNCTURED THE INNER SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. FORTUNATELY SHE WASN'T DRIVING TOO FAST AND WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL INCIDENT! UPON LOOKING ON THE INTERNET FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SITUATION, I LEARNED THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH FORD TAURUS AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR ONLY NEWER MODELS OF THE SAME VEHICLE. WHY IS THE SAME PROBLEM ONLY RECALLED WITH ONLY CERTAIN YEAR OF MAKES???? WE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THAT THIS COULD'VE HAPPENED. I EVEN CHECKED FOR RECALLS FOR THIS CAR ONLINE. IF I WAS INFORMED OF THIS RECALL, THEN I WOULD'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC TO PUT GUARDS ON THE COIL SPRINGS WITH MY OWN MONEY, BECAUSE A LIFE IS WAY MORE IMPORTANT THAN MONEY OR A PRODUCT. PLEASE REALIZE THAT THIS COULD'VE BEEN VERY VERY BAD AND COULD HAPPENED TO ANYONE.
NHTSA complaint #10217875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,600 milesPrescott Valley, AZCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF PARK AND ALMOST ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE HIT A CULVERT CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION. THE DRIVER AND INFANT PASSENGER WERE NOT INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL #96V176000 REGARDING THE POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, DUE TO THE VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10175342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Oakland, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I RECENTLY BROUGHT THE CAR FOR 4,00 AND SOME CHANGE A BOUT A YEAR AGO TWO DAYS AFTER I BROUGHT IT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND EVERY NOW AND THEN WHILE DRIVING IT WOULD CUT OFF I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE PLACE I BROUGHT IT FROM AND TOLD THEM THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK IN I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE IT SO I GOT SOME ONE TO FOLLOW ME AND TAKE ME BACK HOME WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP THE CAR IT WAS RUNNING BUT BY THE TIME I GOT HOME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON. THEN THE DEFROST DIDN'T WORK I TOOK IT BACK TO THEM. THAT'S WHEN THE AIR CONDICTIONER STOP WORKING I JUST QUIT COMPLAIN THE CAR RAN PRETTY SMOOTH ALTHOUGH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON . I WENT TO START MY CAR ONE NIGHT AND IT WOULDN'T START SO I WENT AND BROUGHT SO HEET I THOGHT BECAUSE IT WAS COLD OUT SIDE IT IS WINTER I BEGIN HEAR A HISS LLIKE SOME AIR IS EXCAPING FROM SOMEWHERE UNDER THE HOOD BUT YO HEAR IT INSIDE THE CAR LIKE A LOT OF STATIC. IT TIME FOR ME TO GET A TUNEUP NOW THE CAR REALLY RUNS SLUGGISH AND TURNS OFF MORE OFTEN AND YOU CAN'T TURN THE WHEELS SO THAT IS SPOOKY I HAD THE CHECK LIGHT CHECKED OUT AND THEY SAID IT WAS MY LEAN SENSOR TOO MUCH AIR IS GETTING INTO THE GASOLINE AND THAT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE CATALYIC CONVERTER
NHTSA complaint #10823233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
ENGINE
I RECENTLY BROUGHT THE CAR FOR 4,00 AND SOME CHANGE A BOUT A YEAR AGO TWO DAYS AFTER I BROUGHT IT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND EVERY NOW AND THEN WHILE DRIVING IT WOULD CUT OFF I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE PLACE I BROUGHT IT FROM AND TOLD THEM THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK IN I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE IT SO I GOT SOME ONE TO FOLLOW ME AND TAKE ME BACK HOME WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP THE CAR IT WAS RUNNING BUT BY THE TIME I GOT HOME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON. THEN THE DEFROST DIDN'T WORK I TOOK IT BACK TO THEM. THAT'S WHEN THE AIR CONDICTIONER STOP WORKING I JUST QUIT COMPLAIN THE CAR RAN PRETTY SMOOTH ALTHOUGH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON . I WENT TO START MY CAR ONE NIGHT AND IT WOULDN'T START SO I WENT AND BROUGHT SO HEET I THOGHT BECAUSE IT WAS COLD OUT SIDE IT IS WINTER I BEGIN HEAR A HISS LLIKE SOME AIR IS EXCAPING FROM SOMEWHERE UNDER THE HOOD BUT YO HEAR IT INSIDE THE CAR LIKE A LOT OF STATIC. IT TIME FOR ME TO GET A TUNEUP NOW THE CAR REALLY RUNS SLUGGISH AND TURNS OFF MORE OFTEN AND YOU CAN'T TURN THE WHEELS SO THAT IS SPOOKY I HAD THE CHECK LIGHT CHECKED OUT AND THEY SAID IT WAS MY LEAN SENSOR TOO MUCH AIR IS GETTING INTO THE GASOLINE AND THAT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE CATALYIC CONVERTER
NHTSA complaint #10823233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesRolfe, IA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR CARRIAGE HAD CORRODED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW UNDER FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
NHTSA complaint #10690224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 263,984 milesBlue Ridge, GACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED VIOLENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A POLE WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST AND HEAD INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 3/13/13 *CN UPDATED 03/19/13 UPDATED 03/20/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES DIDN'T WORK, AND SHE HIT SEVERAL CURBS AND TWO TIRES BURST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. SHE HIT A LAMP POST AND SOME SHRUBS, AS WELL AS AN ATM MACHINE. UPDATED 04/10/13
NHTSA complaint #10494584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,890 milesGlendale, AZCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE CONTACT, WHO WAS SEATING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, HIT HER HEAD ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,890.
NHTSA complaint #10486575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesDunkirk, MD
STRUCTURE
THE MOTOR CRADLE IN MY MOTHER-IN-LAW'S 1996 TAURUS RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE AS SHE WAS MAKING A TURN. THIS CAUSED THE MOTOR TO PARTIALLY DROP MAKING STEERING ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR THE 1995 TAURUS IN DEC. OF 1998. MY QUESTION IS IF THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT DISCOVERED UNTIL 1998 THEN WHY WOULD THE 1996 TAURUS NOT BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL? I WOULD LIKE TO SEE CREDIBLE DOCUMENTATION THAT FORD SUBSTANTIALLY FIXED A PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR CRADLES IN THE 1996 TAURUS TWO YEARS BEFORE THEY KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM PROMPTING THE 1998 RECALL. SHORT OF THAT, I WOULD LIKE NHTSA TO EXPLAIN WHY THIS PROBLEM SHOULD NOT BE FIXED BY FORD.
NHTSA complaint #10463264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesDunkirk, MD
ENGINE
THE MOTOR CRADLE IN MY MOTHER-IN-LAW'S 1996 TAURUS RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE AS SHE WAS MAKING A TURN. THIS CAUSED THE MOTOR TO PARTIALLY DROP MAKING STEERING ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR THE 1995 TAURUS IN DEC. OF 1998. MY QUESTION IS IF THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT DISCOVERED UNTIL 1998 THEN WHY WOULD THE 1996 TAURUS NOT BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL? I WOULD LIKE TO SEE CREDIBLE DOCUMENTATION THAT FORD SUBSTANTIALLY FIXED A PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR CRADLES IN THE 1996 TAURUS TWO YEARS BEFORE THEY KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM PROMPTING THE 1998 RECALL. SHORT OF THAT, I WOULD LIKE NHTSA TO EXPLAIN WHY THIS PROBLEM SHOULD NOT BE FIXED BY FORD.
NHTSA complaint #10463264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSussex, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
MY SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. BRAKE LINES TO THE REAR OF THE CAR RUPTURED AND DRAINED SYSTEM OF BRAKE FLUID AND CAR HAD NO BRAKES AT ALL. IT ROLLED INTO AN INTERSECTION AND THANKFULLY HE WASN'T HURT. APPARENTLY THIS IS FAIRLY COMMON WITH OLDER CARS. BOTH LINES BEING REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10419301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,426 milesLexington, KY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD FROM AN UNKNOWN ENTRY SOURCE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, THE FAILURE WAS COMMON. THE DEALER ADVISED HAVING THE MOLDING AND SEALANT FOR THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A COMPLAINT ON THE CONTACTS BEHALF AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE SINCE THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,456 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,426.
NHTSA complaint #10398597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesNiceville, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. DURING THE CRASH ALL OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BUT DURING DEPLOYMENT, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DETACHED FROM THE DASHBOARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED BUT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PARKING LOT WHERE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10386441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesGrosse Pointe, MI
SUSPENSION:REAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL CLUNKING NOISE. HE THEN DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER AXLE WAS CORRODED, SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE LISTED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V385000 (SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, FRONT SEATS, STEERING CONTROL ARMS, DASHBOARD, AND TRANSAXLE WOULD NEED TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO MAKE REPAIRS TO THE SUB FRAME. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 202,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 195,000.
NHTSA complaint #10375425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,500 milesNorfolk, NE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
MY 1996 FORD TAURUS GL STALLED DUE TO A FAILED CAMSHAFT SYNCHRONIZER THAT BROKE. IT ONLY HAS 106,500 MILES ON IT. I UNDERSTAND THE 1997'S HAVE A RECALL - WHY AREN'T THE 1996 TAURUS INCLUDED ?? THESE SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10366660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flint, MI
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
1996 FORD TAURUS, DRIVER FELT VEHICLE SHAKE, PULLED TO THE RIGHT BERM AND RIGHT TIRE FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. *BF ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THERE WERE FIVE BROKEN TIRE SPOKES ALONG WITH A SCRAPED BRAKE ROTOR FROM CONTACT WITH THE ROADWAY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0385-91) *JB UPDATED 09/13/10
NHTSA complaint #10354263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1996 FORD TAURUS. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH THE PARK PAWL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE PUT THE GEAR IN PARK, THE PARK PAWL DID NOT ENGAGE, WHICH CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL. THE CONSUMER SPOKE WITH HER MECHANIC AND HE INFORMED HER A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED IN 1996 FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE PROBLEM ADDRESSED. WHILE THE DEALER DID ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECALL AND THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH AX4N AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, SHE WAS ADVISED HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10336994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
1996 FORD TAURUS. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH THE PARK PAWL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE PUT THE GEAR IN PARK, THE PARK PAWL DID NOT ENGAGE, WHICH CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL. THE CONSUMER SPOKE WITH HER MECHANIC AND HE INFORMED HER A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED IN 1996 FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE PROBLEM ADDRESSED. WHILE THE DEALER DID ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECALL AND THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH AX4N AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, SHE WAS ADVISED HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10336994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesNEW Berlin, WI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
ON MY 1996 FORD TAURUS THE SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. WITH ONLY 90,000 MILES AND STORED INSIDE I HAVE NEVER SEEN A FRAME RUSTED OUT THIS BAD.
NHTSA complaint #10332405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesWoodburn, OR
STRUCTURE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT WATER LEAKED ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR AREA. THE WATER WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DURING RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #10325099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erie, PA
STRUCTURE
THE FRAME IS CRACKED.
NHTSA complaint #10298022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newburgh, NY
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE REAR SPRINGS OF MY 1996 FORD TAURUS GL HAVE BOTH BROKEN THROUGH NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10296511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,944 milesGonzales, TX
TIRES
DOUGLAS TIRE ON 1996 FORD TAURUS "CAME APART" ON I-10, NO APPARENT PUNCTURE OR OTHER SIGNS OF HITTING AN OBJECT ON THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10268866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesMilan, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT
1996 FORD TAURUS GL, 147,000 MILES. WHILE TRYING TO MOVE THE CAR THE FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING BROKE, PUNCTURING THE TIRE. FORTUNATELY THIS WAS LOW SPEED, NO ONE HARMED. REQUIRES NEW SPRING AND TIRE AT A MINIMUM.
NHTSA complaint #10261077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesCinnaminson, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE LINE FAILURE. LOST BRAKES IN PARKING LOT. BRAKE LINE ROTTED THROUGH. REPAIRED BY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON FORD CARS. IF THIS DOESN'T REQUIRE A RECALL AND REPAIR I DON'T KNOW WHAT DOES.
NHTSA complaint #10259414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesChapel Hill, NC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. IT CRANKS, BUT THE IGNITION DOES NOT TURN OVER UNTIL SHE DEPRESSES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT LEAST TEN TO TWELVE TIMES BEFORE IT WOULD START. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS AND BRAKE SWITCH INTERLOCK WERE THE CAUSES OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IS ALSO STUCK IN PARK AND WILL NOT MOVE. IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE, SHE HAS TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 05/05/09.
NHTSA complaint #10256081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesChapel Hill, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. IT CRANKS, BUT THE IGNITION DOES NOT TURN OVER UNTIL SHE DEPRESSES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT LEAST TEN TO TWELVE TIMES BEFORE IT WOULD START. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS AND BRAKE SWITCH INTERLOCK WERE THE CAUSES OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IS ALSO STUCK IN PARK AND WILL NOT MOVE. IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE, SHE HAS TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 05/05/09.
NHTSA complaint #10256081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesChapel Hill, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. IT CRANKS, BUT THE IGNITION DOES NOT TURN OVER UNTIL SHE DEPRESSES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AT LEAST TEN TO TWELVE TIMES BEFORE IT WOULD START. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS AND BRAKE SWITCH INTERLOCK WERE THE CAUSES OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IS ALSO STUCK IN PARK AND WILL NOT MOVE. IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE, SHE HAS TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 05/05/09.
NHTSA complaint #10256081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.