FaultScore

1996 Ford Taurus body problems

48 of the 1,132 complaints about the 1996 Ford Taurus are about the body and structure — 4% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 104,500 miles.

A

48

Complaints

2

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Door 19 39.6%
Frame AND Members 13 27.1%
Structure 4 8.3%
Body 3 6.3%
Trunk LID 3 6.3%
Hood 2 4.2%
Bumpers 2 4.2%
Tailgate 1 2.1%
Underbody Shields 1 2.1%

Body & Structure across every Ford Taurus year

1986 18 1.7%
1987 34 3.2%
1988 53 5.0%
1989 67 6.4%
1990 70 6.7%
1991 62 5.9%
1992 73 7.0%
1993 71 6.8%
1994 72 6.9%
1995 61 5.8%
1996 48 4.6%
1997 25 2.4%
1998 23 2.2%
1999 19 1.8%
2000 34 3.2%
2001 40 3.8%
2002 54 5.1%
2003 111 10.6%
2004 17 1.6%
2005 22 2.1%
2006 15 1.4%
2010 11 1.0%
2011 12 1.1%
2012 16 1.5%
2013 12 1.1%
2018 10 1.0%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 113,000 miles Rolfe, 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 95,000 miles Dunkirk, 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 90,000 miles NEW 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 miles Woodburn, 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.

Grants Pass, OR

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

1996 FORD TAURUS PROBLEMS WITH BACK GATE REPLACEMENT PANELS. CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE CANNOT LOCK THE DOOR WITH A KEY IT MUST BE LOCKED BY HAND SHE BELIEVES THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. PROBLEMS WITH THE DOOR AJAR/RELAY. *KB THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE GROUND MOTOR AND THE SUSPECTED PROBLEM WAS MORE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE REAR TAILGATE WOULD NOT OPEN.

NHTSA complaint #10231733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dearborn Heights, MI

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

THE 1996 TAURUS THAT I DRIVE HAD A THUD/CLANKING NOISE UNDER THE FLOOR BOARDS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. REPLACED BRAKES, AND WHILE THE CAR WAS JACKED UP I FOUND EXTREME RUST THROUGH ON THE PASSENGER'S REAR ON THE SUBFRAME CARRIAGE AND CARRIAGE BOLT. THIS CAR WAS NO LONGER BEING DRIVEN. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 115,000 MILES ON IT. THIS SHOULD NOT BE ROTTED OUT. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT ANY REPAIRS WE NOT COVERED BY ANY WARRANTY OR RECALL, AND THAT THEY HAVE LETTERS FROM FORD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THIS WAS ONLY COVERED THROUGH THE 1995 MODEL YEAR.

NHTSA complaint #10191034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 137,000 miles Burlington, WI

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

I CURRENTLY OWN A 1996 FORD TAURUS. BY A FLUKE, I WAS RECENTLY NOTIFIED BY A MECHANIC THAT THE SUB-FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS CORRODED BEYOND REPAIR. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THERE IS NO OTHER RUST ON THE VEHICLE, WHICH WOULD INDICATE A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH I HAVE CHECKED THE INTERNET AND FOUND SEVERAL EXAMPLES OF THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS THE MAIN SUPPORT, WHICH HOLDS UP THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. IF IT WERE TO SUDDENLY DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME IMPOSSIBLE. I HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE DRIVING WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND DO NOT REALIZE IT, JUST AS I DIDN'T. I AM ASKING THAT YOU CHECK INTO THIS FURTHER AND TO PROTECT OUR CITIZENS. THANK YOU, JAMES MEHRING.

NHTSA complaint #10157667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dearborn, MI

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

I NOTICED A CLICKING IN FRONT END WHEN TURNING,STOPPING AND ACCELERATING WICH VERY QUICKLY GRADUATED TO A LOUD POPPING SOUND.AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE GARAGE THEY FOUND THAT THE HALF SHAFT AND TIE ROD WERE DAMAGED ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE.AFTER REPLACING THE PARTS IT WAS STILL POPPING.THEY PUT IT ON A HOIST AND REALIZED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY AT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE.THIS WAS IMEDIATELY DECLARED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE DAMAGE TO THE HALF SHAFT AND TIE ROD.AFTER TAKING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE TO THE FRAME, HE NOTICED THAT THE FLOOR WAS NEAR COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT AS WELL.I HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAS THE SAME CAR (MODEL AND YEAR) AND HE IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS WITH HIS CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10114783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,000 miles Utica, NY

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

THE STATE INSPECTION REFUSED TO INSPECT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE BECAUSE THE SUB FRAME CORRODED BEYOND REPAIR.

NHTSA complaint #10071578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Streamwood, IL

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ANY FRONT SUBFRAME PROBLEMS, CAR MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN BRAKING LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE AND WHEN HITTING DIPS OR POTHOLES FRONT END SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO TO FALL OUT. REPLACED FRONT STRUTS 06/27/02 STILL HAVE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #763567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tewksbury, MA

STRUCTURE

DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, A LOUD "THUD" NOISE WAS COMING FROM FRONT. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT FRONT RIGHT CRADLE MOUNT WAS BROKEN. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN CAMPAIGN NUMBER 98V323000. *AK *SLC

NHTSA complaint #893772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tewksbury, MA

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, A LOUD "THUD" NOISE WAS COMING FROM FRONT. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT FRONT RIGHT CRADLE MOUNT WAS BROKEN. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN CAMPAIGN NUMBER 98V323000. *AK *SLC

NHTSA complaint #893772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Round Rock, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

DRIVERS DOOR RATTLES.

NHTSA complaint #781087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Round Rock, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

LEAK IN TRUNK.

NHTSA complaint #781087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Goshen, IN

STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

I LIKED THE CAR WHEN I BOUGHT IT , BUT AM WONDERING IF I BOUGHT A LEMON

NHTSA complaint #734378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Round Rock, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

DRIVERS DOOR RATTLES.

NHTSA complaint #781087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Round Rock, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

LEAK IN TRUNK.

NHTSA complaint #781087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Littleton, CO

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS (70 PLUS MPH) IN CROSSWIND CONDITIONS THERE IS A LOUD "MOANING" AND/OR "WHISTLING" SOUND THAT IS PRESENT IN THE AREA OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WHERE THE DOOR ASSEMBLY MEETS THE FRAME AND WINDOW ASSEMBLY. THE SOUND IS SO LOUD THAT I HAVE TO TURN OFF THE RADIO BECAUSE THERE IS TOO MUCH NOISE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR TO TALK OR HEAR NORMALLY. I HAVE INFORMED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND HE TOLD ME THAT HE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS PERSONAL FORD VEHICLE. FORD CAN'T SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM NOR DO THEY SEEM TOO CONCERNED ABOUT IT. THEY (FORD)JUST SORT OF PUT ME OFF AND MORE OR LESS INDICATE THAT BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT SEEM TO CORRECT THE PRONLEM THAT I"LL JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. THE PROBLEM IS ONGOING AND OCCURS FREQUENTLY WHEN I TAKE TRIPS WHERE I AM DOING HIGH SPEED DRIVING IN CROSSWIND CONDITIONS.

NHTSA complaint #732372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mount Juliet, TN

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THAT A DOOR IS OPEN. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.

NHTSA complaint #856581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sweetwater, UT Crash

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #716695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sweetwater, UT Crash

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #716695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richmond, VA

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

DORR HANDLE ON DRIVERS SIDE WOULD NOT OPEN. I HAD TO OPREN FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE . SUDDENLY, FOR NO APPARANT REASON IT WORKED AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE AND CORRECTED ITSELF.

NHTSA complaint #716618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palm Coast, FL

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

ROTORS AND PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH NO CHANGE TO THE SHAKING. VERY VIOLENT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

NHTSA complaint #713240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Teaneck, NJ

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

THE PLASTIC COVERING THE BACK DOOR HANDLE BECAME DISCONNECTED. NLM

NHTSA complaint #546378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Teaneck, NJ

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE LIFTED BUT DID NOT OPEN THE DOOR. NLM

NHTSA complaint #546378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oostburg, WI

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

WHENEVER IT RAINS / GOING THROUGH SOME WATER. DOORS WORK INTEMITTENTLY. *AK

NHTSA complaint #842708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ST. Louis, MO

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

VEHICLE WAS NOT DESIGNED WITH DOOR RESTRAINTS, CAUSING DIFFICULTIES ENTERING & EXITING THE VEHICLE, DOORS CLOSE WITHOUT NOTICE WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO CONSUMER.

NHTSA complaint #545642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stony Broo, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

DOOR HANDLE FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #604675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Anaheim, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

REAR BUMPER FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #604357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 1996 Ford Taurus problems

← Full 1996 Ford Taurus report