1993 Ford Taurus Sho Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1993 Ford Taurus Sho, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance726.9%
- Brakes415.4%
- Body & structure311.5%
- Electrical311.5%
- Engine311.5%
- Transmission13.8%
- Fuel system13.8%
- Powertrain (other)13.8%
- Steering13.8%
- Heating & air conditioning13.8%
- Suspension13.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2014 MY GIRLFRIEND AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN SOUTH SHORE DR. IN THE TOWN OF DELAVAN IN WALWORTH COUNTY WISCONSIN AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30AM & 12:30PM. WE WERE TRAVELING EAST TO WEST WHERE WE APPROACHED THE STOP SIGN AT THE CORNER OF COUNTY ROAD O SOUTH AND SOUTH SHORE DR. TENNESSA WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND READY TO TURN LEFT ON TO COUNTY ROAD O SOUTH. WE WERE ABOUT A MILE FROM OUR DESTINATION WHICH WAS MY MOTHERS HOUSE. UPON STOPPING AT THE STOP SIGN I THOUGHT I HEARD A FUNNY NOISE AND FELT SOMETHING UNDER MY FEET BUT DISMISSED IT AS NOTHING BUT AS SOON AS TENNESSA WENT TO MAKE THE TURN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND TOOK OFF TOWARDS THE EAST SIDE OF THE ROAD HEADING TOWARDS THE DITCH AND HITTING A TREE. A PASSERSBY, JOGGER SAW THE ACCIDENT AND CALLED THE POLICE. WE EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM, WE COLLECTED OUR THINGS OUT OF THE CAR AND THE OFFICER GAVE US A RIDE UP THE ROAD TO MY MOTHERS HOME, WE THEN WAITED FOR THE TOWING SERVICE TO GET IT OUT AND TOW IT TO MY MOTHERS HOUSE WHERE IT SITS TODAY. AFTER INVESTIGATING THE CAR AT MY MOTHERS HOUSE I DETERMINED THAT THE FRAME FAILED AT THAT MOMENT CAUSING THE VEHICLES THROTTLE CABLE TO STICK, AND THE POWER STEERING UNIT TO FAIL ALONG WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM TO FAIL. I TOOK PICTURES OF THE MOTOR AND FRONT END OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE, AND A PIECE OF THE VEHICLE THAT ALSO HAD FAILED AND BROKE OFF. THE MOTOR OBVIOUSLY SUNK AS THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MOTOR FACING THE FIREWALL IS ALL TILTED BACK TOWARDS THE FIREWALL SQUEEZING ANY PART THAT MAY BE BETWEEN THE MOTOR AND THE FIREWALL. I HAVE BEEN UNDERNEATH THIS VEHICLE MANY TIMES AND SAW NOTHING TO RAISE A RED FLAG AND NOT TO DRIVE IT. I EVEN HAD A TRANSMISSION REPLACED IN THIS VEHICLE AND MY MECHANIC HAD SEEN NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. *TR
A BROKEN BRACKET HOLDING THE THROTTLE END OF THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE ALLOWED THE CABLE SHIELD TO SLIP OUT. ONCE OUT THE CABLE SHIELD CAUGHT ON THE BRACKET AND HELD THE THROTTLE ABOUT 1/2 WAY OPEN. THIS RESULTED IN RAPID UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
1993 FORD TAURUS SHO..ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. *TR
VEHICLE FAILS TO STOP OR SLOW DOWN WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT SPEEDS FROM 5 TO 50 MPH ON WET ROADS OR PAVEMENT WITH LOOSE GRAVEL. ABS ACTIVATES AND VEHICLES MAKES NO ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE BOLTS FOR THE ENGINE SUBFRAME BROKE LOOSE FROM THE FLOOR, THE ENGINE DROPPED. I LOST ENGINE POWER, STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST. ALTHOUGH THERE IS A RECALL LISTED ON THE FORD WEBSITE #98S36 I DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTICE. THE FACTORY REFUSED TO ASSIST IN REPAIRS COSTING ME $1148.59 THE DEALER INSTALLED REINFORCING PATCHES IN THE FLOOR AND CUT OUT THE REMAINING BOLTS. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE YET THEIR WEBSITE SHOWS ONE FOR THE BOLTS. *JB
ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000, MY VEHICLE IS AFFECTED UNDER A RECALL FOR REPLACEMENT OF SUB FRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS; YET MY SERVICING DEALER (ELK RIVER FORD, ELK RIVER,MN.) AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AS STATED IN THE RECALL DOCUMENTATION. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO, SO I AM MAKING THIS MY FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. *CB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
1993 FORD TAURUS SHO..ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. *TR
VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. THIS ALMOST RESULTED IN REAR END COLLISIONS. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR, FUEL PUMP, TIMING BELT, AND SOME WIRES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. CONSUMER WAS RESTRAINED FROM DRIVING THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2014 MY GIRLFRIEND AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN SOUTH SHORE DR. IN THE TOWN OF DELAVAN IN WALWORTH COUNTY WISCONSIN AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30AM & 12:30PM. WE WERE TRAVELING EAST TO WEST WHERE WE APPROACHED THE STOP SIGN AT THE CORNER OF COUNTY ROAD O SOUTH AND SOUTH SHORE DR. TENNESSA WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND READY TO TURN LEFT ON TO COUNTY ROAD O SOUTH. WE WERE ABOUT A MILE FROM OUR DESTINATION WHICH WAS MY MOTHERS HOUSE. UPON STOPPING AT THE STOP SIGN I THOUGHT I HEARD A FUNNY NOISE AND FELT SOMETHING UNDER MY FEET BUT DISMISSED IT AS NOTHING BUT AS SOON AS TENNESSA WENT TO MAKE THE TURN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND TOOK OFF TOWARDS THE EAST SIDE OF THE ROAD HEADING TOWARDS THE DITCH AND HITTING A TREE. A PASSERSBY, JOGGER SAW THE ACCIDENT AND CALLED THE POLICE. WE EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM, WE COLLECTED OUR THINGS OUT OF THE CAR AND THE OFFICER GAVE US A RIDE UP THE ROAD TO MY MOTHERS HOME, WE THEN WAITED FOR THE TOWING SERVICE TO GET IT OUT AND TOW IT TO MY MOTHERS HOUSE WHERE IT SITS TODAY. AFTER INVESTIGATING THE CAR AT MY MOTHERS HOUSE I DETERMINED THAT THE FRAME FAILED AT THAT MOMENT CAUSING THE VEHICLES THROTTLE CABLE TO STICK, AND THE POWER STEERING UNIT TO FAIL ALONG WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM TO FAIL. I TOOK PICTURES OF THE MOTOR AND FRONT END OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE, AND A PIECE OF THE VEHICLE THAT ALSO HAD FAILED AND BROKE OFF. THE MOTOR OBVIOUSLY SUNK AS THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MOTOR FACING THE FIREWALL IS ALL TILTED BACK TOWARDS THE FIREWALL SQUEEZING ANY PART THAT MAY BE BETWEEN THE MOTOR AND THE FIREWALL. I HAVE BEEN UNDERNEATH THIS VEHICLE MANY TIMES AND SAW NOTHING TO RAISE A RED FLAG AND NOT TO DRIVE IT. I EVEN HAD A TRANSMISSION REPLACED IN THIS VEHICLE AND MY MECHANIC HAD SEEN NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. *TR
VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. THIS ALMOST RESULTED IN REAR END COLLISIONS. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR, FUEL PUMP, TIMING BELT, AND SOME WIRES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. CONSUMER WAS RESTRAINED FROM DRIVING THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUSPENSION FAILED. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. THIS ALMOST RESULTED IN REAR END COLLISIONS. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR, FUEL PUMP, TIMING BELT, AND SOME WIRES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. CONSUMER WAS RESTRAINED FROM DRIVING THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH NO ISSUES. REACHED THE BOTTOM OF A DOWNGRADE AND PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL. ENGINE REVVED BUT CAR DIDN'T ACCELERATE. THERE WERE NO NOISE OR INDICATIONS FOR A PENDING FAILURE. .PULLED TO THE SIDE AND TRIED ALL GEARS AND REVERES. CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. SPOKE WITH LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY COULD OFFER AND ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR COST. RENTED A U-HAUL VAN AND CAR DOLLY TO TOW IT HOME, ABOUT 400 MILES. TOOK THE CAR A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP AND WAS TOLD THE FRONT PUMP FAILED. HAD THEM REBUILD IT AND HAS WORKED FINE SINCE. APPOX COST WAS $1750.00. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2014 MY GIRLFRIEND AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN SOUTH SHORE DR. IN THE TOWN OF DELAVAN IN WALWORTH COUNTY WISCONSIN AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30AM & 12:30PM. WE WERE TRAVELING EAST TO WEST WHERE WE APPROACHED THE STOP SIGN AT THE CORNER OF COUNTY ROAD O SOUTH AND SOUTH SHORE DR. TENNESSA WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND READY TO TURN LEFT ON TO COUNTY ROAD O SOUTH. WE WERE ABOUT A MILE FROM OUR DESTINATION WHICH WAS MY MOTHERS HOUSE. UPON STOPPING AT THE STOP SIGN I THOUGHT I HEARD A FUNNY NOISE AND FELT SOMETHING UNDER MY FEET BUT DISMISSED IT AS NOTHING BUT AS SOON AS TENNESSA WENT TO MAKE THE TURN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND TOOK OFF TOWARDS THE EAST SIDE OF THE ROAD HEADING TOWARDS THE DITCH AND HITTING A TREE. A PASSERSBY, JOGGER SAW THE ACCIDENT AND CALLED THE POLICE. WE EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM, WE COLLECTED OUR THINGS OUT OF THE CAR AND THE OFFICER GAVE US A RIDE UP THE ROAD TO MY MOTHERS HOME, WE THEN WAITED FOR THE TOWING SERVICE TO GET IT OUT AND TOW IT TO MY MOTHERS HOUSE WHERE IT SITS TODAY. AFTER INVESTIGATING THE CAR AT MY MOTHERS HOUSE I DETERMINED THAT THE FRAME FAILED AT THAT MOMENT CAUSING THE VEHICLES THROTTLE CABLE TO STICK, AND THE POWER STEERING UNIT TO FAIL ALONG WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM TO FAIL. I TOOK PICTURES OF THE MOTOR AND FRONT END OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE, AND A PIECE OF THE VEHICLE THAT ALSO HAD FAILED AND BROKE OFF. THE MOTOR OBVIOUSLY SUNK AS THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MOTOR FACING THE FIREWALL IS ALL TILTED BACK TOWARDS THE FIREWALL SQUEEZING ANY PART THAT MAY BE BETWEEN THE MOTOR AND THE FIREWALL. I HAVE BEEN UNDERNEATH THIS VEHICLE MANY TIMES AND SAW NOTHING TO RAISE A RED FLAG AND NOT TO DRIVE IT. I EVEN HAD A TRANSMISSION REPLACED IN THIS VEHICLE AND MY MECHANIC HAD SEEN NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUSPENSION FAILED. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUSPENSION FAILED. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .