RoadVitals

1994 Ford Taurus Sho

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
11
Latest Apr 26, 2010
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Feb 4, 2008
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 11 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1994 Ford Taurus Sho, most frequently naming the driver assistance, brakes and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 6 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Driver assistance545.5%
  • Brakes218.2%
  • Electrical218.2%
  • Airbags19.1%
  • Engine19.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
08V051000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

Feb 4, 2008
225,000 units potentially affected
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
The risk: AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 08S01View on NHTSA.gov
07V336000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Aug 3, 2007
3,600,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 05S28View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 11
AirbagsDriver assistance
Filed Apr 26, 2010
Crash reported2 injuries reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1994 FORD TAURUS SHO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE; IT SLID SIDEWAYS AND THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLICE, ROLLED APPROXIMATELY EIGHT TIMES AND CRASHED INTO THE LIGHT POLE AGAIN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT AND A PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND HOSPITAL REPORTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. UPDATED 07/08/10 *BF UPDATED 07/09/10.*JB UPDATED 07/22/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS THE THROTTLE CABLE. UPDATED 07/26/10*JB

NHTSA ID
10327620
Incident
Apr 10, 2010
Mileage
180,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 3, 2007
Fire reported

1994 FORD TAURUS CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE DESTROYING THE VEHICLE. CUSTOMER STATES THAT FORD SHOULD GIVE HER HOWEVER MUCH MONEY THE CAR IS WORTH. SHE STATES THERE WAS A INCIDENT REPORT INDICATING THE FAULTY EQUIPMENT. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HAS INCIDENT REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INDICATING THE FIRE ORIGINATING IN THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10205005
Incident
Jul 20, 2005
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 21, 2007
Fire reported

ON DECEMBER 26TH 2002 OUR 1994 FORD SHO CAUGHT FIRE IN OUR GARAGE WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF. WE RECENTLY GOT A NOTICE IN THE MAIL STATING THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE WARNING OF A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. THANKS FOR THE WARNING FORD. A LITTLE TOO LATE. WE WERE OUT OF OUR HOUSE FOR OVER 6 MONTHS. *JB

NHTSA ID
10203685
Incident
Dec 26, 2002
Mileage
110,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 17, 2007
Fire reported

I JUST RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY 1994 FORD TAURUS INDICATING THAT A DEFECTIVE PART MAY CAUSE AN ENGINE FIRE. MY ENGINE DID CATCH FIRE IN JULY, 2005 AND THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I NEED TO KNOW IF I AM ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION FOR THE VALUE OF THE CAR ($2000) OR WHO I SHOULD CONTACT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10203220
Incident
Jul 20, 2005
Brakes
Filed Dec 21, 2006

DURING A PANIC STOP IN MY 1994 FORD TAURUS SHO I EXPERIENCED A HYDRAULIC FAILURE IN MY BRAKES. THIS WAS DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION OF THE STEEL BRAKE LINES. I CAME WITHIN 6 INCHES OF REAR ENDING ANOTHER CAR. I REPLACED BRAKE LINES FROM THE AREA WHERE IT WAS SOUND BACK TO THE REAR BRAKES. THE FORWARD LINES PROBABLY SHOULD ALSO BE REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10176779
Incident
Nov 10, 2006
Mileage
134,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 20, 2005

FORDS RECALL OF THEIR 3.8 V6 MOTOR IS A TRAVESTY THAT THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH IT! THEY KNEW THE MOTOR WAS BAD, PUT OUT A RECALL WITH A MILEAGE LIMIT (100,000), BUT THEN ALSO A TIME LIMIT (7 YEARS)! HOW ABOUT A CAR THAT IS NOT DRIVEN THE 100K, AND GETS THE PROBLEM? THE ASSUMPTION IS THAT IF ONE GOES 100K, THEN THEY GOT SOME VALUE OUT OF IT! THEREFORE FORD DID THEIR JOB! BUT WHEN ONE PAYS GOOD MONEY FOR THEIR SCREW UP, AND THE PROBLEM HAPPENS, AND DID NOT DO 100K, THEN THE PURCHASER DID NOT GET SOME VALUE OUT OF IT! FORD SHOULD STICK TO THE 100K, AND NOT THE TIME LIMIT! THE SOB'S HAVE ONCE AGAIN, GOTTEN AWAY WITH A LAZYASS DESIGN, AND WERE ABLE TO THROW A LAME EXCUSE AND GET AWAY WITH IT! I'D LIKE TO KNOW, WHO AND HOW TO SUE! SOME HAVE HAD SUCCESS, AND I'D LIKE TO KNOW HOW THEY DID! *JB

NHTSA ID
10145697
Incident
Oct 5, 2005
Mileage
36,600 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 21, 2005

CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT FUNCTION, BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK, COULD NOT GET CAR OUT OF PARK, #1 -15 AMP FUSE KEPT BURNING OUT. CAR HAS HAD THESE PROBLEMS FOR 1 YEAR. FUSE WOULD SOMETIME BURN OUT OTHER TIMES WOULD WORK FINE. DRAINED BATTERY. BOUGHT NEW BATTERY, REPLACED SPEED CONTROL SWITCH THAT GOES ON THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. CAUSE OF FAILURE. BRAKE FLUID LEEKED INTO SWITCH. FOUND PROBLEM WHEN CHECKING TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY EXCESSIVE AMPS BEING PULLED FROM BATTERY, THE SWITCH WAS SMOKING.

NHTSA ID
10133682
Incident
Aug 12, 2005
Electrical
Filed Jul 3, 2005
Fire reported

1994 FORD TAURUS SHO. CAR WAS SITTING IDLE NOT RUNNING FOR HOURS AND SUDDENLY STARTED ON FIRE. APPROXIMENTLY 1 MONTH BEFORE THIS THE CRUISE CONTROL JUST STOPPED WORKING. ALL WIRING IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND THE MOTOR IS NON REPAIRABLE. THE FIRE WAS FROM UNDER THE HOOD, DRIVERS SIDE, NEAR THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT STARTED BEHIND THE FIREWALL. I HAVE SEEN ON THE NEWS AND HEARD ON THE RADIO THAT A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS DAMAGE. MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAVE CALLED 1-888-327-4236, AND THEY SAY THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALLS ON IT. WHY, MAY I ASK, WOULD IT HAVE BEEN ON THE NEWS AND RADIO IF THERE WERE TO BE NO RECALLS? MY CAR IS STILL SETTING WHERE THE FIRE TOOK PLACE. I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR SOME KIND OF ANSWER INVOLVING THIS ISSUE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO TRY TO FIX IT, MANY HAVE LOOKED AT IT AND SAID "YOU KNOW THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS MAKE AND YEAR, CHECK INTO IT". SO I AM FILING A COMPLAINT, HOPING I CAN GET SOME ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS. THANK YOU....

NHTSA ID
10127352
Incident
Jun 15, 2005

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

010107

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

SOME REMANUFACTURED AX4S SHO TRANSAXLES USED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WILL BE BUILT WITH A UNIQUE TRIPLE CLUTCH PACK ASSEMBLY AND DRIVEN SPROCKET SUPPORT. *JB

5897

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

EXPERIENCING A SQUEAKING AND / OR POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT OUTER TIRE RODS. *TT

12570

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT FRONT OUTER TIE RODS SQUEAK AND / OR POP NOISE OVER BUMPS AND / OR TURNING. *TT

5131

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

SUBJECT REGARDING VEHICLES WITH THE AX4S TRANSAXLE HAVING AN INLINE TRANSMISSION COOLER BYPASS VALVE LOCATED IN THE COOLER LINE NEAR THE RADIATOR COOLER. *TT

12099

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

VEHICLES WITH THE AX4S TRANSAXLE HAVE AN INLINE TRANSMISSION COOLER BYPASS VALVE LOCATED IN THE COOLER LINE NEAR THE RADIATOR COOLER. *MJS

985A12

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:WRECKER AND WHEEL LIFT DEVICES

RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR TOWING BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Taurus Sho by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
1999211149.1
1998101040.1
1997301045.0
1996241044.7
1995930—
1994Viewing112058.5
1993142051.5
1992300—
1991100—
1990400—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.