RoadVitals

1986 Ford Taurus

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.
101
Latest Mar 6, 2008
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.
9
Latest Dec 16, 1998
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.
22
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.
7
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 101 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1986 Ford Taurus, most frequently naming the engine, transmission and body & structure categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 22 NHTSA investigations name it; and 44 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

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

9 campaigns cover this model year

View all 9

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
98V323000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Dec 16, 1998
2,697,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 98S36View on NHTSA.gov
94E036000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER

Nov 25, 1994
98,000 units potentially affected
The defect: THE ARC WELDS ON THE SWAY BAR BRACKET, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE STRUT RESERVE TUBE, DID NOT FUSE PROPERLY.
The 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.
The remedy: MONROE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STRUT FREE OF CHARGE.
MONROE AUTO CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
93V106000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Jun 23, 1993
1,610,000 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS AND SABLES BUILT FROM 10-14-85 THROUGH 8-19-88, AND LINCOLN CONTINENTALS BUILT FROM 11-4-87 THROUGH 9-30-88 (EXCEPT 1989 - 1991 2.5L TAURUS AND 1989 - 1992 SHO). THE AFFECTED CARS WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, AND WISCONSIN. THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, MAY BECOME DETACHED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT RETAINING PLATE. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
The risk: IF ONE OF THE REAR CORNERS DROPS, ONLY MINOR INDICATIONS OF A MALFUNCTION SUCH AS A CLUNKING NOISE OR SLIGHT CHANGE IN STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT ARE NOTICEABLE. HOWEVER, IF BOTH REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME DROP, STEERING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
The remedy: INSTALL A CORROSION-RESISTANT REINFORCING PLATE AND A NEW BOLT ON BOTH REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS. THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY RECALL 98V-323.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ97009ClosedRecall Query

REAR LOWER SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY

Opened Aug 29, 1997
Closed Feb 16, 1999

TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CARS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL 93V-106 SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE PHENOMENON, AND TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS REMEDY FAILURE ISSUE

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERSLed to recall 93V106000
PE93100ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKS

Opened Dec 2, 1993
Closed Jun 30, 1994

There is no summary currently available

SUSPENSION
EA92040ClosedEngineering Analysis

SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL

Opened Nov 30, 1992
Closed Jun 30, 1993

There is no summary currently available

STRUCTURELed to recall 93V106001
PE92056ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL

Opened Jul 1, 1992
Closed Nov 30, 1992

There is no summary currently available

STRUCTURE

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 101
Filed Mar 6, 2008

1986 AND 2005 FORD TAURUS RECALL FOR SPEED CONTROL. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE ANY AND ALL INFORMATION POSSIBLE ON THE RECALL FOR THE FORD TAURUS. *KB

NHTSA ID
10220612
Incident
Jan 1, 2008
Body & structureBrakes
Filed Jun 9, 2005

CONSUMER INQUIRING INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SUBFRAME BODY MOUNTS RECALL AND THE ROTOR SEPARATION RECALL ON THE 1986 FORD TAURUS.*MR *NM

NHTSA ID
10124793
Incident
Jan 1, 1901
Brakes
Filed Jul 3, 2003

WHILE DRIVING AT 25MPH FRONT LEFT MECHANISM WHICH HOLDS BRAKE SYSTEM FELL INSIDE THE WHEEL. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ID
10026557
Incident
Jul 3, 2003
Electrical
Filed Nov 20, 2002

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE ALTERNATOR FAILED CAUSING THE BATTERY TO BE DRAINED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE REPEATEDLY BACKFIRED ALMOST CAUSING A FIRE. TS

NHTSA ID
8023039
Incident
Nov 1, 2002
Transmission
Filed Jul 30, 2002

PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. NAR 07/02/2003. *MR THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY INTENTIONALLY SOLD DEFECTIVE VEHICLES TO CUSTOMERS. THE DEFECT IS THE TRANSMISSION, ACCORDING TO THE BULLETIN #94-24-7 THEY KNEW THAT DEFECTS EXISTED IN THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES 1986-95 FORD TAURUS, 1993-95 TAURUS SHO, 1986-95 MERCURY SABLE, 1988-94 CONTINENTAL AND 1995 WINDSTAR LIGHT TRUCK. THE CONSUMER HAS WRITTEN TO FORD EXPLAINING WHAT WAS FOUND AND TO DATE NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE STATEMENTS CONTAINED. *CB *JB

NHTSA ID
566962
Incident
May 18, 2002
Engine
Filed Apr 27, 2001

ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY DIES WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP. I READ SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEING A POSSIBLE CLASS ACTION ITEM BUT HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT SINCE THEN. *AK

NHTSA ID
744660
Engine
Filed Mar 8, 2001

THERE WAS A RECALL I WAS TOLD ON THE 1984 & 1985 THE BOLTS BROKE, BUT NO RECALL ON 1986. *AK

NHTSA ID
742138
Incident
Feb 28, 2001
Engine
Filed Dec 28, 2000

WHEN VEHICLE GETS WARM IT WILL SHUT OFF WHEN VEHICLE IS AT A LIGHT OR WHEN STOPPING. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD STALL SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CAUSE WAS NOT FOUND BY THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER WAS VERY MUCH CONCERNED ABOUT THE DANGER OF THE VEHICLE STALLING WHILE TRAVELING IN TRAFFIC. *YH

NHTSA ID
877109
Incident
Jul 1, 2000

Manufacturer communications

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

01157

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

01156

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

01124

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ON SOME VEHICLES, ENGINE OIL MAY CONTINUE TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET AREA AFTER AN ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED. *TT

0015

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS

99222

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT

99196

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *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 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019122059.5
2018464063.7
2017444058.8
2016794062.6
20152626062.6
20142285053.9
20135819053.4
2012785046.8
20111874055.4
20102043053.0
2009640041.4
20081751150.1
20071491142.6
20063183153.4
20057741248.1
20043752258.0
20031,2234457.0
20021,4264460.8
20011,03710865.9
20001,1958964.6
19998747259.8
19985454055.2
19977705053.9
19968258053.7
19951,2056462.3
19949235461.2
19931,55781361.8
199268161464.9
199164951463.5
199038181566.2
198956271767.9
198833362367.9
198725592670.1
1986Viewing10192261.1
1985201—
1984400—
1983100—
1981201—
1977200—

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.