1987 Ford Taurus 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 1987 Ford Taurus, 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
- Electrical6820.9%
- Engine4012.3%
- Body & structure3410.5%
- Transmission298.9%
- Seat belts237.1%
- Fuel system226.8%
- Steering216.5%
- Brakes206.2%
- Interior & seats164.9%
- Driver assistance154.6%
- Suspension113.4%
- Visibility103.1%
- Exterior lighting61.8%
- Tires & wheels41.2%
- Heating & air conditioning41.2%
- Other / unspecified20.6%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE STALLS OCCASIONALLY WHEN ON WARM TRIPS LONGER THAN A MILE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED THE IGNITION SYSTEM COMPONENT, TFI-IV MODULE KNOWING THAT IT COULD FAIL WHEN THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS. *YH
WHEN COMING TO A STOP VEHICLE SHUTSDOWN. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS NOW HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, THE FUEL LINE INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONETS INCLUDING THE IGNITION SYSTEM AND WINDSHIELD WIPER WAS REPLACED. *MJ
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I AM DRIVING AND MY CAR STOPS RUNNING. IT JUST DIES, I PUT IT IN PARK AND IT STARTS AGAIN. THIS IS DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN I AM IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.*JB
WHEN COMING TO A STOP VEHICLE SHUTSDOWN. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS NOW HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, THE FUEL LINE INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONETS INCLUDING THE IGNITION SYSTEM AND WINDSHIELD WIPER WAS REPLACED. *MJ
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
1987 FORD TAURUS. CONSUMER STATES SUB FRAME BOTH LEFT SIDE AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRONT END BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER HIS MODEL YEAR HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED. FORD MOTOR CO. STATED THEY WOULD ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY. *JB
CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL LETTER98V323000/MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 98S36 FOR THE SUBFRAME REAR PLATE NUT NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, AND REFUSED TO DO THE WORK. MANUFACTURER ALSO HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION SLIP AND THEN WENT OUT AND NOW CAN'T EVEN DRIVE IT. *NLM
WHEN COMING TO A STOP VEHICLE SHUTSDOWN. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS NOW HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, THE FUEL LINE INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONETS INCLUDING THE IGNITION SYSTEM AND WINDSHIELD WIPER WAS REPLACED. *MJ
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DUE TO A KNOWN DEFECT AND FAILURE OF THE SEAT BELT OF MY 1987 FORD TAURUS, I WENT HEAD FIRST INTO THE WINDSHIELD, MY KNEES HIT THE DASHBOARD, AND I SUFFERED INJURIES. IT WOULD BE A SIMPLE FIX FOR FORD TO CORRECT THE KNOWN DEFECT IN THIS VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOTHING TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC. I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN KILLED. *JB
SEAT BELTS CAME APART AND FAILED TO RESTRAIN DRIVER AND PASSENGERS SIDE.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN COMING TO A STOP VEHICLE SHUTSDOWN. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS NOW HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, THE FUEL LINE INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONETS INCLUDING THE IGNITION SYSTEM AND WINDSHIELD WIPER WAS REPLACED. *MJ
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION REPLACED TWICE. GAS HAND NOT WORKING. RACK AND PINION BROKE UP. SEAT BELTS FELL APART.
VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE SUBFRAME REAR PLATE NUT RECALL WORK PERFORMED, HOWEVER WHEN CONSUMER PICKED VEHICLE UP, RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT DONE. (98V-323)
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE 1987 FORD TAURUS STATION WAGON EXPERIENCED A VERY VIOLENT ACCELERATION. WHILE DRIVING ALONG AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE RACED. THE CONTACT THEN PUT FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR SKIDDED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP, AND BEGAN GOING FASTER. THE HAND BRAKE WAS PULLED. THE BRAKE WAS PULLED SO HARD THAT SOMETHING BROKE AND STARTED LEAKING. THE CONTACT PULLED IT OUT OF DRIVE AND PUT IT INTO PARK, AND THE CAR WAS STILL GOING. THE CONTACT MADE IT TO A GAS STATION AND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO STALL THE CAR. THE CAR WAS LEFT AT THE GAS STATION AND LEFT FOR SOMEONE TO BRING THE CAR HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD HER THAT HE WOULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT MAY TAKE OFF WITH HIM. THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY COULD DO A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK ON THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD BE EXPENSIVE. THE CONTACT CAN NOT AFFORD TO HAVE ALL THE TESTING DONE . FORD HAS BEEN CALLED, BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY FREE REMEDY TO OFFER. THE DRIVER WAS EXTREMELY SCARED AND HAS SUFFERED HEART PROBLEMS SINCE THE INCIDENT.*AK UPDATED 11/29/2005 - *NM
THE BRAKES WOULD FAIL TO STOP VEHICLE AFTER BEING APPLIED. WHEN WAITING AT STOP LIGHT & WOULD START TO GO, VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT FOR NO REASON. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY WORK WHEN IN USE. WOULD CAUSE POOR VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER AT TIME OF NEED.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
LEFT FRONT CORNER OF SEAT TRACK BROKE WHEN I GOT INTO THE CAR. THUS THE SEAT ROCKS AND IS NOT STABLE. DEALAR CONTACTED, WILL REQUIRE A NEW SEAT TRACK. *AK
THE BRACKET THAT ANCHORS THE LEFT FRONT 6-WAY POWER SEAT TO THE CHASIS HAS BROKEN FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE PREVIOUS OCCURRENCE WAS ABOUT 9 YEARS AGO, AND I STILL HAVE THE THAT PART. BOTH TIMES IT WAS IN THE SAME LOCATION, WHERE THE SEAT TRACK CONNECTS TO THE CHASIS ON THE LEFT FRONT PART OF THE SEAT, AND WAS NOT THE RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT. IT BROKE WHEN I LEANED BACK IN THE SEAT.I WEIGH ABOUT 195 LBS. I BELIEVE THAT IN THE EVENT OF A MINOR REAR-END COLLISION, UNNECESSARY INJURY COULD RESULT. *AK
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE 1987 FORD TAURUS STATION WAGON EXPERIENCED A VERY VIOLENT ACCELERATION. WHILE DRIVING ALONG AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE RACED. THE CONTACT THEN PUT FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR SKIDDED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP, AND BEGAN GOING FASTER. THE HAND BRAKE WAS PULLED. THE BRAKE WAS PULLED SO HARD THAT SOMETHING BROKE AND STARTED LEAKING. THE CONTACT PULLED IT OUT OF DRIVE AND PUT IT INTO PARK, AND THE CAR WAS STILL GOING. THE CONTACT MADE IT TO A GAS STATION AND WAS FINALLY ABLE TO STALL THE CAR. THE CAR WAS LEFT AT THE GAS STATION AND LEFT FOR SOMEONE TO BRING THE CAR HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD HER THAT HE WOULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT MAY TAKE OFF WITH HIM. THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY COULD DO A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK ON THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD BE EXPENSIVE. THE CONTACT CAN NOT AFFORD TO HAVE ALL THE TESTING DONE . FORD HAS BEEN CALLED, BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY FREE REMEDY TO OFFER. THE DRIVER WAS EXTREMELY SCARED AND HAS SUFFERED HEART PROBLEMS SINCE THE INCIDENT.*AK UPDATED 11/29/2005 - *NM
VEHICLE HAS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INTERMITTENTLY,GAS PEDAL WILL DROP TO FLOOR. CONSUMER MUST KICK GAS PEDAL TO DISENGAGE IT. IT FEELS LIKE CRUISE CONTROL IS TAKING OVER. *AK THE PROBLELM OCCURED AGAIN BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE. *YH
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
CRUISE CONTROL WOULD ENGAGE ON ITS OWN & PICK UP SPEED. FOOT NOT ON ACCELERATOR PEDAL. PROBLEM GETTING WORSE. HORN KEEPS BLASTING WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED OR HIT. DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. ALSO, FRONT END FELL WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT TIME. HAD STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN A BLUNK NOISE WAS HEARD. HAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER & PARTS WERE BEING ORDERED. *AK
THERE IS A LEAKAGE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. ALSO, WHEN MAKING ANY TYPE OF SHARP TURN, THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF VEHICLE, AND FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE IS PULLING TO THE LEFT. *AK
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN COMING TO A STOP VEHICLE SHUTSDOWN. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS NOW HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, THE FUEL LINE INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED, VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONETS INCLUDING THE IGNITION SYSTEM AND WINDSHIELD WIPER WAS REPLACED. *MJ
THE BRAKES WOULD FAIL TO STOP VEHICLE AFTER BEING APPLIED. WHEN WAITING AT STOP LIGHT & WOULD START TO GO, VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT FOR NO REASON. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY WORK WHEN IN USE. WOULD CAUSE POOR VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER AT TIME OF NEED.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE HAZY, DIFFICULT TO SEE AT NIGHT EVEN WITH HIGH BEAMS; INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES KEEP BREAKING, EXTERIOR HANDLE BROKE ONCE; HEADREST WON'T STAY UP.*AK
AT 50,000 MILES HEADLIGHT LENS COMMENCED TO FOG UP AND AND CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND STILL UNWILLING TO HELP. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S HOUSE AND NOTICED THAT FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM RIM. KELLY SPRINGFIELD, AQUA TUR TIRE, P205/70/R14, DOT#PJKEF8KR435. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT 4 TIRES HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS, 2 OF THE TIRES WERE COVERED UNDER A RECALL. *SLC
LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT RESULTING IN VEHICLE DAMAGE.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) YH
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
AIR CONDITIONER WAS LEAKING FREEON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP & INFORMED BY MECHANIC THAT THE CAUSE OF THE LEAKAGE COULD NOT BE LOCATED. *AK
RIGHT REAR DOOR LOCKS WHEN USING POWER LOCKS DUE TO A BROKEN SOLENOID MOUNTING BRACKET. ALSO, WHEN USING THE AIR CONDITIONER DURING ACCELERATION THE DASH VENTS CLOSE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
CIGARETTE LIGHTER CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER CONSOLE, ALSO CAUSES MOTOR FAN OF RADIATOR TO BLOW. *SD
ROOF RACK BROKE AWAY FROM VEHICLE AS DRIVER WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT. TT
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 .