RoadVitals

1992 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.
681
Latest Jun 30, 2017
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.
6
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.
14
1 currently open
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.
73
49 injuries, 2 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 681 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1992 Ford Taurus, most frequently naming the engine, transmission and electrical categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 14 NHTSA investigations name it; and 83 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

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

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
97V025000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Feb 26, 1997
212,700 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WATER CAN ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT. IF ENOUGH WATER ACCUMULATES, IT COULD FREEZE WITHIN A LOW AREA OF THE CABLE ROUTING WHEN EXPOSED TO A LONG TERM COLD SOAK AT TEMPERATURES AT LEAST SEVERAL DEGREES BELOW FREEZING.
The risk: DRIVER CONTROL OF VEHICLE SPEED USING THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD BE DIMINISHED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 97S65View on NHTSA.gov
97V019000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

Feb 25, 1997
75,200 units potentially affected
The defect: THESE VEHICLES ARE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, IOWA, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA. THE VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE 1992-1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES; 1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3L ENGINES; 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8L ENGINES; 1994-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND 1992-1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES. DURING HIGH WINDS, HEAVY, BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND LOW TEMPERATURES, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAN BECOME BLOCKED OR FROZEN WITH SNOW. THE FAN MOTOR MAY NOT ROTATE AND COULD OVERHEAT.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SMOKE OR FLAMES FROM THE FAN AND/OR SHROUD, THE FAN ELECTRICAL WIRING, OR THE FAN MOTOR RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 97S66View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

DP96014OpenDefect Petition

DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR

Opened Nov 14, 1996

CFAS SENT A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON DECEMBER 12, 1996, TO CHANGE THE INTENT OF THE PETITION TO AIRBAG AGGRESSIVITY AND DEPLOYMENT VARIABILITY.NHTSA RECEIVED THE LETTER ON 12/12/96; ACCORDINGLY, THE PETITION DUE DAY WAS CHANGED TO APRIL 12, 1997.CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE 1991-92 CHEVROLET CORSICA/BERETTA, 1990-92 FORD TAURUS, AND 1994-96 CHRYSLER MINIVANS ARE DEFECTIVE.CFAS ALLEGE THAT INFORMATION ON LOW SPEED CRASHES HERE OCCUPANTS HAVE SUFFERED FATAL INJURIES SUGGESTS [THAT THE ABOVE VEHICLES] HAVE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
RQ98016ClosedRecall Query

FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING BREAKAGE

Opened Sep 29, 1998
Closed Jan 12, 1999

FRONT SUSPENSION SPRINGS AY BREAK DUE TO MANUFACTURING CRACHS IN COMBINATION WITH CORROSION.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGSLed to recall 98V094000
EA96024ClosedEngineering Analysis

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES

Opened Sep 30, 1996
Closed Apr 15, 1997

There is no summary currently available

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGLed to recall 97V019000
EA96019ClosedEngineering Analysis

HEADLIGHT FAILURE

Opened Jul 31, 1996
Closed Jan 26, 1998

EXCESSIVE HEAT IN AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CIRCUIT BREAKER WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THAT CIRCUIT BREAKER TO OPEN FOR TIME PERIODS OF VARYING LENGTH TO COOL OFF.OPENING OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THIS MANNER INTERRUPTS ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW TO THE HEADLIGHTS, SHUTTING THEM OFF.HEADLIGHT OUTAGES HAVE RANGER FROM BRIEF FLICKERS (LESS THAN ONE SECOND) TO GREATER THAN 20 SECONDS.OVER TIME, THE OUTAGES GROW IN LENGTH AND DURATION BECAUSE OF HEAT-INDUCED DETERIORATION OF THE SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING.RECALL 98V-009 WILL APPLY TO APPROXIMATELY 506,000 TAURUS, SABLE, MARK VIII, AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM 1-DEC.-92 THROUGH 30-SEP-93 AT THE ATLANTA, CHICAGO,AND WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANTS.87% OF MY 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE AND 97% OF MY 1993-1995 MARK VIII WARRANTY REPAIRS (HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT) INVOLVED VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE DEC. 92 - OCT. 93 BUILD RANGE.

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGLed to recall 98V009000

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 681
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Jun 30, 2017
Crash reported2 injuries reported

A CAR RAN A STOP SIGN, T-BONED ME ON FRONT PASS-SIDE PUSHING ME OFF THE ROAD TO THE LEFT. SEATBELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME, BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, LEFT BAG BLEW SHRAPNEL CUTTING MY FACE AND INJURING MY RIGHT EYE.

NHTSA ID
11002487
Incident
Nov 13, 2015
Mileage
190,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Oct 31, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD TAURUS WITH GILLETTE SILVER BEAR (205/65R/15) TIRES (DOT E2URMYC2003). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE DRIVER STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE TIRE. THE DRIVER NOTICED THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT HE WOULD HAVE TO MAIL THE TIRE IN FOR INSPECTION. AFTER THE TIRE WAS INSPECTED, THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THE TIRE HAD EVIDENCE OF OVER DEFLECTION. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

NHTSA ID
10482737
Incident
Sep 30, 2012
Mileage
126,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 26, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD TAURUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUBFRAME BOLTS ON THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WERE COVERED WITH RUST WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 98V323000 (COMPONENT: STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS) BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL; HE WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL REPAIR COSTS. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO CONFIRMED WHAT THE DEALER STATED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 72,000.

NHTSA ID
10327566
Incident
Apr 24, 2010
Mileage
72,000 mi
EngineSteering
Filed May 1, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE REAR MOUNTING ATTACHMENT FOR THE ENGINE CRADLE DETERIORATED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY ROAD SALT, DEBRIS, AND OTHER NATURAL MATERIALS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE MAJOR SAFETY HAZARDS. IF THE ENGINE CRADLE IS NOT SUPPORTED, A LOSS OF STEERING AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR. HE WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER PROVIDED HIM WITH A REASSEMBLY KIT, AS IF THE FAILURE WERE COMMON. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. UPDATED 5/19/08 *CN

NHTSA ID
10226384
Incident
Apr 13, 2008
Mileage
137,000 mi
Suspension
Filed May 18, 2007
1 injury reported

I BOUGHT 3 FORD TAURUS WAGONS IN 6 MONTHS AND THE SPRINGS BROKE IN ALL OF THE 3 LATEST CARS. BOTH SPRINGS BROKE WILE I WAS DRIVING ,PUNCTURING 1 TIRE. NO REPAIR MADE YET. *AK

NHTSA ID
10191177
Incident
Mar 22, 2007
Mileage
14,526 mi
Body & structure
Filed Mar 8, 2007

K-FRAME(SUB FRAME)FELL. BOTH TIMES WHILE DRIVING, BUT BOTH TIMES AT LOW SPEEDS. FRAME FELL AND I COULD NOT STEER CAR. BOTH TIMES MY TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED. 1ST TIME MAY, 2006, WAS DUE TO FAULTY BUSHINGS AND WASHERS. 2ND TIME, FRAME BROKE, RUSTED, GONE. ALL AT THE PRESCRIBED LOCATION AND PROBLEM THAT LED TO RECALL. AM I DRIVING A DEATH TRAP, IS FORD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR, IS IT MY FAULT, THE TRANSMISSION GUYS FAULT OR FORDS ? PLEASE HELP ME. BY THE GRACE OF GOD I WAS SPARED BEING ON THE OPEN ROADWAY, BUT IF I HAD AND MY FAMILY WAS WITH ME WE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE WEIGHT OF THE ENGINE AND TRANS. FALLS DIRECTLY ON THE STEERING, I ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT STEER THE CAR. PLEASE SOMEONE RESPOND TO ME BEFORE SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS. THANK YOU ! *JB

NHTSA ID
10184506
Incident
May 1, 2006
Mileage
185,600 mi
Seat belts
Filed Oct 16, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT WAS TOO VERTICAL WHEN INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE BY A CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY TECHNICIAN, CAUSING THE HEAD OF THE INFANT TO JERK FORWARD UPON STOPPING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN IT WAS STOPPED UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, WHO STATED THAT THIS SITUATION DID NOT POSE A HAZARD TO THE CHILD. THE SAFETY SEAT WAS AN EVENFLO DISCOVERY.

NHTSA ID
10170952
Incident
Sep 21, 2006
Steering
Filed Apr 19, 2006

1992 TAURUS STEERING PROBLEM. *TS

NHTSA ID
10159464
Incident
Apr 3, 2006

Manufacturer communications

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

03148

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT

02208

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH

02176

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ

02107

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

TRANSFER SERVICE TIPS FOR THE FRONT WIPER MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET AND DEPRESSED PARK OUTPUT ARM. *TT

0214

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT

01181

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB

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
1992Viewing68161464.9
199164951463.5
199038181566.2
198956271767.9
198833362367.9
198725592670.1
198610192261.1
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.