RoadVitals

1993 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.
1,557
Latest Sep 12, 2014
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.
8
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.
13
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.
102
44 injuries, 3 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 1,557 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1993 Ford Taurus, most frequently naming the engine, suspension and transmission categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 13 NHTSA investigations name it; and 113 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

8 campaigns cover this model year

View all 8

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
98I002000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Jun 24, 1998
281,000 units potentially affected
The defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF NEW YORK, MICHIGAN, OHIO, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, INDIANA, NEW JERSEY, MAINE, CONNECTICUT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, KENTUCKY, MARYLAND, DELAWARE, AND WEST VIRGINIA. FORD IS PROVIDING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH THE YEAR 2001 FOR REPLACEMENT OF FRON TSPRINGS DUE TO FRACTURE. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN COMBINATION WITH SMALL CRACKS IN THE SPRINGS.
The risk: THE FRONT TIRE COULD DEFLATE DUE TO A BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRING CONTACTING THE TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: CUSTOMERS WITH VEHICLES THAT HAVE BROKEN SPRINGS ARE TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLE FOR SPRING REPLACEMENT. BOTH SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED EVEN IF ONLY ONE SPRING IS FRACTURED.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
98V094000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

May 6, 1998
281,000 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF NEW YORK, MICHIGAN, OHIO, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, INDIANA, NEW JERSEY, MAINE, CONNECTICUT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, KENTUCKY, MARYLAND, DELAWARE, AND WEST VIRGINIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN COMBINATION WITH SMALL CRACKS IN THE SPRINGS.
The risk: THE FRONT TIRE COULD DEFLATE DUE TO A BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRING CONTACTING THE TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING CATCHER BRACKET WHICH WILL PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM CONTACTING A TIRE.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 98S15View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

RQ99017ClosedRecall Query

FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING

Opened Aug 9, 1999
Closed Feb 16, 2000

There is no summary currently available

SUSPENSIONLed to recall 98V094000
EA99023ClosedEngineering Analysis

WINDSHIELD WIPER

Opened Aug 6, 1999
Closed Jun 12, 2001

ODI has received 50 additional complaiints on MY 1993 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles alleging malfunction of the windshield wiper system including; intermittent or complete stoppage of wiper sweeping; inadequate sweep speed; and other general complaints of poor performace.In some cases, the owner alleges havingto leave the roadway or roll down the window and manually restart the sweeping motion of the wiper arms.Other complaints allege that the wiper sweeps too slowly at the maximum speed setting resulting in inadequate vision during heavy precipition.Some complaints allge repeated wiper system malfunctions despirt having their vehicles serviced at Ford dealerships of replacement of the multi-function switch and/or wiper motor.Ford provided its response to an Information Request Letter indicating that the same wiper motor is used on the MY 1987-1993 Taurus and Sable; however, warranty and complaint data show that the MY 1993 is over represented and may warrant particular attention.An Engineering Ananlysis is necessary to determine if a potential safety defect exists.

VISIBILITY
PE99015ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

WINDSHIELD WIPER

Opened Feb 24, 1999
Closed Aug 6, 1999

ALLEGED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WITHOUT WARNING

VISIBILITY
EA97026ClosedEngineering Analysis

FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILURE

Opened Nov 26, 1997
Closed May 13, 1998

ALLEGED THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE, PERMITTING SUSPENSION COLLAPSE, POSSIBLE TIRE PUNCTURE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR COMPROMISE TO VEHICLE SAFETY

SUSPENSIONLed to recall 98I002000

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 1,557
Steering
Filed Sep 12, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S HANDS BECAME STUCK TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO RELEASE THE STEERING WHEEL AND NOTICED A DARK YELLOW GLUE OR PASTE LIKE SUBSTANCE COMING OUT OF THE SEAMS OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 10/30/14*CN UPDATED 4/27/2015 *JS

NHTSA ID
10632773
Incident
Feb 1, 2014
Mileage
65,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 26, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD SURPASSED THE STATUE OF LIMITATIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

NHTSA ID
10537234
Incident
Jul 25, 2013
Mileage
77,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Nov 6, 2012

HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. FIDDLED DESPERATELY WITH THE ON/OFF SWITCH & GOT THEM TO COME BACK ON. WENT OUT SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE NEXT 30 MINUTES ... DISCOVERED TURNING OFF AND BACK ON FIXED. SUSPECTED IT HAD TO DO WITH THE HEAT. OVER THE TWO MONTH, RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER DRIVING FOR 30 MINUTES OR SO. ALSO FOUND THAT USUALLY PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE SWITCH ITSELF AND JIGGLING WOULD BRING THEM BACK, AND DISCOVERED I COULD HOLD THE HIGH BEAMS ON. FINALLY SEARCHED HERE AND FOUND 98V009000, WHICH SEEMS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM. HAVE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER ... BUT GAVE THEM RECALL 98S01 (FOUND ELSEWHERE WHEN LOOKING FOR REPLACEMENT PART WHEN I HAD DECIDED THAT IT MOST LIKELY WAS IN THE SWITCH). *TR

NHTSA ID
10483504
Incident
Sep 6, 2012
Mileage
160,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Dec 8, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH THE FRAME ON THE VEHICLE FRACTURED AND COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING HIM TO TEMPORARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRAME HAD CORRODED CAUSING IT TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000.

NHTSA ID
10369643
Incident
Dec 5, 2010
Mileage
105,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 1, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT A WARNING. HE WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HE THEN TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS THE TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE WHERE HE NOTIFIED A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CAUSED THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 162036.

NHTSA ID
10315193
Incident
Feb 20, 2010
Mileage
162,036 mi
Filed Nov 28, 2008
Crash reported

I PULL IN THE DRIVEWAY IN MY 1993 FORD TAURUS. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OFF. I PULLED THE CAR IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE TO SEE HOW I COULD SHUT IT OFF. THE ENGINE STARTED TO ACCELERATE. AS IT WAS BUILDING RPM'S SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER NEATH THE CAR AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR TO LIFT THE HOOD TO PULL SOME WIRE TO DISCONNECT THE ENGINE. AS I STARED TO LIFT THE HOOD THE CAR TOOK OFF IN REVERSE AT A HIGH SPEED. IT WENT FIFTY FEET AND TURNED RIGHT HIT A ELECTRIC POLE AND SLAMMED INTO A HOUSE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10250042
Incident
Nov 15, 2008
Mileage
119,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 3, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THROUGH THE TOLL PLAZA, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT EXITED OFF THE INTERSTATE AND APPROACHED A TRAFFIC LIGHT THIRTY SECONDS LATER. SHE NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CABLE TO THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS STUCK. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD NEVER USED THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED HER TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, IT WAS ALREADY BEING REPAIRED BY HER MECHANIC. THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS STUCK WHICH CAUSED THE THROTTLE TO SATY OPEN. UPDATED 11/19/08. *JB

NHTSA ID
10244315
Incident
Sep 24, 2008
Mileage
86,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 29, 2008

I BOUGHT MY 1993 FORD TAURUS 3 MONTHS AGO..IT HAS 59K ON IT...ONE WEEK AFTER BUYING IT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON..WHEN I APPROACHED THE DEALERSHIP THERE COMMENT WAS.."WELL THINGS GO WRONG DAILY WITH USED CARS..I DRIVE THE CAR FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES THEN THE LIGHT WILL COME ON. I HAVE CHANGED ALL THE SENSORS..HAD A TUNE UP..RADIATOR FLUSH..JUST TO MENTION A FEW THINGS...HAD NEW MOTOR MOUNTS PUT IN TOO..ALL OF WHICH HAS COST ME WELL OVER 700.00...I CALLED FORD WHEN I NOTICED THEY HAD A RECALL ON THE ELECTRICAL IN WHICH I WAS INFORMED THEY WOULDN'T DO A THING..I CAN ONLY DRIVE THIS CAR FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME BEFORE THE ENGINE STARTS SMELLING HOT..THOUGH WITH THE NEW THERMOSTAT IT NEVER REGISTERS ITS OVER HEATING..TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HAD A COMPUTER CHECK DONE..BUT WOULDN'T U KNOW LIGHT WOULDN'T COME ON SINCE IT WAS JUST SITTING. SEEMS IT ONLY COMES ON WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD..AGAIN TOLD THE DEALERSHIP...THEY KEEP SAYING MUST BE A CENSOR..WHICH SEEMS TO ME THEY KNEW THIS WHEN THE CAR WAS SOLD TO ME..YET DIDN'T DISCLOSE THAT PART..WHEN I PURCHASED IT. I WAS SOLD A LEMON..AND FORD WILL NOT HONOR THERE RECALLS ON IT..SO SEEMS IM DOOMED..IM ON DISABILITY AND CANT AFFORD ALL THESE REPAIRS BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE.. *TR

NHTSA ID
10236203
Incident
May 10, 2008
Mileage
59,630 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

03181

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

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

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
1993Viewing1,55781361.8
199268161464.9
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.