RoadVitals

1996 Ford Taurus Body & structure Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the body or structure system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Body & structure reportsComplaints 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.
40
Latest Feb 24, 2015
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
5%
of 825 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 1996 Ford Taurus submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 40 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming body or structure

The 25 most recent of 40, in the owner's own words

Body & structure
Filed Feb 24, 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR CARRIAGE HAD CORRODED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW UNDER FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

NHTSA ID
10690224
Incident
Feb 23, 2015
Mileage
113,000 mi
Body & structureEngine
Filed Jun 27, 2012

THE MOTOR CRADLE IN MY MOTHER-IN-LAW'S 1996 TAURUS RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE AS SHE WAS MAKING A TURN. THIS CAUSED THE MOTOR TO PARTIALLY DROP MAKING STEERING ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR THE 1995 TAURUS IN DEC. OF 1998. MY QUESTION IS IF THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT DISCOVERED UNTIL 1998 THEN WHY WOULD THE 1996 TAURUS NOT BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL? I WOULD LIKE TO SEE CREDIBLE DOCUMENTATION THAT FORD SUBSTANTIALLY FIXED A PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR CRADLES IN THE 1996 TAURUS TWO YEARS BEFORE THEY KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM PROMPTING THE 1998 RECALL. SHORT OF THAT, I WOULD LIKE NHTSA TO EXPLAIN WHY THIS PROBLEM SHOULD NOT BE FIXED BY FORD. *TR

NHTSA ID
10463264
Incident
Jun 26, 2012
Mileage
95,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 26, 2010

ON MY 1996 FORD TAURUS THE SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. WITH ONLY 90,000 MILES AND STORED INSIDE I HAVE NEVER SEEN A FRAME RUSTED OUT THIS BAD. *TR

NHTSA ID
10332405
Incident
Feb 22, 2010
Mileage
90,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 12, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT WATER LEAKED ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR AREA. THE WATER WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DURING RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

NHTSA ID
10325099
Incident
Oct 24, 2008
Mileage
138,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jan 4, 2010

THE FRAME IS CRACKED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10298022
Incident
Jan 4, 2010
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Jun 16, 2008

1996 FORD TAURUS PROBLEMS WITH BACK GATE REPLACEMENT PANELS. CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE CANNOT LOCK THE DOOR WITH A KEY IT MUST BE LOCKED BY HAND SHE BELIEVES THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. PROBLEMS WITH THE DOOR AJAR/RELAY. *KB THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE GROUND MOTOR AND THE SUSPECTED PROBLEM WAS MORE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE REAR TAILGATE WOULD NOT OPEN. *JB

NHTSA ID
10231733
Incident
Jan 1, 1901
Body & structure
Filed May 17, 2007

THE 1996 TAURUS THAT I DRIVE HAD A THUD/CLANKING NOISE UNDER THE FLOOR BOARDS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. REPLACED BRAKES, AND WHILE THE CAR WAS JACKED UP I FOUND EXTREME RUST THROUGH ON THE PASSENGER'S REAR ON THE SUBFRAME CARRIAGE AND CARRIAGE BOLT. THIS CAR WAS NO LONGER BEING DRIVEN. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 115,000 MILES ON IT. THIS SHOULD NOT BE ROTTED OUT. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT ANY REPAIRS WE NOT COVERED BY ANY WARRANTY OR RECALL, AND THAT THEY HAVE LETTERS FROM FORD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THIS WAS ONLY COVERED THROUGH THE 1995 MODEL YEAR.*AK

NHTSA ID
10191034
Incident
Mar 1, 2007
Body & structure
Filed May 16, 2006

I CURRENTLY OWN A 1996 FORD TAURUS. BY A FLUKE, I WAS RECENTLY NOTIFIED BY A MECHANIC THAT THE SUB-FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS CORRODED BEYOND REPAIR. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THERE IS NO OTHER RUST ON THE VEHICLE, WHICH WOULD INDICATE A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH I HAVE CHECKED THE INTERNET AND FOUND SEVERAL EXAMPLES OF THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS THE MAIN SUPPORT, WHICH HOLDS UP THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. IF IT WERE TO SUDDENLY DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME IMPOSSIBLE. I HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE DRIVING WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND DO NOT REALIZE IT, JUST AS I DIDN'T. I AM ASKING THAT YOU CHECK INTO THIS FURTHER AND TO PROTECT OUR CITIZENS. THANK YOU, JAMES MEHRING. *NM

NHTSA ID
10157667
Incident
May 16, 2006
Mileage
137,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Mar 26, 2005

I NOTICED A CLICKING IN FRONT END WHEN TURNING,STOPPING AND ACCELERATING WICH VERY QUICKLY GRADUATED TO A LOUD POPPING SOUND.AFTER TAKING IT IN TO THE GARAGE THEY FOUND THAT THE HALF SHAFT AND TIE ROD WERE DAMAGED ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE.AFTER REPLACING THE PARTS IT WAS STILL POPPING.THEY PUT IT ON A HOIST AND REALIZED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY AT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE.THIS WAS IMEDIATELY DECLARED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE DAMAGE TO THE HALF SHAFT AND TIE ROD.AFTER TAKING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE TO THE FRAME, HE NOTICED THAT THE FLOOR WAS NEAR COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT AS WELL.I HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAS THE SAME CAR (MODEL AND YEAR) AND HE IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS WITH HIS CAR.*AK

NHTSA ID
10114783
Incident
Mar 12, 2005
Body & structure
Filed Apr 26, 2004

THE STATE INSPECTION REFUSED TO INSPECT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE BECAUSE THE SUB FRAME CORRODED BEYOND REPAIR. *AK

NHTSA ID
10071578
Incident
Apr 19, 2004
Mileage
96,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Jun 27, 2002

WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ANY FRONT SUBFRAME PROBLEMS, CAR MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN BRAKING LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE AND WHEN HITTING DIPS OR POTHOLES FRONT END SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO TO FALL OUT. REPLACED FRONT STRUTS 06/27/02 STILL HAVE SAME PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ID
763567
Body & structure
Filed Aug 8, 2001

DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, A LOUD "THUD" NOISE WAS COMING FROM FRONT. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT FRONT RIGHT CRADLE MOUNT WAS BROKEN. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN CAMPAIGN NUMBER 98V323000. *AK *SLC

NHTSA ID
893772
Incident
Aug 1, 2001
Body & structureEngineFuel system+1 more
Filed Oct 15, 2000

I LIKED THE CAR WHEN I BOUGHT IT , BUT AM WONDERING IF I BOUGHT A LEMON

NHTSA ID
734378
Body & structure
Filed Sep 24, 2000

WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS (70 PLUS MPH) IN CROSSWIND CONDITIONS THERE IS A LOUD "MOANING" AND/OR "WHISTLING" SOUND THAT IS PRESENT IN THE AREA OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WHERE THE DOOR ASSEMBLY MEETS THE FRAME AND WINDOW ASSEMBLY. THE SOUND IS SO LOUD THAT I HAVE TO TURN OFF THE RADIO BECAUSE THERE IS TOO MUCH NOISE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR TO TALK OR HEAR NORMALLY. I HAVE INFORMED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND HE TOLD ME THAT HE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS PERSONAL FORD VEHICLE. FORD CAN'T SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM NOR DO THEY SEEM TOO CONCERNED ABOUT IT. THEY (FORD)JUST SORT OF PUT ME OFF AND MORE OR LESS INDICATE THAT BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT SEEM TO CORRECT THE PRONLEM THAT I"LL JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. THE PROBLEM IS ONGOING AND OCCURS FREQUENTLY WHEN I TAKE TRIPS WHERE I AM DOING HIGH SPEED DRIVING IN CROSSWIND CONDITIONS.

NHTSA ID
732372
Incident
Dec 22, 1996
Body & structure
Filed Feb 9, 2000

THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THAT A DOOR IS OPEN. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ID
856581
Body & structureExterior lighting
Filed Dec 31, 1999
Crash reported

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
716695
Body & structure
Filed Dec 29, 1999

DORR HANDLE ON DRIVERS SIDE WOULD NOT OPEN. I HAD TO OPREN FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE . SUDDENLY, FOR NO APPARANT REASON IT WORKED AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE AND CORRECTED ITSELF. *AK

NHTSA ID
716618
Incident
Dec 22, 1999
Body & structureBrakesEngine+1 more
Filed Oct 13, 1999

ROTORS AND PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH NO CHANGE TO THE SHAKING. VERY VIOLENT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

NHTSA ID
713240
Body & structure
Filed Jul 20, 1999

WHENEVER IT RAINS / GOING THROUGH SOME WATER. DOORS WORK INTEMITTENTLY. *AK *YC

NHTSA ID
842708
Incident
Jan 1, 1999
Body & structureHeating & air conditioningDriver assistance+2 more
Filed Jun 24, 1999

CABLES THAT CONNECTS TO THE GAS PEDAL BROKE WHILE ACCELERATING ONTO THE HIGHWAY. NLM

NHTSA ID
546378
Body & structure
Filed May 17, 1999

VEHICLE WAS NOT DESIGNED WITH DOOR RESTRAINTS, CAUSING DIFFICULTIES ENTERING & EXITING THE VEHICLE, DOORS CLOSE WITHOUT NOTICE WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO CONSUMER. *YC

NHTSA ID
545642
Body & structure
Filed Nov 12, 1998

FRONT DOOR HANDLES ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT DOORS DO NOT WORK IN HIGH HUMIDITY ENVIRONMENT (ON RAINY DAYS). UNABLE TO OPEN EITHER FRONT DOOR.

NHTSA ID
700560
Incident
Nov 12, 1998
Body & structureBrakesSteering+3 more
Filed Oct 9, 1998

REAR BRAKE MAKES GRINDING THAT DEALER CAN'T DUPLICATE.*ET

NHTSA ID
781087
Body & structurePowertrain (other)Visibility
Filed Jul 6, 1998

COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION, PUMP SHAFT SPLIT IN HALF.

NHTSA ID
537348
Incident
Feb 1, 1998
Body & structureEngineSeat belts+2 more
Filed Mar 26, 1998

PASSENGER'S DOOR RATTLES. REPLACED STEERING RACK/LEAKING OIL PAN GASKETS/OIL FILTER AND BRACKET/ SEAT BELT RETRACTOR/REAR DEFROSTER. *AK

NHTSA ID
533341

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .