RoadVitals

1998 Ford Taurus Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
545
Latest Aug 20, 2022
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
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.
75

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1998 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

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

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

112
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS IS THE SCARIEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN WHILE DRIVING MY TEENAGE SON'S VEHICLE. HIS VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECREASE IN SPEED. WHILE TAKING OFF FROM A STOP, WITHOUT TOUCHING THE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A VEHICLE ACCELERATE WITHOUT HITTING THE GAS PEDAL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN ESPECIALLY SINCE ITS A TEENAGERS VEHICLE. I SEE THAT NEWER TAURUSES HAD A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. MANY WERE REPORTING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN, THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT MY SON'S DID TONIGHT. ALSO, WHEN I PLACED HIS VEHICLE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE REVVED UP TO 4000 RPM'S LIKE SOMEONE WAS HITTING THE GAS. I HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF BEFORE IT BLEW THE ENGINE. IT WAS NERVE RACKING. THIS IS LIKELY TO CAUSE A SERIOUS INJURY OF DEATH TO MY CHILD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10648298 · filed Oct 17, 2014

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE TO STOP AT A LIGHT ON A HIGHWAY ACCESS ROAD, THE VEHICLE HAD TROUBLE STOPPING. IT STARTED VIOLENTLY JERKING AND VIBRATING AND THE BRAKES WERE ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE RPM'S READ IN THE 4'S. I PULLED OVER AND IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY REACHED 45 MPH WITHOUT STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL. I WAS RELUCTANT TO HAVE IT REACH A GREATER SPEED SO I STOPPED THE VEHICLE. IT ONCE AGAIN DID NOT WANT TO RESPOND PROPERLY TO THE BRAKES. I CALLED FORD AND EPLAINED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND THE VEHICLE DIFFICULTY IN STOPPING, THERE ARE NO RECALLS. I RESEARCHED ONLINE, AND IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL CABLE THAT STICKS TO THE THROTTLE AND LEAVES IT OPEN. I ONCE AGAIN CONTACTED FORD FOR AN ESTIMATE TO REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. THE SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT THERE WAS NO SUCH THING AS A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. I CALLED THE PARTS DEPARTMENT AND THEY SAID THAT PART IS AFTERMARKET AND IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS READING THE AOL VEHICLE COMPLAINTS ON THIS AND ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURED AND PEOPLE HAVE BEEN INJURED. I DON'T KNOW WHY FORD DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THIS SERIOUS SAFET ISSUE IN A TIMELY MANNER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10499523 · filed Feb 21, 2013
All 112 reports naming driver assistance

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

82
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED COMPLETELY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE HAD RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A REAR PROPORTIONING VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10660573 · filed Nov 24, 2014

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE TO STOP AT A LIGHT ON A HIGHWAY ACCESS ROAD, THE VEHICLE HAD TROUBLE STOPPING. IT STARTED VIOLENTLY JERKING AND VIBRATING AND THE BRAKES WERE ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE RPM'S READ IN THE 4'S. I PULLED OVER AND IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY REACHED 45 MPH WITHOUT STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL. I WAS RELUCTANT TO HAVE IT REACH A GREATER SPEED SO I STOPPED THE VEHICLE. IT ONCE AGAIN DID NOT WANT TO RESPOND PROPERLY TO THE BRAKES. I CALLED FORD AND EPLAINED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND THE VEHICLE DIFFICULTY IN STOPPING, THERE ARE NO RECALLS. I RESEARCHED ONLINE, AND IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL CABLE THAT STICKS TO THE THROTTLE AND LEAVES IT OPEN. I ONCE AGAIN CONTACTED FORD FOR AN ESTIMATE TO REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. THE SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT THERE WAS NO SUCH THING AS A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. I CALLED THE PARTS DEPARTMENT AND THEY SAID THAT PART IS AFTERMARKET AND IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS READING THE AOL VEHICLE COMPLAINTS ON THIS AND ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURED AND PEOPLE HAVE BEEN INJURED. I DON'T KNOW WHY FORD DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THIS SERIOUS SAFET ISSUE IN A TIMELY MANNER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10499523 · filed Feb 21, 2013
All 82 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

64
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED COMPLETELY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE HAD RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A REAR PROPORTIONING VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10660573 · filed Nov 24, 2014

THIS IS THE SCARIEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN WHILE DRIVING MY TEENAGE SON'S VEHICLE. HIS VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECREASE IN SPEED. WHILE TAKING OFF FROM A STOP, WITHOUT TOUCHING THE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A VEHICLE ACCELERATE WITHOUT HITTING THE GAS PEDAL. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN ESPECIALLY SINCE ITS A TEENAGERS VEHICLE. I SEE THAT NEWER TAURUSES HAD A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. MANY WERE REPORTING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN, THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT MY SON'S DID TONIGHT. ALSO, WHEN I PLACED HIS VEHICLE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE REVVED UP TO 4000 RPM'S LIKE SOMEONE WAS HITTING THE GAS. I HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF BEFORE IT BLEW THE ENGINE. IT WAS NERVE RACKING. THIS IS LIKELY TO CAUSE A SERIOUS INJURY OF DEATH TO MY CHILD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10648298 · filed Oct 17, 2014
All 64 reports naming engine

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

62
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY SON IS AWAY AT COLLEGE AND WAS DRIVING OUR 1998 FORD TAURUS SE WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING THE CAR JUST STOPPED AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. FROM READING OTHER COMPLAINTS THIS SEEMS TO BE A TRANSMISSION DEFECT IN THE FORD TAURUS. WE HAVE BEEN THE OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE SINCE BEING PURCHASED NEW OFF THE DEALER LOT. COST TO FIX THIS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS PROHIBITIVE AND MAKES NO FINANCIAL SENSE GIVEN THE CURRENT KBB VALUE. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND CORRECT THE DEFECT. NOW WE HAVE OUR CHILD STUCK AT COLLEGE 3 HOURS AWAY WITH A JUNK VEHICLE ALSO STUCK 3 HOURS AWAY WHILE STILL PAYING COSTLY INSURANCE ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10356700 · filed Sep 20, 2010

JERKING, DOESN'T WANT TO GO, FELT LIKE FUEL FILTER, BUT THINK ITS TRANSMISSION. *AK

NHTSA ID 10191295 · filed May 21, 2007
All 62 reports naming transmission

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

59
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN I WAS TURNING A CORNER MY CAR STARTED TO SHIMMY LIKE IT HAD A FLAT TIRE I GOT OUT TO CHECK ONLY TO FIND THERE ISNT A FLAT TIRE AND THAT MY RACK AND PINION IS GONE BAD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR I JUST REPLACED THE SAME PART ON THE OTHER SIDE A YEAR AGO EVERYTIME THE ALIGNMENT GOES OUT THE RACK AND PINION GOES BAD! *TR

NHTSA ID 10464758 · filed Jul 9, 2012

98 FORD TAURUS WAGGON BUILD DATE OF 11/4/97 WITH 105,000 MILES, FRONT PASSANGER COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY, THANK GOD. APPARENTLY VERY COMMON, WHY IS THERE NO RECALL FOR THIS!! NO APPARENT REASON, LIGHT USEAGE MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES. *TT

NHTSA ID 10421579 · filed Aug 26, 2011
All 59 reports naming suspension

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

40
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

This car only has 73k milrs on it i am the 3rd owner. The power steering and the rack and pinion failed on this car. I was driving west on Columbus Drive in East Chicago three weeks ago when my steering became so stiff it was very difficult for me to make a turn and i could have easily hit another vehicle ir been hit by another vehicle. In researching this issue and talking to a Ford mechanic the rack and pinion is a common problem in the Ford Taurus from 1996 to 2000. There should have been a nationwide recall and there was not. A mechanic that worked at Ford at the time told me 30000 vehicles were recalled but all the vehicles should have been recalled. The problem was so big they designed a special tool to deal with it. They just waited for people to ca them and they dealt with it at that time as most of the cars were still under warranty at Ford. My problem is the original owner was a denior citizen who drove the car very little. She turned it over to the 2nd owner in 2016 with 66k miles on it. Had she driven the car the average for the industry this would have been covered unfer warranty. If you research this issue online you will discover Ford knew about it and its common to this car for the years stated above. The power steering pymp went out in July. We fixed that..the rack and pinion went out soon after. The pump had alteady been changed in that car before i got it, which leads me to believe the problem has been the rack and pinion for awhile. I have enclosed receits on tbe parts. My neighbor installed the pump for $80. Estimates in installing the rack and pinion are 250 to 400 in this area. Ive gone thru 75 in fluid loss bc the seal on the rack and pinion on the drivers side is blown so car keeps spitting out fluid. I tried to upload reveipts on the parts but i was unable to. The pump was approximately $84. The rack and pinion and return hoses were apprimately $200 thru Rockauto.

NHTSA ID 11480338 · filed Aug 20, 2022

WHEN I WAS TURNING A CORNER MY CAR STARTED TO SHIMMY LIKE IT HAD A FLAT TIRE I GOT OUT TO CHECK ONLY TO FIND THERE ISNT A FLAT TIRE AND THAT MY RACK AND PINION IS GONE BAD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR I JUST REPLACED THE SAME PART ON THE OTHER SIDE A YEAR AGO EVERYTIME THE ALIGNMENT GOES OUT THE RACK AND PINION GOES BAD! *TR

NHTSA ID 10464758 · filed Jul 9, 2012
All 40 reports naming steering

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

39
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE HORN BECAME INOPERABLE AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,230.

NHTSA ID 10672756 · filed Jan 15, 2015

I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM THIS COMPANY. I EXPECT THAT ALL PARTS BE IN SAFE WORKING CONDITION... I WAS IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT JUNE 3, 2005 IN WHICH WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH MY CAR STRUCK THE SIDE OF A FORD TRUCK THAT HAD PULLED OUT PERPENDICULAR INTO MY LANE. MY CAR WAS WEDGED BENEATH THE TRUCK AND THE FRONT END WAS DEMOLISHED WHILE THE DASH HAS EVIDENCE OF MOVING BACK AS WELL INCLUDING THE BRUISES ON MY KNEES AND LEG. MY CAR WAS DETERMINED "TOTALED" AND I AM IN THERAPY FOR MY INJURIES TO INCLUDE PORTIONS OF MY BODY FROM HEAD TO TOE. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY!!! THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO ME IN LESS THAN SAFE DRIVING CONDITION AS THE AIRBAG WAS ONE OF MANY REASONS I AGREED TO BUY THE CAR. FORD SHOULD NOT ALLOW THE RESALE OF THEIR PRODUCT UNLESS IT IS SAFE. *NM

NHTSA ID 10145846 · filed Dec 21, 2005
All 39 reports naming airbags

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

34
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE HORN BECAME INOPERABLE AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,230.

NHTSA ID 10672756 · filed Jan 15, 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ANTI THEFT DEVICE ENGAGED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXPECTANTLY. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND SHE STATED THE FAILURE RECURRED AT LEAST SIX TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY CABLE, A METAL WIRE TO THE BATTERY AND THE KEY WAS REPROGRAMMED AND REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,273.

NHTSA ID 10359092 · filed Oct 4, 2010
All 34 reports naming electrical

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

30
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR SEAT BELTS IN THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED AND FAILED TO RETRACT, WHICH LEFT THE OCCUPANTS UNSECURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BAYSHORE FORD OF PENNSYVILLE (200 S. BROADWAY ST, PENNSYVILLE, NJ). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MANUFACTURER NO LONGER PRODUCED PARTS FOR THE VEHICLE AND IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

NHTSA ID 11082199 · filed Mar 30, 2018

THE CAR HAS A RECALL ON LIGHTS SEAT BUCKLE AND STUD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10466557 · filed Jul 19, 2012
All 30 reports naming seat belts

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A SEAT BACK FAILURE HAPPENED TO MY MOTHERS FORD TAURUS DURING A REAR END COLLISION, WHICH CAUSED HER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR BECAUSE SHE COULDN'T REACH THE BRAKE OR STEERING WHEEL AFTER THE SEAT BACK BROKE. WHAT SHOULD OF BEEN A MINOR ACCIDENT TURNED INTO A VERY MAJOR ACCIDENT. AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS SHOULD MAKE CARS THAT'S SEATS DON'T BREAK WITH THE SMALLEST REAR COLLISION. *JB

NHTSA ID 10198687 · filed Aug 6, 2007

MY DOOR AJAR LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON EVEN THOUGH THE DOORS ARE ALL SHUT. SOMETIMES I AM ABLE TO OPEN AND CLOSE A DOOR AND THE LIGHT WILL GO OUT, BUT OTHER TIMES THE LIGHT STAYS ON NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO. THE DOME LIGHT WILL STAY ON DUE TO THIS AND YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE BULB OUT IN ORDER TO DRIVE ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR QUITE AWHILE NOW AND NO ONE IS ABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR AND TWO BATTERIES WHICH I BELIEVE TO BE CAUSED FROM THIS PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A DEFECT SINCE THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME ISSUE AND IF SO WILL THE DEALER FIND AND FIX THE PROBLEM AT NO COST TO ME? *JB

NHTSA ID 10177946 · filed Jan 5, 2007
All 29 reports naming interior & seats

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THE VINYL ON THE DASHBOARD WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

NHTSA ID 10538657 · filed Sep 3, 2013

APPLIED BRAKES WHILE STOPPED IN PARKING LOT,PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR,ALL BRAKE FLUID NOW UNDER CAR. UNABLE TO LIFT CAR,NO METAL EXISTED FROM FLOORPAN TO ROCKER PANEL BOTTOM. BRAKE LINES HAD BEEN AFFIXED TO THIS METAL,AND NOW HAD LOST SUPPORT/MOUNTING PLACE AND VIBRATED AND FELL APART. THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR LOOKED ALMOST NEW,BUT THE PLASTIC TRIM ON THE LOWER SILL HID THE PROBLEM OUTSIDE. NOW,THE DOOR SILL(BOTH SIDES)ARE GETTING SO BAD,WE ARE AFRAID TO STEP ON THEM,OR GO OVER A BAD BUMP OR RAILROAD TRACK. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS,AS THIS METAL ROTTED FROM THE INSIDE-OUT,AS THOUGH IT NEVER WENT THRU A RUST PREVENTION BATH PROCESS. MY FRIENDS ARE CURRENT FORD PEOPLE OR,LIKE MYSELF,ARE RETIRED FORD PEOPLE,THEY SAID TAURUS VEH. CANT HAVE THIS EXTREME PROBLEM,BUT I DO. THANKS FOR ASKING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10475398 · filed Sep 14, 2012
All 22 reports naming body & structure

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATER WAS NOT WORKING IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000. UPDATED 10/30/14*CN

NHTSA ID 10638637 · filed Sep 24, 2014

VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. CONSUMER HAD THE HEATER CORE REPLACED. HOWEVER, HEATER CORE KEPT BECOMING DEFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER HAD THE HEATER CORE REPLACED ON FOUR OCCASIONS. *AK

NHTSA ID 10115623 · filed Mar 23, 2005
All 17 reports naming visibility

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CAR HAS A RECALL ON LIGHTS SEAT BUCKLE AND STUD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10466557 · filed Jul 19, 2012

BOTH HEADLIGHT LENSES ARE CLOUDED, DISCOLORED AND HAVE MOISTURE ON THE INSIDE. THE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SEALED UNIT. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THIS PROBLEM CAUSES POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT.*AK *SB

NHTSA ID 10119813 · filed May 26, 2005
All 14 reports naming exterior lighting

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1998 FORD TAURUS STATION WAGON BEGAN LOW POWER ACELERATING AT STOP TIMES 2. A THIRD INCIDENT OCCURED FROM A COMPLETE STOP WITH FOOT ON BRAKES AN THIS TIME IT COULD NOT BE STOPPED WITH BOTH FEET ON BREAKS. IT RAN FOR ABOUT 75 FEET AND THEN QUIT ON ITS OWN. TOOK TO LOCAL FORD DELEARS SHIP AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. I ASKED IF THIS WERE COMMON AND WAS TOLD THEY NEVER HEARD OF SUCH THING. KEEP CAR TWO DAYS I CONTACTED THE TAURUS CLUB OF AMERICAL AT THEIR WEB LINE AND IT SEEMS THERE HAVE BEEN MANY INCIDENTS SUCH AS THIS AND THEY CALLED IT SURGING. *AK

NHTSA ID 10114289 · filed Mar 18, 2005

FUEL PUMP FAILURE LEAVING DRIVER STRANDED. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED AND REPAIRED AT A COST OF $568.81. *JB

NHTSA ID 10109804 · filed Feb 3, 2005
All 13 reports naming fuel system

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

IN JUNE 2008 I STARTED MY REGULAR YEARLY MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE OF MY 1998 FORD TAURUS WAGON. I HAD MY OIL CHANGE & ROTATED/BALANCED MY TIRES. IN OCTOBER 2008 I HAD TWO TIRES REPLACED (ALL OF MY SERVICE WAS DONE @ A FORD DEALERSHIP IN MY CITY) AND A MULTI-POINT INSPECTION FOR MY VEHICLE INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT MY CAR NEEDED REAR SHOCKS, AS THE OUTER CASING WAS ROTTED! LEFT INNER TIE ROD WAS LOOSE & FRONT BRAKES WERE WORN. I WENT IN ON OCT 23, 2008 AND HAD ALL OF THE WORK DONE!,$417.45 FOR FRONT BRAKES, RESURFACED FRONT ROTORS; REPLACED FRONT INNER TIE ROD. THEN ON 11/10/08 I WENT IN TO HAVE MY VEHICLE INSPECTED AND WAS ADVISED THAT IT FAILED, THE ROCKER PANELS WERE ROTTED OUT! I MADE AN APPT FOR 11/19/08 TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO FIX THIS & LEARNED THAT THE ROCKER PANELS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FROM FORD & THAT I NEEDED TO FABRICATE NEW ONES! MY CAR, WHICH HAD 142,555 MILES ON IT, WHICH I THOUGHT TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION, DID NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE OF SUB-FRAME ROT! THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN SERVICED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS, WHO HAD JUST POCKETED $621.45 OF MY MONEY TO PERFORM WORK ON A CAR THAT THEY REFUSED TO INSPECT! IN SEARCHING FOR ESTIMATES TO REPAIR THIS DAMAGE I LEARNED THAT ALL TAURUS' RUSTED IN THE SAME PLACE! UNDER THE ROCKER PANEL COVERS, RIGHT WHERE MINE WAS ROTTED. I WAS TOLD BY EVERY COMPANY TO JUNK MY CAR! I CALLED FORD TO EXPRESS MY CONCERNS AND WAS ONLY TOLD "YOUR CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY". I JUST LEARNED TODAY ABOUT RECALLS ON FORD VEHICLES DUE TO SUBFRAME ROT! MY CAR IS STILL SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIX IT AND HAVE NOT JUNKED IT YET BECAUSE I AM SO SADDENED THAT IT WAS NEVER FIXED BY FORD. I HAVE EVERY RECEIPT FOR ALL THE WORK PERFORMED ON MY CAR AND WOULD LIKE MY CAR TO BE INCLUDED IN THE UPDATED RECALLS ON FORD VEHICLES! THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10393721 · filed Mar 30, 2011

I BOUGHT 4 NEW TIRES AT SEARS ON 10/31/06 .AND I HAD A FLAT TIRE SO I PUT AIR IN THE TIRE WHEN I WAS DONE I COULD HEAR THE AIR LEAKING OUT OF THE VALVE STEM I COULD SEE THE CRACKS IN THE STEMS AND REPLACED IT ON 5/18/08 AND A MONTH LATER THE SAME THING I REPLACED ANOTHER VALVE STEM ON 06/16/08 . NOW I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TWO FRONT TIRES VALVE STEMS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10245196 · filed Oct 12, 2008
All 10 reports naming tires & wheels

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1998 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A JERKING MOTION AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA ID 10633127 · filed Sep 15, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL QUICKLY AND SHIFT INTO PARK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260,000.

NHTSA ID 10606969 · filed Jun 30, 2014
All 8 reports naming powertrain (other)

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CAR HAS A RECALL ON LIGHTS SEAT BUCKLE AND STUD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10466557 · filed Jul 19, 2012

WHEN I WAS TURNING A CORNER MY CAR STARTED TO SHIMMY LIKE IT HAD A FLAT TIRE I GOT OUT TO CHECK ONLY TO FIND THERE ISNT A FLAT TIRE AND THAT MY RACK AND PINION IS GONE BAD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR I JUST REPLACED THE SAME PART ON THE OTHER SIDE A YEAR AGO EVERYTIME THE ALIGNMENT GOES OUT THE RACK AND PINION GOES BAD! *TR

NHTSA ID 10464758 · filed Jul 9, 2012

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AIR CONDITIONER (A/C) SYSTEM FAILED; NO COOLED AIR COMING OUT OF SYSTEM; 1998 FORD TAURUS GL V6 3.0L; ONLY 106,000 MILES; HAD TO REPLACE DISCHARGE LINE; HAD TO REPLACE MANIFOLD LINES AT COMPRESSOR; HAD TO EVACUATE AND CHARGE SYSTEM. PARTS INCLUDED A/C MANIFOLD LINE SET, DISCHARGE LINE, FREON. TOTAL COST: $620. *AK

NHTSA ID 10190765 · filed May 15, 2007

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM HAS FAILED; NO COOL AIR WAS COMING OUT. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM, IT WILL COST $1200.00. *AK

NHTSA ID 874051 · filed Oct 27, 2000

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.

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