Model year record

1992 Ford Taurus

5 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,009 owner complaints on file.

Ford Taurus, 1992–1995 generation
Pictured: the 1992–1995 generation. Cutlass, CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V323000

Structure: frame and members

Component
Structure: frame and members
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
2,697,000
Reported to NHTSA
1998-12-16
Owners notified
1999-01-18

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V025000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
212,700
Reported to NHTSA
1997-02-26
Owners notified
1997-04-23

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V019000

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan

Component
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
75,200
Reported to NHTSA
1997-02-25
Owners notified
1997-03-31

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.

Recall campaignNHTSA 92V065000

Wheels

Component
Wheels
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
654,000
Reported to NHTSA
1992-05-11
Owners notified
1992-05-15

Defect description

CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.

Safety risk

THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.

Manufacturer remedy

REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.

Recall campaignNHTSA 91V145000

Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut

Component
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
1,300
Reported to NHTSA
1991-09-04
Owners notified
1991-08-16

Defect description

MANUFACTURING ERRORS BY THE SUPPLIER OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH MECHANISM MAY CAUSE THE SECONDARY PORTION OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH NOT TO FUNCTION. IF THE LATCH IS NOT IN THE PRIMARY LATCH POSITION, THE LIFTGATE COULD OPEN WITHOUT OPERATOR ACTION.

Safety risk

IF THE LIFTGATE WERE TO OPEN DURING VEHCILE OPERATION,PASSENGERS OR CARGO COULD FALL FROM THE OPEN LIFTGATE.

Manufacturer remedy

REPLACE MALFUNCTIONING LIFTGATE LATCHES.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine15260,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission7491,986 mi
Structure: frame and members61100,005 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline53—
Vehicle speed control41—
Air bags: frontal32102,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition2758,000 mi
Unknown or other22—
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly20154,553 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip19—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer19—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor17—
Air bags15190,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system15—
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs1514,526 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1460,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads13—
Electrical system: ignition: switch12146,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission12—
Tires11126,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components10—
Steering10137,000 mi
Suspension: front10129,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling980,000 mi
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint9—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly9—
Electrical system: starter assembly858,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper8—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar8—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control7—
Steering: linkages7—
Suspension7—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor7—
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood6—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly6—
Structure: body: door6—
Electrical system558,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan5—
Power train580,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt5135,300 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator4—
Electrical system: ignition: module4—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys4—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system4—
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch4—
Fuel system, gasoline4—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump4—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system4—
Parking brake: conventional4—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump4—
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal437,000 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear4—
Visibility: windshield4—
Air bags: side/window3—
Electrical system: horn3—
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers3—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)3—
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.3—
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch3—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings3—
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch3—
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft3—
Seat belts3190,000 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage3—
Seat belts: front: retractor3—
Seat belts: front: webbing3—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc3154,553 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum3—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings3—
Steering: hydraulic power assist system3—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections3—
Suspension: front: macpherson strut3—
Suspension: front: shock absorber3120,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing3—
Suspension: rear3—
Vehicle speed control: linkages3—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system3—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core3—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery2—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings2—
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack2—
Exterior lighting2—
Exterior lighting: headlights2—
Exterior lighting: tail lights2—
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system2—
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch2—
Power train: axle assembly2—
Power train: driveline: differential unit2—
Service brakes, air: disc: caliper2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum2154,553 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist2—
Structure: body: bumpers2—
Suspension: rear: shock absorber2—
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly: u-bolt, leaf spring to axle2—
Vehicle speed control: cables2—
Visibility: power window devices and controls2—
Child seat1—
Electrical system: wiring1—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)1—
Equipment: electrical1—
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift1—
Exterior lighting: brake lights1—
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit1—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery1—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1—
Interior lighting1—
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1—
Parking brake1154,553 mi
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical1—
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)1—
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter1—
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal1—
Power train: clutch assembly1—
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1—
Seats1—
Seats: front assembly: recliner1—
Service brakes, air: antilock1—
Service brakes, air: disc: pads1—
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor1—
Service brakes, air: drum: shoes/linings1—
Service brakes, air: supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1—
Service brakes, hydraulic1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic1—
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device1—
Steering: linkages: arm: idler and attachment1—
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting1—
Steering: rack and pinion1—
Steering: rack and pinion: rack1—
Structure1—
Structure: body1154,553 mi
Structure: body: trunk lid1—
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields1185,600 mi
Suspension: front: control arm1—
Suspension: front: springs: air suspension: springs/bags1—
Suspension: rear: springs: coil springs1—
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly1—
Tires: bead1—
Tires: sidewall1—
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior1—
Wheels1—
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs1—

The 1991 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1993 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

DP96014DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive

Other Ford Taurus model years

All Ford Taurus recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.