Model year record

1992 Ford Taurus

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

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

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.