Model year record

1993 Ford Taurus

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 2,206 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 98V094000

Suspension: front: springs: coil springs

Component
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
281,000
Reported to NHTSA
1998-05-06
Owners notified
1998-11-04

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THE FRONT TIRE COULD DEFLATE DUE TO A BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRING CONTACTING THE TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING CATCHER BRACKET WHICH WILL PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM CONTACTING A TIRE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V009000

Exterior lighting: headlights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
506,000
Reported to NHTSA
1998-01-21
Owners notified
1998-04-15

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHTS CAN FLASH INTERMITTENTLY AS A RESULT OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING. THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS CAN GO OUT FOR BRIEF INTERVALS.

Safety risk

LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION CAN AFFECT A DRIVER'S ABILITY TO NAVIGATE THE ROADWAY AND REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH THAT INCORPORATES A CRICUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR AND WIRING, IF NEEDED.

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 93V023000

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
212
Reported to NHTSA
1993-01-04
Owners notified
1993-05-07

Defect description

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CONTROLLERS DESIGNED FOR REAR WHEEL DRIVE CARS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THESE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CARS..

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY AND POSSIBLEVEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL DRIVE ABS CONTROLLER WITH A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE ABS CONTROLLER.

Owner complaints

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

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine43083,687 mi
Power train: automatic transmission14581,101 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline143
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs96134,730 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer77
Exterior lighting: headlights6870,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system6359,963 mi
Electrical system: ignition56188,632 mi
Structure: frame and members54118,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch49160,000 mi
Air bags: frontal4693,000 mi
Vehicle speed control4154,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling3975,000 mi
Unknown or other39130,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor38
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip36
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner33
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly30
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump25162,036 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor25
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components24
Suspension: front24106,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch23
Tires1855,000 mi
Electrical system1642,988 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch16
Suspension16200 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control15
Steering: rack and pinion15
Visibility: power window devices and controls1563,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring15
Air bags14
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers1470,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood13
Suspension: rear13
Electrical system: horn12
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan12
Fuel system, gasoline11200 mi
Power train11159,000 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly10
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1042,988 mi
Steering10
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper9
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder9
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator8
Electrical system: wiring8
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc8
Steering: hydraulic power assist system8
Suspension: front: macpherson strut8
Electrical system: ignition: module7
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash7
Power train: manual transmission7
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar765,000 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly7
Structure: body: door7
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior7
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings6
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system6
Seats6
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads6
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump6
Vehicle speed control: cruise control6
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.5
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch5
Seats: front assembly: power adjust5
Tires: tread/belt5
Vehicle speed control: linkages5
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys4
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe4
Exterior lighting477,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal4
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly4
Service brakes, hydraulic4200 mi
Steering: linkages4
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments4
Suspension: rear: shock absorber4
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal4
Wheels4
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery3
Exterior lighting: brake lights3
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery3
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly3
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines3
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter3
Power train: driveline: differential unit3
Seat belts3
Seat belts: front: anchorage3
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum3
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections3
Structure3
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar3
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system3
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core3
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module2136,200 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)2
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch2
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)2
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift2
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch2
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal2
Seat belts: front: webbing2
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)2
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields2157,815 mi
Suspension: front: shock absorber2
Suspension: front: wheel bearing2
Suspension: rear: springs2
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire2
Vehicle speed control: cables286,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor2
Visibility: glass, side/rear2
Visibility: windshield2
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs2
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module1136,200 mi
Air bags: on-off switch assembly1
Air bags: side/window1
Child seat1
Child seat: tether: strap/webbing1
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk1
Electronic stability control (ESC)142,988 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)1
Equipment1112,424 mi
Equipment: electrical1
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch1
Exterior lighting: fog lights1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: filling/charging1
Interior lighting1
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock1
Parking brake1
Power train: clutch assembly1
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)1
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint1
Seat belts: front: retractor1
Seat belts: rear/other1
Seats: front assembly: head restraint1
Seats: front assembly: recliner1
Service brakes, air: disc: caliper1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings1
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum1
Steering: column1
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting1
Steering: rack and pinion: rack1
Structure: body: bumpers1
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint1112,424 mi
Suspension: front: springs: air suspension: springs/bags1
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar1
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly1
Wheels: hubcap/cover1

The 1992 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. The 1994 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

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.