Model year record

1996 Ford Taurus

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,132 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V067000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
400
Reported to NHTSA
1998-03-25
Owners notified
1998-06-17

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER FORD SERVICE BULLETIN 97-17-9 FROM AUGUST 1997 THROUGH DECEMBER 1997. THESE VEHICLES WERE INADVERTENLY EQUIPPED WITH AN 18-GALLON FUEL TANK RATHER THAN THE 16-GALLON AS SPECIFIED. THE 18-GALLON TANK HAS A SECOND VALVE LOCATION WHERE A SHIPPING PLUG SHOULD BE INSTALLED.

Safety risk

IF THIS SHIPPING PLUG IS DISPLACED, FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CORRECT FUEL TANK.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V176000

Power train: automatic transmission

Component
Power train: automatic transmission
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
340,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-09-18
Owners notified
1996-10-09

Defect description

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARK PAWL SHAFT MAY NOT BE FREE TO ROTATE AS INTENDED. IF THE PARK PAWL SHAFT DOES NOT ROTATE, IT WOULD PREVENT THE PARK PAWL FROM ENGAGING THE PARK GEAR WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS IN THE PARK POSITION.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS IF IN NEUTRAL WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE PARK POSITION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PARK PAWL SHAFT ROTATION AND THOSE SHAFTS WITH RESTRICTED ROTATION WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SHORTER SHAFT THAT WILL NOT RESTRICT ROTATION.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V166000

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
40,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-09-05
Owners notified
1996-09-23

Defect description

THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK.

Safety risk

UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V151000

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
4,700
Reported to NHTSA
1996-08-12
Owners notified
1996-10-02

Defect description

THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR LOCATED ON THE FUEL RAIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAS A VACUUM DIAPHRAGM THAT WAS DAMAGED DURING MANUFACTURE OF THE REGULATOR.

Safety risk

IF THE DIAPHRAGM TEARS OR RUPTURES, LIQUID FUEL COULD ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD PLENUM THROUGH THE VACUUM LINE RESULTING IN EITHER RELEASE OF FUEL FROM THE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY OR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. FUEL RELEASE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. THOSE REGULATORS PRODUCED DURING THE SUSPECT TIME PERIOD WILL BE REPLACED.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V086000

Power train: automatic transmission

Component
Power train: automatic transmission
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
100,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-05-14
Owners notified
1996-07-17

Defect description

THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WAS IMPROPERLY POSITIONED WHEN THE ROLL PIN THAT RETAINS IT WAS INSTALLED DURING TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY. IF THE SHAFT WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONED, THE ROLL PIN MAY NOT HAVE LINED UP WITH THE GROOVE IN THE SHAFT AND HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AT ASSEMBLY. ALSO, A BURR COULD HAVE BEEN RAISED ON THE SHAFT.

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PARK PAWL OCCASIONALLY NOT ENGAGING WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS IF IN NEUTRAL IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PARK PAWL SHAFT ROLL PIN. IF THE ROLL PIN IS DAMAGED, BOTH THE ROLL PIN AND THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, OWNERS WILL BE REMINDED TO FULLY APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE, IN ADDITION TO PLACING THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V016000

Service brakes, hydraulic: brake fluid low warning: lamp

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: brake fluid low warning: lamp
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
76,500
Reported to NHTSA
1996-01-25
Owners notified
1996-02-21

Defect description

THE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR LAMP SWITCH CAN MALFUNCTION. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Safety risk

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE SWITCH MALFUNTIONS, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP WILL EITHER REMAIN ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY OR FAIL TO LIGHT AS INTENDED WHEN THE FLUID LEVEL FALLS TO A CERTAIN LEVEL. IN EITHER CASE, THE VEHICLE OPERATOR WOULD NOT BE WARNED OF A LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL CONDITION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR LAMP SWITCHES.

Owner complaints

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

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Power train: automatic transmission13591,879 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline70
Engine and engine cooling: engine6280,180 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system6175,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system3598,000 mi
Vehicle speed control3198,000 mi
Air bags: frontal2980,123 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip28
Unknown or other27
Suspension: front24147,000 mi
Steering22
Steering: rack and pinion22
Structure: body: door19
Power train: manual transmission18
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs1698,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition15
Engine and engine cooling15
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner14
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components14
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system14
Visibility: windshield1478,426 mi
Air bags13100,000 mi
Electrical system1385,000 mi
Structure: frame and members1396,000 mi
Tires1383,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer13
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly12
Exterior lighting: headlights1275,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor12
Suspension1271,400 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar11
Tires: tread/belt1179,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys1030,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump10
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core10
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch910,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch998,000 mi
Power train859,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc8
Service brakes, hydraulic7110,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal7
Electrical system: wiring6
Seat belts: front: anchorage6
Visibility: power window devices and controls6
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery5
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system5120,000 mi
Interior lighting5
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor524,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator4
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash4
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly4
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)4
Seats4
Steering: rack and pinion: rack4
Structure495,000 mi
Suspension: rear4195,000 mi
Wheels4
Electrical system: ignition: module3
Electrical system: ignition: switch358,360 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood3
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers3
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system379,199 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control3
Equipment: electrical3
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift389,466 mi
Exterior lighting3
Exterior lighting: back up lights3
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch3
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch3
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery3
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump3
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter3
Power train: axle assembly3
Power train: driveline: driveshaft3
Seat belts373,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings392,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections3
Structure: body3113,000 mi
Structure: body: trunk lid3
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module2
Air bags: side/window2
Engine295,000 mi
Equipment2100,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.2155,752 mi
Fuel system, gasoline2119,925 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch2
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift263,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly2
Seat belts: rear/other2
Service brakes, air: antilock2
Service brakes, hydraulic: brake fluid low warning: lamp2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads2
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid2
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly2114,000 mi
Structure: body: bumpers2
Structure: body: hood2
Suspension: front: macpherson strut2
Suspension: rear: springs: coil springs294,350 mi
Tires: sidewall295,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control2
Vehicle speed control: linkages2
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring2
Child seat1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1
Exterior lighting: brake lights1
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch1
Exterior lighting: headlights: concealment devices114,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch1
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit1
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors1
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock1
Parking brake: conventional1
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal1
Power train: clutch assembly1
Power train: manual transmission: column shift assembly1
Power train: manual transmission: floor shift assembly1
Seats: mid/rear assembly1
Service brakes, air: antilock: wheel speed sensor1
Service brakes, air: disc: caliper1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light1130,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic192,000 mi
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)1
Steering: linkages1
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm1160,000 mi
Structure: body: tailgate1
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields1
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint1
Suspension: front: shock absorber1
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar1
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire1117,000 mi
Tires: valve1
Vehicle speed control: cables1
Visibility1
Visibility: glass, side/rear1
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs1

The 1995 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 1997 model has roughly the same number of 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.