Model year record

1990 Ford Taurus recalls & problems

The 1990 Ford Taurus has 8 safety recalls and 381 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (91 complaints).

Recalls8safety recalls

Complaints381filed by owners

Crashes · fires29 · 23reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths26 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

StructureDec 16, 1998

Frame and members

Recall 98V3230002,697,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.

SuspensionNov 25, 1994

Front › Shock absorber

Recall 94E03600098,000 vehicles

Problem: THE ARC WELDS ON THE SWAY BAR BRACKET, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE STRUT RESERVE TUBE, DID NOT FUSE PROPERLY.
Risk: OVER TIME, A PORTION OF THE BRACKET CAN TEAR AWAY FROM THE STRUT, FALLING INTO AND PUNCTURING THE TIRE OR CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: MONROE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STRUT FREE OF CHARGE.

Seat beltsAug 17, 1992

Front › Buckle assembly

Recall 92V113000565,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES ARE DEFECTIVE IN THREE WAYS. FIRST, A FASTENED SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. THIS RESULTS FROM INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE BUCKLE EJECTOR FINGER AND THE BUCKLE TONGUE WINDOW. THE SECOND DEFECT IS THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT LATCH. THE THIRD POSSIBLE DEFECT IS THAT THE TONGUE MAY BE RETAINED BY THE BUCKLE, BUT IT MAY NOT BE LATCHED SUFFICIENTLY TO PROVIDE OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
Risk: AN INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED OR UNLATCHED SAFETY BELTINCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT. IF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH, IT WILL NOT ALLOW THEOCCUPANT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
Fix: FORD WILL REPLACE THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH END RELEASE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES DESIGNED TO PREVENT LATCH PROBLEMS.

WheelsMay 11, 1992

Wheels

Recall 92V065000654,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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

Service brakes, hydraulicAug 6, 1991

Foundation components › Disc › Rotor

Recall 91V134000325,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.
Risk: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.

Air bagsOct 30, 1990

Frontal

Recall 90E043001172,000 vehicles

Problem: THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
Risk: INFLATOR COMPONENT SEPARATION ALLOWS HOT COMBUSTION GASES TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Fix: REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.

WheelsAug 28, 1990

Hubcap/cover

Recall 90V1590001,212 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: WHEELS MAY CONTAIN CRACKS THAT COULD PROPOGATE IN RAISED PORTION OF WHEEL CENTER.
Risk: UNDER SEVERE DUTY, THIS COULD RESULT IN EVENTUALSEPARATION OF WHEEL RIM FROM CENTER WITH LOSS OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLY ACOLLISION.
Fix: REPLACE WHEELS WITH WHEELS OF A REVISED DESIGN.

Exterior lightingOct 13, 1989

Headlights › Switch

Recall 89V1710002,900 vehicles

Problem: AN INCORRECT TRANSISTOR MAY CAUSE AUTOLAMP SYSTEM LIGHT SENSOR MODULE MALFUNCTION.
Risk: HEADLAMPS COULD TURN OFF WHILE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN ORREMAIN ON AFTER VEHICLE IS PARKED. LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHTCOULD BE HAZARDOUS TO THE DRIVER AND OTHER TRAFIFIC.
Fix: REPLACE LIGHT SENSOR MODULES.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1990 Ford Taurus 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Taurus

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Taurus Wagon

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Taurus

20mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Taurus

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Taurus Wagon V6 A/C

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Taurus Wagon

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	91	0	6	3	—
StructureFrame and members; Body	70	1	0	0	—
SteeringLinkages › Tie rod assembly; Linkages	57	3	5	0	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission	46	0	1	0	—
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch; Ignition	45	0	10	0	—
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	43	19	1	18	70,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Linkages	31	5	0	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc › Rotor; Foundation components › Disc	28	1	1	0	—
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core	26	0	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly; Front › Anchorage	25	2	0	4	72,323 mi
SuspensionFront; Front › Shock absorber	18	1	0	1	—
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner; Other › Owners/service/other manual	13	0	3	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Structure › Frame and members
HOW DO I GET FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO HONOR GENUINE NHTSA RECALLS ON A 1990 FORD TAURUS WAGON??? IT CURRENTLY HAS COMPLAINT # NHTSA 90E043001; NHTSA 98V323000; NHTSA 93V106002; NHTSA 91V34000. I CANNOT GET DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE AIR BAG MODULE DEFECT, SEAT BELT DEFECT OR CPU REPLACEMENT DEFECT. WHAT DO I DO TO GET SOME ACTION ON THESE ISSUES???? *TR
Dec 12, 2009 · 70,000 miles
Structure › Frame and members
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN GREATER EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TOWED THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENTS. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE…
Jul 21, 2009
Air bags › Frontal1 injury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 30 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR A CRASH OCCURRING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER ARMS, LACERATIONS ON HER FACE AND ARMS, AND A LARGE BURN ON HER LIP. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN INSPECTOR TO INVESTIGATE THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 5/5/09 *CN UPDATED 05/07/09.*JB
Mar 4, 2009
Electrical systemFire
I HAD A LOOSE IGNITION ON MY 1990 FORD TAURUS IN WHICH I COULD REMOVE MY KEY WHILE IT WAS STILL RUNNING I HAD THIS CHANGED WHILE I WAS HAVING OTHER WORK DONE ON THE CAR AND LESS THEN A WEEK LATER I HAD A VERY EXPENSIVE PAPERWEIGHT BECAUSE AFTER THEY PLACED A NEW IGNITION INTO MY CAR IT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT BURNING OUT ALL THE WIRING AND DESTROYING THE WIRES CONNECTED TO MY BATTERY. I TOWED THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALER AND I HAD TO LAY OUT EVEN MORE MONEY FOR THEM TO TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT. THERE HAVE NEVER BEEN ANY FIRES OR RECALLS AND THAT WAS THAT. *TR
Jun 11, 2008
Air bags
CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON STAYED ON. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON FLASHES 9 TIMES PAUSES AND THEN FLASHES 9 TIMES REPEATS. CRUISE CONTROL STOPS WORKING. *JB
Jul 10, 2006
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
THE BELTS WERE REPLACED DUE TO RECALL CAMPAIGN# 92V113000 AT 88K MILES. AT 120K MILES, THE DRIVER SIDE LATCH MECHANISM BECAME STIFF, THEN THE OUTER SLEEVE HAD COME APART. THE SLEEVE WAS PLACED BACK INTO PLACE AND THE BELT WAS BACK FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. *AK *SC *JB
Apr 11, 2005 · 83,000 miles
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedalCrash
OWNER WAS DRIVING AND PULLED OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. OWNER HAD TO AVOID SEVERAL POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS BY PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. HOWEVER, OWNER'S VEHICLE DID HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATING TO THIS DEFECT. *AK
Feb 27, 2005 · 110,000 miles
Structure › Frame and members
WHOLE BACK END OF CAR FAILED AND HAD TO HAVE IT ALL REPLACED. THE BOLTS BROKE CAUSING THE REST OF THE BACK END TO TOTALLY FAIL AND BRAKE. HAD TO HAVE IT ALL REPLACED INCLUDING THE BOLTS, REAR SUSPENSION LINKAGE, BOTH SHOCKS, AND REAR AXLE. WE PAID OUT OF OUR OWN POCKET FOR THIS TO TUNE OF 800. AND NOW TO DO ALL OF THIS THE CAR IS NOW ACTING LIKE IT IS EITHER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM OR THE REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS GOING OUT.*AK
Nov 2, 2004

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOROpen
CFAS SENT A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON DECEMBER 12, 1996, TO CHANGE THE INTENT OF THE PETITION TO AIRBAG AGGRESSIVITY AND DEPLOYMENT VARIABILITY.NHTSA RECEIVED THE LETTER ON 12/12/96; ACCORDINGLY, THE PETITION DUE DAY WAS CHANGED TO APRIL 12, 1997.CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE 1991-92 CHEVROLET CORSICA/BERETTA, 1990-92 FORD TAURUS, AND 1994-96 CHRYSLER MINIVANS ARE DEFECTIVE.CFAS ALLEGE THAT INFORMATION ON LOW SPEED CRASHES HERE OCCUPANTS HAVE SUFFERED FATAL INJURIES SUGGESTS [THAT THE ABOVE VEHICLES] HAVE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS.
DP96014 · opened Nov 14, 1996
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODSClosed
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS
DP95004 · opened Aug 8, 1995 · closed Aug 30, 1995
BROKEN TIE RODSClosed
There is no summary currently available
EA94008 · opened Feb 16, 1994 · closed Feb 27, 1995
POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKSClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE93100 · opened Dec 2, 1993 · closed Jun 30, 1994
UNDERBODY FUEL LINE FAILSClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE93065 · opened Jul 15, 1993 · closed Nov 30, 1993
BROKEN TIE RODSClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE93058 · opened Jun 15, 1993 · closed Feb 16, 1994
SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAILClosedLed to recall 93V106001
There is no summary currently available
EA92040 · opened Nov 30, 1992 · closed Jun 30, 1993
POWER STEERING LEAKS/FIRESClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE92044 · opened Apr 27, 1992 · closed Aug 31, 1992
ENGINE MOUNT FAILUREClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE92014 · opened Feb 4, 1992 · closed Jun 25, 1992
STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATIONClosedLed to recall 92V065000
===
EA91042 · opened Oct 28, 1991 · closed May 21, 1992
STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATIONClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE91108 · opened Aug 1, 1991 · closed Oct 28, 1991
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILUREClosedLed to recall 92V113000
There is no summary currently available
EA91011 · opened Dec 18, 1990 · closed Aug 13, 1992
BRAKE DISC HUB SEPARATIONSClosedLed to recall 91V134001
===
EA90045 · opened Sep 28, 1990 · closed Sep 12, 1991
SAFETY BELT BUCKLE LOCKINGClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE90113 · opened Aug 20, 1990 · closed Dec 18, 1990
WHEEL SEPARATIONClosedLed to recall 90V159000
There is no summary currently available
PE90104 · opened Aug 2, 1990 · closed Aug 30, 1990