Model year record

1994 Ford Taurus recalls & problems

The 1994 Ford Taurus has 5 safety recalls and 923 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (337 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints923filed by owners

Crashes · fires51 · 23reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths42 · 3reported 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.

Exterior lightingJan 21, 1998

Headlights › Switch

Recall 98V009000506,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.

Vehicle speed controlFeb 26, 1997

Vehicle speed control

Recall 97V025000212,700 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.

Engine and engine coolingFeb 25, 1997

Cooling system › Fan

Recall 97V01900075,200 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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

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.

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

1994 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 / 27 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 / 27 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	17 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-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

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

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	337	2	5	3	77,034 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission	291	2	0	3	85,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Ignition › Switch	94	1	12	4	—
StructureFrame and members; Body › Door	72	2	1	4	130,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	64	10	0	3	130,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cruise control	63	8	4	5	114,000 mi
SuspensionFront › Springs › Coil springs; Front	53	1	0	0	83,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Storage › Tank assembly	52	1	1	0	—
Exterior lightingHeadlights › Switch; Headlights	50	0	0	0	113,500 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	42	36	0	22	—
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Windshield wiper/washer › Motor	36	2	0	1	—
SteeringRack and pinion; Hydraulic power assist › Pump	34	1	1	4	—

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

Recent owner complaints

Exterior lighting
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHTS GO OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN COME BACK ON IT HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN STOPS HAPPENING
Mar 1, 2018 · 70,000 miles
Exterior lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING AND THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V009000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,000.
Mar 14, 2017 · 127,000 miles
Air bags
AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES ON/OFF FREQUENTLY. DEFECTIVE SENSOR IS SUSPECTED. PART IS UNAVAILABLE. A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. NOT SURE IF THERE WAS A RECALL PRIOR TO PURCHASE OR CHANGE OUT OF PARTS. *TR
Nov 14, 2013 · 110,540 miles
Power train
THE CAR WHEN LEAVING A STOP ACTS LIKE ITS IN NEUTRAL THEN CATCHES AND LEAPS FORWARD. FORD USED A CHEAP FORWARD CLUTCH PISTON. *TR
Nov 4, 2013 · 95,858 miles
Power train
AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A WHILE AND APPROACHES A STOP, IT "DE-CLUTCHES" AND EITHER FAILS TO SHIFT INTO GEAR, WHEN PUSHING GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE OR IT THEN SHIFTS HARD DURING TAKE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE IS 85,000. MANUFACTURE HAS SUPPOSEDLY SENT OUT TSB FOR REVISED FORWARD CLUTCH PISTON #9837. FORD HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN'S 91-5-7, 92-1-4,92-26A-6, 93-9-11 AND 94-24-7 WHICH EVEN TELLS THE DEALERS TO USE A STEEL PISTON AND NOT TO USE THE ALUMINUM PISTON AND IF THEY HAVE ANY IN STOCK TO RETURN THEM TO THE PARTS DEPOT FOR…
May 22, 2013 · 85,000 miles
Engine
I JUST GOT OFF THE TELEPHONE WITH FORD CORP., ~ I HAVE INHERITED A 1994 TAURUS FROM MY GRANDMOTHER, WHO TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF IT AND IT ONLY HAS 88,000 ORIGINAL MILES ~ THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING, THE HEAD GASKET BLEW & THE EXHAUST STARTED POURING OUT THICK SMOKE, I WAS ABLE TO GET TO A SAFE LOCATION IMMEDIATELY, BUT I LOOK UNDER THE CAR AND THERE WERE ALL DIFFERENT COLOR FLUIDS COMING OUT. BACK IN 1999 THERE WAS A LETTER SENT TO MR. WILLIAM CLAY FORD RELATING TO THIS ISSUE ~ A VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN SO WELL KEPT AND NOT EVEN HAVE PASSED 100K MILES... THIS MALFUNCTION OF FORD, SHOULD BE FIXED AND HONORED AT ALL COSTS AND NOW I AM LOOKING AT A BILL OF $2300.00 TO GET THIS FIXED ~ WHEN IF IT…
Nov 23, 2012 · 88,000 miles
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND BOTH THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION COLLAPSED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 93V106000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS) AND CONTACTED THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY FILED A COMPLAINT ON THE CONTACT'S BEHALF. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Sep 17, 2012 · 155,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR FIVE DAYS WITHOUT USE. ABOUT 9:00AM I MOVED THE CAR AND PARKED IT IN THE STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEM OF ANY KIND. ABOUT 45 MIN. LATER I WAS ALERTED TO THE SOUND OF A CAR HORN AND FOUND THE FORDS HORN WAS HONKING. WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR TO ATTEMPT TO PULL THE LEVER TO OPEN THE HOOD THERE WAS SMOKE IN THE CAR AND A SMALL FLAME ON THE LEFT LOWER CORNER OF THE CASH. I WENT TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PHONED 911, WAS GONE MAYBE 30 SECONDS AND WHEN I RETURNED THE DASH WAS FULLY AFLAME. I THEN DRAGGED MY HOSE OUT AND BY THE TIME @45 SECONDS LATER I GOT THE WATER ON, THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WAS FULLY ENGULFED. AFTER…
Nov 7, 2011 · 120,000 miles

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

FRONT SUSPENSION SPRINGClosedLed to recall 98V094000
There is no summary currently available
RQ99017 · opened Aug 9, 1999 · closed Feb 16, 2000
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRESClosedLed to recall 97V019000
There is no summary currently available
EA96024 · opened Sep 30, 1996 · closed Apr 15, 1997
HEADLIGHT FAILUREClosedLed to recall 98V009000
EXCESSIVE HEAT IN AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CIRCUIT BREAKER WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THAT CIRCUIT BREAKER TO OPEN FOR TIME PERIODS OF VARYING LENGTH TO COOL OFF.OPENING OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THIS MANNER INTERRUPTS ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW TO THE HEADLIGHTS, SHUTTING THEM OFF.HEADLIGHT OUTAGES HAVE RANGER FROM BRIEF FLICKERS (LESS THAN ONE SECOND) TO GREATER THAN 20 SECONDS.OVER TIME, THE OUTAGES GROW IN LENGTH AND DURATION BECAUSE OF HEAT-INDUCED DETERIORATION OF THE SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING.RECALL 98V-009 WILL APPLY TO APPROXIMATELY 506,000 TAURUS, SABLE, MARK VIII, AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM 1-DEC.-92 THROUGH 30-SEP-93 AT THE ATLANTA, CHICAGO,AND WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANTS.87% OF MY 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE AND 97% OF MY 1993-1995 MARK VIII WARRANTY REPAIRS (HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT) INVOLVED VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE DEC. 92 - OCT. 93 BUILD RANGE.
EA96019 · opened Jul 31, 1996 · closed Jan 26, 1998
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRESClosedLed to recall 97V019000
IN DECEMBER 1995, FORD RECALLED 119,313 VEHICLES IN CANADA TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN CERTAIN 1992-95 TAURUS, SABLE, TEMPO, TOPAZ AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES.FORD IS AWARE OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT MAINTAINS THAT THE FREQUENCIES DO NOT WARRANT A FINDING OF AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.
PE96033 · opened May 2, 1996 · closed Sep 30, 1996