Model year record

1999 Ford Taurus recalls & problems

The 1999 Ford Taurus has 7 safety recalls and 874 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (187 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints874filed by owners

Crashes · fires61 · 16reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths69 · 4reported in complaints

1999 Ford Taurus in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

SuspensionJul 15, 2004

Front › Springs › Coil springs

Recall 04V332000899,060 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH SALT USED ON THE ROADWAYS DURING THE WINTER. A FRACTURED SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE TIRE MAY RUPTURE RESULTING IN A RAPID AIR LOSS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SPRING SHIELDS. IN ADDITION, FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS IN ALL OTHER STATES, FOR FRACTURE ONLY, UP TO 10 YEARS OF SERVICE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL JULY 31, 2005. IF EITHER FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER. AN INTERIM NOTICE WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON AUGUST 2, 2004. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE 2000-2001 MY VEHICLES AND OWNERS WERE SENT A LETTER ON JANUARY 10, 2005, ADVISING THEM TO BRING IN THEIR VEHICLES FOR REPAIR PARTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR THE 1999 MY VEHICLES BY THE END OF FEBRUARY 2005 AND OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL BE NOTIFIED THEN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Seat beltsSep 20, 1999

Front › Anchorage

Recall 99V25000025,306 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE A PIN SHAFT IN THE SWITCHABLE ELR/ALR MECHANISM THAT IS INCORRECTLY FORMED. IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SWITCHING MECHANISM COULD BECOME NONFUNCTIONAL, PREVENTING THE SEAT BELT WEBBING FROM BEING EXTRACTED FROM THE RETRACTOR. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT MALFUNCTION OF THE MECHANISM COULD PREVENT THE BELT FROM BEING SWITCHED INTO THE ALR MODE. THE ELR MECHANISM IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION.
Risk: IF THE MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONS AND DOES NOT ALLOW THE WEBBING TO BE EXTRACTED, THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT COULD NOT BE WORN BY A VEHICLE OCCUPANT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE MECHANISM DOES NOT ALLOW THE ALR MODE TO BE ENGAGED, THE OPERATOR MAY BE UNABLE TO PROPERLY INSTALL A CHILD SEAT IN THAT SEATING POSITION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLIES. ASSEMBLIES WITH JULIAN DATE CODES OF 200 THROUGH 223 ARE SUSPECT AND WILL BE REPLACED.

Power trainNov 9, 1998

Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines

Recall 98V2880001,800 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUPPED WITH THE "CALIFORNIA" EMISSIONS PACKAGE. AN INCORRECT TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE WAS INSTALLED. THE LINE CONTACTS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM MODULE SUPPORT BRACKET AND OVER TIME, CAN WEAR AND DEVELOP A LEAK.
Risk: TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE APPROPRIATE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE.

Vehicle speed controlSep 1, 1998

Vehicle speed control

Recall 98V2040006,000 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DASH INSULATOR RETAINER CLIP WAS NOT FULLY ASSEMBLED TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE DASH FITTING. THE CLIP CAN DISENGAGE FROM THE ACCELERATOR CABLE AND FALL INTO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM PIVOT AREA.
Risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE ENGINE MAY NOT FULLY RETURN TO IDLE. ALSO, THE INSULATOR MAY NOT STAY IN THE INTENDED LOCATION AND COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR CABLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES TO ENSURE PROPER INSTALLATION OF THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CLIP, AND RE-INSTALL IF NEEDED.

Seat beltsAug 25, 1998

Front › Anchorage

Recall 98V1980007,000 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEAT TRACKS. THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHING STUD MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS HEAT TREATMENT MAY HAVE RESULTED IN CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE STUD.
Risk: IF THE STUD IS CRACKED, IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MOUNTING BRACKET AND STUD ASSEMBLY.

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

1999 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

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 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Taurus

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Taurus Wagon

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Taurus Wagon

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/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*
SuspensionFront › Springs › Coil springs; Front	187	4	0	4	70,000 mi
SteeringRack and pinion; Hydraulic power assist › Pump	115	2	0	4	57,800 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Linkages	113	15	3	22	59,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	109	9	1	2	65,211 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Torque converter	98	5	1	4	81,250 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	87	0	5	0	65,335 mi
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring	63	0	0	0	46,842 mi
Seat beltsFront › Retractor; Rear/other	63	6	0	6	60,500 mi
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch; Alternator/generator/regulator	61	0	9	2	80,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	40	31	0	30	91,500 mi
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Delivery › Fuel pump	36	0	2	0	72,000 mi
TiresTread/belt; Sidewall	28	1	0	0	74,550 mi

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

Recent owner complaints

Exterior lighting
THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE HAD CONDENSATION INSIDE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. WITH TORRENTIAL RAINS TWO WEEKS AGO, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT TOOK ON AN INCH AND A HALF OF WATER INSIDE THE COVER, AND THE DRIVER SIDE HAD INCREASED CONDENSATION TO OBSCURE THE WHOLE COVER. THE CAR IS COMMONLY PARKED OUTSIDE MY APARTMENT (URBAN AREA) WHEN NOT IN USE. DATES ARE APPROXIMATE, AND I'VE PUT THE CAR IN THE AAA SHOP TO GET THE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED (BIG EXPENSE, AS THE CAR'S OLD ENOUGH TO VOTE!)
Nov 13, 2020 · 65,000 miles
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT'S FRIEND OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT'S FRIEND HEARD KNOCKING NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THERE WERE ANY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT'S FRIEND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000.
Sep 1, 2017 · 187,000 miles
Seat belts
I WOULD SAY 7 TIMES OUT OF 10 WHILE DRIVING IN MY CAR THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RANDOMLY POPS UNBUCKLED OR IF I REACH FOR SOMETHING IT UNBUCKLES. IT IS A LITTLE SCARY TO BE HONEST. SOMETIMES WHEN I BREAK THE SLIGHTEST PRESSURE CAUSE IT TO FAIL
Jul 23, 2019 · 100,580 miles
Power train
WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED JUMPING AROUND, WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS THE RPM'S REVED UP HIGH. I STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN AND THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF INTO THE INTERSECTION I CAME CLOSE TO HITTING ANOTHER CAR! I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR REPLACED TWICE ALREADY AND THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED . AS I WAS DRIVING IT HOME THE CAR HESITATED IN THE INTERSECTION THEN JERKED YOU CAN FEEL THE PULSING OF THE CAR AS IT ACCELERATES AND DEACCELERATES. IT IS A SAFETY HAZZARD
Nov 10, 2017 · 148,725 miles
Service brakes
THE CAR HAS HAD YRANSMISSION REBUILT LAST YEAR AND IM STILL MAKING PAYMEMTS ON THE CAR. THEN 4MONTHS AGO I HAD THE SPEED SENSOR REPLACED RAN GOOD UNTIL DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY WHEN IT STARTING ACTING THE SAME WAY IT WAS BEFORE I GOT IT FIXED SO I JMOW ITS THE SPEED SENSOR AGAIN HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO FIX THIS CRAP BEFORE IT GETS RECALLED OR BEFORE SPMEONE GETS INTO AN ACCIDENT OR DIES
Jul 23, 2017
Seat belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR ROW SEAT BELTS ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
Mar 1, 2016 · 132,000 miles
Power train
MAY 2016 I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND IT FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND THE SPEEDOMETER WAS ALL OUT OF WHACK, THE RPM'S WERE GOING HIGHER AS I STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED, THE CAR HAS HAD MORE PROBLEMS AND WAS BROKE DOWN FOR ALMOST THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR. DEC. 2016 HAD A NEW STARTER, POWER STEERING PULLEY, AND SERPENTINE BELT REPLACED. CAR RAN GREAT FOR 3 DAYS THEN THE SPEEDOMETER WASN'T WORKING AND FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING OR COMPLETELY GOING OUT. I CAN'T AFFORD TO REPAIR THIS CAR I JUST FINISHED PAYING OFF THE $900 TRANSMISSION JOB, PLUS I AM STILL PAYING ON THE CAR! I AM A SINGLE MOTHER ON DISABILITY WITH NO MONEY FOR REPAIRS OR…
Dec 26, 2016 · 145,861 miles
Engine and engine cooling
MY AC UNIT BLEW OUT AND STOPPED WORKING THIS SUMMER, NOW THAT IT IS RAINY SEASON THERE IS A PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE FLOOR OF MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE CALL REF NUMBER: 03V087000. COMPLAINT NUMBER: 10184014. I AM NOT SURE WHAT THEY HAVE DONE BUT IT RAINS IN WASHINGTON STATE AND MY CAR IS GOING TO STINK. THE AC UNIT JUST UP AND STOPPED WORKING, AND THE PUDDLE OF WATER ONLY SHOWS UP WHEN IT IS RAINING. I AM UNCLEAR IF THIS PUDDLE GETS BIGGER WHY DRIVING BUT I WOULD ASSUME THAT AS LONG AS THERE IS RAIN FALLING ON THE VEHICLE, THAT IT IS GETTING INTO THE CAR. *TR
Oct 8, 2016 · 130,000 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 COIL SPRING FRACTUREClosedLed to recall 04V332000
ODI POSSESSES 130 VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQ) ALLEGING FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT (MODEL YEAR 1999-2000) VEHICLES.AN ADDITIONAL 11 VOQS CONCERNING MY 2001 VEHICLES HAVE BEEN FOUND, BRINGING THE TOTAL TO 141.MORE THAN 75% OF THESE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE BROKEN SPRING DAMAGED OR PUNCTURED THE ADJACENT TIRE.ALL OF THESE REPORTS ORIGINATED IN THE SALT BELT STATES LOCATED IN THE NORTHEAST QUADRANT OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.FORD WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-332) COVERING VEHICLES SOLDOR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO INSTALL SPRING SHIELDS IN MY 1999-2001 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES TO PREVENT A FRACTURED…
PE04044 · opened May 24, 2004 · closed Aug 16, 2004
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTUREClosed
A TOTAL OF 161 FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING FAILURES ARE KNOWN TO ODI AND FORD FROM ALL SOURCES, 59 OF THESE LEADING TO TIRE DAMAGE.THESE FAILURES ARE CONCENTRATED IN THE CORROSION STATES, WHERE 253,814 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD.WARRANTY AND CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA SHOW THAT THE SUBJECT FLEET EXPERIENCED A SPRING FRACTURE RATE OF 0.009% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.03% AT 60,000 MILES.THESE RATES ARE VERY LOW WHEN COMPARED TO PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF COIL SPRING FRACTURE:RECALLED '93 TAURUS (EA97-026): 0.1% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.34% AT 60,000 MILES; AND RECALLED '98 WINDSTAR (EA00-027): 0.11% AT 30,000 MILES AND 1.25% AT 60,000 MILES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ALSO EXPERIENCED FAILURE RATES SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER THAN THOSE OF COMPARABLE-AGED NON-RECALLED WINDSTARS SUBJECT TO EA00-027 (MY '95-'97).GIVEN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED IN THIS MATTER.THE…
PE02080 · opened Oct 22, 2002 · closed Apr 29, 2003