1986 Ford Taurus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Taurus › 1986
These records cover every 1986 Ford Taurus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
9 recalls name the 1986 Ford Taurus. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If both rear corners drop, steering would become suddenly very difficult, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plates, and plate nuts.
The arc welds on the sway bar bracket, where it attaches to the strut reserve tube, did not fuse properly.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Monroe dealers will replace the strut free of charge.
Vehicle description: taurus and sables built from 10-14-85 through 8-19-88, and lincoln continentals built from 11-4-87 through 9-30-88 (except 1989 - 1991 2.5L taurus and 1989 - 1992 sho). The affected cars were originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If one of the rear corners drops, only minor indications of a malfunction such as a clunking noise or slight change in steering wheel alignment are noticeable. however, if both rear corners of the subframe drop, steering becomes very difficult, which could adversely affect vehicle control and possibly result in an accident.
Remedy
Install a corrosion-resistant reinforcing plate and a new bolt on both rear subframe mounts. this recall campaign has been superseded by recall 98v-323.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
Replace the self-latching assembly currently used in the rear storage compartment with a latch assembly that can only be closed with a key.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
Replace front brake rotors with full cast front brake rotors.
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Coupling could disengage due to fuel pressure,vibration, and engine movements; this would cause loss of fuel which, inpresence of an ignition source, creates a fire risk.
Remedy
Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.
Road salt induced erosion of the wiper motor conductor strips could cause localized thermal stress within the glass.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Glass could fracture while station wagon IS being drivenor parked, creating a risk of injury to occupants or sudden distraction to thedriver.
Remedy
Apply sealant to conductor strips and protective tape to lower backlites.
The right quarter windows may contain glass which was improperly tempered. this glass may yield pieces larger than the maximum allowed by fmvss 205, glazing material. consequence of defect: in case of an accident these large…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the car IS left unattended with the key removed and the ignition switch not in lock position, the car can be easily stolen. studies have shown that stolen cars are frequently involved in accidents.
Remedy
Ignition lock switch cylinder will be replaced.
Owner complaints
101 complaints2 involved a crash6 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
1986 and 2005 ford taurus recall for speed control. Consumer would like any and all information possible on the recall for the ford taurus. *kb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Structure › Frame and members
Consumer inquiring information concerning the subframe body mounts recall and the rotor separation recall on the 1986 ford taurus.*mr *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Problems with transmission. nar 07/02/2003. *mr the consumer found that ford motor company intentionally sold defective vehicles to customers. The defect IS the transmission, according to the bulletin #94-24-7 they knew that defects existed in the following vehicles 1986-95 ford taurus, 1993-95…
Problems with transmission. nar 07/02/2003. *mr the consumer found that ford motor company intentionally sold defective vehicles to customers. The defect IS the transmission, according to the bulletin #94-24-7 they knew that defects existed in the following vehicles 1986-95 ford taurus, 1993-95 taurus sho, 1986-95 mercury sable, 1988-94 continental and 1995 windstar light truck. The consumer has written to ford explaining what was found and to date nothing has been done. Please investigate statements contained. *cb *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
While driving at 25mph front left mechanism which holds brake system fell inside the wheel. Dealer notified. *ak
- Electrical system
Consumer stated that while driving the alternator failed causing the battery to be drained. as a result, the vehicle repeatedly backfired almost causing a fire. ts
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Engine intermittently dies when pulling away from a stop. I read something about this being a possible class action item but have never heard of it since then. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
There was a recall I was told on the 1984 & 1985 the bolts broke, but no recall on 1986. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
When vehicle gets warm it will shut off when vehicle IS at a light or when stopping. *ak the vehicle had stall several times and the cause was not found by the dealer. the consumer was very much concerned about the danger of the vehicle stalling while traveling in traffic. *Yh
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Vehicle will stall suddenly. Vehicle will not go over 35 mph and at the same time the temperature gauge will go high, and brakes do not have full power.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Intermittent problem with vehicle stalling while driving. Vehicle would restart within 20 minutes or more. Vehicle been to dealer and independent repairs shop on several occasions, and they were unable to duplicate the problem. Feel free to provide any further details. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump · Suspension
Tires wore out quickly more than 60 mph. It vibrates right turn, makes rubbing sound. *Et
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
While driving stopped and turned car off. about ten minutes later, car caught on fire, fire was under the dash, and it burned the visor and carpet. *ak
- Child seat
When installing a child safety seat in the rear seat the lap belts do not hold tight. I have contacted various dealers as well as ford in michigan, and all that was said to use IS a locking clip,that does not hold that type of belt tight. we are also installing the tether system in our own…
When installing a child safety seat in the rear seat the lap belts do not hold tight. I have contacted various dealers as well as ford in michigan, and all that was said to use IS a locking clip,that does not hold that type of belt tight. we are also installing the tether system in our own vehicle as the dealerships locally have never done them and want too much money to experiment on tyring to install one. we will have an infant and a 3 year old in the rear seat and we want them to be in corrctly but no one has ony answers.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The engine mounts are loose at each 4 corners. Would make clunking noises. would stall out without warning. The engine would shake when accelerating. Been to mechanic for problems. *ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections · Structure › Frame and members
Subframe rear plate nut failed prior to recal notice (98s36). nlm
- Structure › Frame and members
Vehicle denied recall repair due to lack of parts (98v-323). Mjs
- Structure › Frame and members
Vehicle experienced recall component failure prior to recall notice (98v-323). Mjs
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
No summary
- Seats
Bucket seat kept falling off. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
4TH failure/burn of ignition box in steering column. Nhtsa recalled 1988 and newer vehicles, but this IS my 4TH burn. Ford refuses assistance because parts are not recalled, only cars, and this car was not "included" in the original recall.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
No summary
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
On two occasions when the power steering on my car was inoperable (engine failure) when turning the steering wheel I bent the steering column. the first time the steering column bent so far that it made steering impossible. if this were to occur on the highway it would have rendered me helpless…
On two occasions when the power steering on my car was inoperable (engine failure) when turning the steering wheel I bent the steering column. the first time the steering column bent so far that it made steering impossible. if this were to occur on the highway it would have rendered me helpless to control my vehicle. when I removed the steering column I discovered the column deformed approximately one inch at the steering wheel lock insert. the column was unable to pass over the lock bolt while the key was in the "on" position. this effectively locked the steering column and made the car impossible to steer.
- Structure › Frame and members
Body mounts failed, causing damage to the transmission / exhaust system / power steering unit, prior to recall notice (98s36). *yc (98v-323)
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Automatic transmission · Suspension › Front › Stabilizer bar
Transmission gears would stick. The motor would lift in the air. Would hear loud noises whenever turning steering wheel. Took to repair shop & was informed motor mounts were bad & were about to fall off. They would need replacing. Also informed the stabilizer sway bar was going bad. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
Front sub-frame mounts failure, barley avioded numerous head on collisions in wet conditions, front tension arm metal bushings failed, causing darting accross center line. Massive tire wear, repairs shops overlooked condition, although were alerted and told to find and repair. I have a long list of…
Front sub-frame mounts failure, barley avioded numerous head on collisions in wet conditions, front tension arm metal bushings failed, causing darting accross center line. Massive tire wear, repairs shops overlooked condition, although were alerted and told to find and repair. I have a long list of safety hasards associated with this vehicle, as my mileage IS approaching 330,000.0 miles. I know the vehicle very well & would like to add more in a letter. Ford motor company refuses to repair the front sub frame mounts. The dealer I take it to for recalls IS gateway ford as listed in questionaire, I bought the vehicle from an individual with aprox 56,000.0 miles on it in 1988. sincerely jerry l nelson. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear lower subframe assembly
To determine whether the cars that were not included in the safety recall 93v-106 should be recalled due to the same failure phenomenon, and to determine if there IS remedy failure issue
- Polycast road wheel cracks
There is no summary currently available
- Sub-frm/unibody absor.fail
There is no summary currently available
- Sub-frm/unibody absor.fail
There is no summary currently available
- Storage compar suffocation
===
- Fires in ignition switch
There is no summary currently available
- Storage compar suffocation
There is no summary currently available
- Door handles breakage
There is no summary currently available
- Brake disc hub separations
===
- Throttle sticking
There is no summary currently available
- Brake disc hub failure
There is no summary currently available
- Throttle sticking
There is no summary currently available
- Speed control failure
There is no summary currently available
- Safety belt failure
There is no summary currently available
- Safety belt failure
===
- Front seat bracket
Summary:the loss of vehicle control appears to be the potentialconsequence of a seat bracket failure.===
- Exhaust gas intrusion
Summary: owners complain of exhaust gases, including hydrogen sulfide,leaking into the passenger compartment causing nausea, headaches, anddiscomfort.hydrogen sulfide (H2S) IS a colorless, flammable, andvery poisonous gas.===
- Front seat bracket
Briefing notes odiscussion of the reported defect & its consequences ofailure mileage analysis owarranty data analysis oford's body & chassis engineering report ocomparison with other seat-track analyses===
- Head rest drops
===
- Stalling
===
- High brake pedal effort
===
- Steering binding
Based on an odi failure report analysis showing 6 complaints, 4 accidentsand 3 inujuries, a preliminary evaluation was opened and an informationrequest was sent to ford.subsequently, odi received 4 additional com-plaints.further information was developed which led to deletion of 4complaints and the accidents and…
Based on an odi failure report analysis showing 6 complaints, 4 accidentsand 3 inujuries, a preliminary evaluation was opened and an informationrequest was sent to ford.subsequently, odi received 4 additional com-plaints.further information was developed which led to deletion of 4complaints and the accidents and injuries.in one of the accidents, thepolice report cited the driver for inattention to driving and in anotherthe police report cited the driver for following too closely.in thethird report it was noted that the allegation was for steering separationand not binding.two other complaints were evaluated as not being relatedto the steering binding which IS the subject of this inquiry.ford's response to the information request disclosed that the company hadbeen aware of a condition described as temporary loss of assistance(tla) in steering in early production of the taurus/sable nameplates.significantly, ford field representatives sent 167 reports to ford's===
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3013100Unknown
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 622665On some vehicles, engine oil may continue to leak from the engine oil pan gasket area after an engine oil pan gasket repair has been performed.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 603573A revised forward clutch inner seal for the axod, axode, AX4S & AX4N transaxle IS available with improved sealing and reduced chance of the seal rolling during installation.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 600591Transaxles use a new transmission fluid.
- 600586Front and rear bumpers made of xenoy plastic have had the conductive primer removed from service parts.
- 53660Vehicles exhibiting a "squeaking" or "chirping" from the blower motor at low blower motor speeds.
- 51990Blower motor- "chirping" or "squeaking" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51682Blower motor- "chirp" or "squeak" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
- 50849Vehicle may exhibit a chatter when releasing the clutch in reverse gear.
- 50542Procedure for updating the calibration from R-11 to R-12 for stalling on decel & misfire codes on 3.0L vehicles.
- 50503Information for concerns of grunt or groan during wheel return from full right turn.
- 46478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. If petroleum-based grease IS used to lubricate any part of the disc brake system, it could cause rubber parts to swell if lubricant contacts the rubber material.
- 46471A 'groaning' noise may come from the front power windows after the glass IS powered full up. This noise IS caused by improper lubrication on the window regulator mechanism sliding surfaces. The grease gets wiped off from sliding surfaces during normal operation. Apply teflon lubricant (d2az-19590-a) to the window regulator mechanism.
- 45937The torque converter identification codes have been revised as of 3/1/95.
- 42077Unknown
- 41025A revised service windshield wiper motor IS now available.
- 39903Chirp or squeak noise from blower motor at low speeds.
- 39900Roughness concern during brake application.
- 39884Chirp or squeak from blower motor.
- 39880Premature wear on inner edges of rear tires may be caused by rear camber and toe settings that are not within specification.
- 39127Premature wear on the inner edges of rear tires.
Every Ford Taurus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.