1988 Ford Taurus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Taurus › 1988
These records cover every 1988 Ford Taurus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1988 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 this recall campaign has been superseded by recall 98v-323.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.
The power seat switch wiring IS routed over rather than under the front seat support brace, allowing damage by seat cushion spring ends when seat IS occupied.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Power seat switch wiring insulation may become abraded,or punctured, and an electrical short could occur that could result in a firein the seat cushion material.
Remedy
Revise routing of power seat wiring to prevent damage from seat cushion spring contact.
Owner complaints
333 complaints14 involved a crash51 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 1988 ford taurus. the contact stated that when sitting at a complete stop, the rpms would increase excessively. the failure would reset once the vehicle was shut off and restarted. the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired.…
TL* the contact owns a 1988 ford taurus. the contact stated that when sitting at a complete stop, the rpms would increase excessively. the failure would reset once the vehicle was shut off and restarted. the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 115,000. updated 10/10/12 *cn updated 1/23/13 *cn the consumer stated at stops, with brake pedal depressed a small unusual engine hum begins. Then, it increases rapidly and loudly. The brakes seem to sink to the floor. Updated 02/11/2013 *js
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1988 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the accelerator pedal became stuck . the contact then noticed that the rpms did not return to idle. the contact saw that the cable that was connected to the throttle and cruise control was out of place and the…
TL* the contact owns a 1988 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the accelerator pedal became stuck . the contact then noticed that the rpms did not return to idle. the contact saw that the cable that was connected to the throttle and cruise control was out of place and the contact re-attached the cable. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where it was inspected but not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was unknown. updated 04/06/12*lj the consumer stated the vehicle does not have a tachometer. Updated 04/13/12
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure · Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Consumer's 1988 ford taurus was delivered with rust on the passenger side rear fender. *ts the vehicle also had problem with the brakes, wiper motor, body mounts and struts. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Structure › Frame and members
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle became difficult to steer at any speed and the rotors became corroded as a result of sodium build up. the dealer and manufacturer have been consulted, and agreed taht this vehicle was included in nhtsa recall 98v323000 concerning the sub frame members, and…
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle became difficult to steer at any speed and the rotors became corroded as a result of sodium build up. the dealer and manufacturer have been consulted, and agreed taht this vehicle was included in nhtsa recall 98v323000 concerning the sub frame members, and recall 91v134000 concerning the brake rotors. however, manufacturer and dealer refused to repair the vehicle withouta charge to the contact. *ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
While driving 10 mph consumer noticed smoke coming from the front right headlight. consumer pulled over, and vehicle caught on fire. the fire department extinguished the fire. consumer did not sustain any injuries. Vehicle was towed to the police in pound. the cause had not been determined. *Ak,
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic · Tires
Problems with vehicle's fuel line. *mr consumer waiting for settlement on repairs made on fuel pump, engine mounts, power brake booster, master cylinder, air conditioner, manifold, tires, and transmission. *la
- Electrical system › Ignition · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Service brakes, hydraulic
Consumer complained about a fuel line problem. *ak there were problems with the idle, mileage per hour, the a/c, thickness in the fuel, and the ignition. (refer to: odi# 10073942) *sc the brake booster and master cylinder were inoperative. *jb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
1988 ford taurus GL 3.0L V-6. Heater core failed during winter month with temps in the 30-40 degree f range. Windshield and all other windows fogged over and eliminated visibility instantly. The incident happened at night at approx 9:30 pm. Attempts at using a paper towel which was handy was to no…
1988 ford taurus GL 3.0L V-6. Heater core failed during winter month with temps in the 30-40 degree f range. Windshield and all other windows fogged over and eliminated visibility instantly. The incident happened at night at approx 9:30 pm. Attempts at using a paper towel which was handy was to no avail. As soon as the interior window was wiped, it instantly refogged. Use of defogger was futile and use of the air conditioner was of little to no help. The immediate nature of the incident, for an inexperienced driver or a driver unfamiliar with the road it could lead to a tragic accident. Anyone driving on the highway at high speed when this would occur would very likely become disoriented, lose control, and crash with likely fatal results. There are very likely, numerous "unexplained fatalities" where this very incident was the cause. After the crash, finding the cause would be virtually impossible due to the extent of damage to the car and, due to the fatal ending, no one from inside the auto to relate what happened. The same heater core and installation arrangement has existed on the ford taurus for a number of years. I reported this shortly after it occurred but received no response.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Vehicle experienced a cooling system failure which resulted in a blown engine head gasket. *ph
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
The ignition switch did not working properly. it was hard to get the vehicle turned on, and when the consumer was able to get the vehicle started, the dash lights did not come on. the consumer had to play with the keys in the ignition to get the dash lights to come on. *ph *jb *cb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
When I try to turn on the vehicle the ignition switch IS hard to turn on then when it IS turned on the dash doesn't light up, and the whole car IS digital. I have to play with the switch and try and turn the key a little backwards to get the dash to light up. This has been going on for almost a year (since I bought the car). *nlm
- Electrical system
Intermittent problem. at highway speeds the engine would act as if it were running out of gas, engine would quit. And then came back without warning. engine did not need to be restarted right away but would cut out as described and this condition would clear on it's own. eventually the engine…
Intermittent problem. at highway speeds the engine would act as if it were running out of gas, engine would quit. And then came back without warning. engine did not need to be restarted right away but would cut out as described and this condition would clear on it's own. eventually the engine would skip at any speed without warning and did stall. wouldn't start and run without incident. dealer diagnosis was to replace the distributor and electronic ignition module even though they recommended not replacing stating that they were not sure that this was the cause of the problem. the car has not had and incident since the dealers repair. *ak *nlm *scc **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*734229
- Seats · Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
Subject vehicle: 1988 ford taurus, vin no. [Xxx] the drivers side power seat switch wiring insulation become abraded,or punctured, and an electrical short occurred that result in a fire in the seat cushion material. At the time of the fire, the vehicle was being serviced in the service dept.…
Subject vehicle: 1988 ford taurus, vin no. [Xxx] the drivers side power seat switch wiring insulation become abraded,or punctured, and an electrical short occurred that result in a fire in the seat cushion material. At the time of the fire, the vehicle was being serviced in the service dept. Of texan ford, inc., 20777 katy freeway, katy, tx 77450, phone 281-579-9100. The fire was extinguished by the service tech working on the car. the fire appeared to be caused by the power seat switch wiring routed over rather than under the front seat support brace, allowing damage by seat cushion spring ends when seat IS occupied. the defective power seat control wiring harness was acquired by the owner and IS available for inspection by any interested parties. The ford dealership reported no liability for the seat fire and said that ford had not liability for the fire or resulting damage to the vehicle. refer to recall number 91v036000 on this vehicle. When notified of the recall by the ford motor company,the vehicle was taken to mack haik ford, 10333 katy freeway, houston, tx 77024, phone 713-932-5065 for the recall maintenance work. It appears the recall work was not carried out or was carried out incorrectly at that time. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Consumer states when the engine IS first started, either hot or cold, the revolutions are high and a wait IS required to avoid harsh shifts (also wastes fuel). sometimes the revolutions never settle down to an idle speed and braking IS required to keep the vehicle from going over the speed limit.…
Consumer states when the engine IS first started, either hot or cold, the revolutions are high and a wait IS required to avoid harsh shifts (also wastes fuel). sometimes the revolutions never settle down to an idle speed and braking IS required to keep the vehicle from going over the speed limit. when stopped the engine will surge without warning and the brake must be depressed at all times as not to lose control. dealer has diagnosed 3 times. however problem still exists. *tt
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Sub frame bolts broke motor mounts on engine and boot on steering---bolts were defect all four bolts---put stress/strain on engine/steering
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Structure › Frame and members · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
While traveling on highway, consumer heard a knocking noise coming from underneath vehicle. engine pulled away from main frame due to defective bolts. dealership was aware of problem.*ak consumer states that the steering boot had to be replaced due to sub frame failure, other problems with vehicle include: tfi module, electrical problems, blower motor was overheating, fuel pump failed and was replaced. *slc
- Structure › Frame and members
Recall 98 v 323 000/subframe corrosion: while driving 25 mph subframe detached from body mount and caused loss of steering. Manufacturer was notified and informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under recall due to vin. *Ak *tt
- Electrical system › Ignition
While driving about 55 mph vehicle began to slow down. driver pushed on accelerator, but automobile continued to shut down. reaching side of road, and using brakes to stop the car, consumer could restart vehicle by placing it in neutral or park. consumer has not yet had an accident. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
No summary listed for above vehicle. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition · Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Consumer lost total electric power to spark plugs with no prior warning. motor stalled and lost all power to vehicle. ignition switch has melted down. contacted dealer, and dealer kept putting vehicle on machines, but has not solved problem. *ak *slc
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Consumer came to a start, entered into intersection and vehicle stalled. Once engine cools down, it will start back up. consumer IS aware of a class action suit. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Vehicle shut down without prior notice and it made noises. dealership was aware of problem. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Rubber mounts deteriorated, causing them to crack in half, dealer replaced. *slc
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
- Alleged defective tie rods
Alleged defective tie rods
- Broken tie rods
There is no summary currently available
- Polycast road wheel cracks
There is no summary currently available
- Steering lck-up/impediment
There is no summary currently available
- Underbody fuel line fails
There is no summary currently available
- Broken tie rods
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
- Power steering leaks/fires
There is no summary currently available
- Engine mount failure
There is no summary currently available
- Storage compar suffocation
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- 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
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- 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
- Power seat malfunc/fire
There is no summary currently available
- Pwr seat malfunc - fire
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- Head rest drops
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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.
- 613234Information regarding tsb 98-5a-12 (transaxle/transmission/transfer case-vehicles towed behind recreational vehicles-recommended guidelines) does not list towing information for certain model vehicles. *Mjs
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 607497Information regarding the the availability of the revised headgasket for coolant loss conditions on some engines.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 603583Some vehicles with 3.8L engine may use shorter head bolts in the outboard position.
- 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.
- 601270Concerns with coolant may leak from the head gaskets and / or the vehicle may overheat.
- 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.
- 51361Some power steering hoses have been replaced with a revised design and should no longer be used for service.
- 51184Verify the transaxle installed in the vehicle IS the correct model and model year for the vehicle.
- 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
Every Ford Taurus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.