1989 Ford Taurus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Taurus › 1989
These records cover every 1989 Ford Taurus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1989 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.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. ford IS initiating an owner notification program that will provide an extended warranty, 12 years and unlimited mileage, for all seat belt buckles with functional concerns.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a collision, the occupant of the seat may not be properly restrained and personal injury could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly, for 12 years and unlimited mileage.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Ford will replace the rigid mounted safety belt buckles with end release safety belt buckles designed to prevent latch problems.
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
562 complaints17 involved a crash86 involved a fire20 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
The ball end broke off the tie rod.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1989 ford taurus. The contact stated that as he attempted to secure the seatbelt, the entire seatbelt became detached from the anchorage cable. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 215,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 ford taurus. While driving at approximately 65 mph with the cruise control engaged, he noticed that when he tried to pass another vehicle, he was unable to deactivate the cruise control using the brake pedal. He attempted to slow down using the brakes but had to…
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 ford taurus. While driving at approximately 65 mph with the cruise control engaged, he noticed that when he tried to pass another vehicle, he was unable to deactivate the cruise control using the brake pedal. He attempted to slow down using the brakes but had to deactivate the cruise control by pushing the off button on the steering wheel. The vehicle had not inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 96,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owned a 1989 ford taurus GLS. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle accelerated without warning. The contact tried to depress the brakes and the vehicle continued to accelerate up to 85 mph. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle for an hour and a half as the speed increased. The…
Tl*the contact owned a 1989 ford taurus GLS. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle accelerated without warning. The contact tried to depress the brakes and the vehicle continued to accelerate up to 85 mph. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle for an hour and a half as the speed increased. The contact continued to depress the brakes and shift into neutral gear in order to stop the vehicle.the vehicle was towed by the dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle and they never were unable to diagnose the failure. The contact experienced the duplicate failure 2 years later. She took the vehicle to another dealer who stated that the vehicle was involved in a crash. The contact reported the crash to the manufacturer who stated that she would have to have another incident before her state considered the vehicle failures under the lemon law. The contact gave the vehicle back to the dealer. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 10,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 ford taurus. While driving approximately 30 to 35 mph on normal road conditions, the driver accidently stepped on the accelerator pedal while applying pressure to the brake pedal and unexpectedly, there was an increase in acceleration. The vehicle failed to slow down and…
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 ford taurus. While driving approximately 30 to 35 mph on normal road conditions, the driver accidently stepped on the accelerator pedal while applying pressure to the brake pedal and unexpectedly, there was an increase in acceleration. The vehicle failed to slow down and crashed into the proceeding vehicle. The driver stated that the failure was contributed to both the brake and the accelerator pedals being positioned too close together. The police was called to the scene. There were no personal injuries. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The failure mileage was 150,000. the vin was unavailable.
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Suspension · Tires · Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Having to many problems with tire, heating, brakes, suspension I change this parts like 3 times. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
This was on a 1989 ford taurus l . After rear brake repairs the brake line from the proportioning valve to the right rear brake hose sprung a leak and all braking was lost. Due to the age of the vehicle this brake line likely broke due to years of corrosion from road salts and other sources during…
This was on a 1989 ford taurus l . After rear brake repairs the brake line from the proportioning valve to the right rear brake hose sprung a leak and all braking was lost. Due to the age of the vehicle this brake line likely broke due to years of corrosion from road salts and other sources during bad weather. Due to so much possible damage from corrosion I have decided to junk the car. But it was likely that other ford taurus owners may have the same problem with serious consequences. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Sunday at 11:45 am, I left my house to go to work at wal-mart. at about 4:30 pm, a customer at wal-mart came in the store and told us that a car was on fire. Fire department was called. I went outside to see who car it was. It was mine. It caught on fire in the dash. The whole dash IS gone. the…
Sunday at 11:45 am, I left my house to go to work at wal-mart. at about 4:30 pm, a customer at wal-mart came in the store and told us that a car was on fire. Fire department was called. I went outside to see who car it was. It was mine. It caught on fire in the dash. The whole dash IS gone. the fire started by electrical in the dash. I have the report from the fire department. I was on in the vehicle. The vehicle IS not drivable. *Nm
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
While driving my 1989 ford taurus sedan at approximately 35 mph on wednesday february 2, 2005 at approximately 6:30 pm I experienced an apparent blowout of the right front tire. in the dark, my 13 year old son and I changed the tire putting on the temporary spare and we drove directly to the…
While driving my 1989 ford taurus sedan at approximately 35 mph on wednesday february 2, 2005 at approximately 6:30 pm I experienced an apparent blowout of the right front tire. in the dark, my 13 year old son and I changed the tire putting on the temporary spare and we drove directly to the local tire shop. there, observing that the original tire was incapable of being repaired, I ordered a replacement tire. after mounting the new tire to the wheel, the shop was unable to replace the wheel onto the vehicle. they discovered a fractured coil spring along with a damaged strut and outer tie rod. even after replacing these items (they did both sides since the other equipment was of the same vintage) they have been unable to place the front end fully into alignment due to further damage caused by the failure of the coil spring. repairs to date have cost me $660.88. the old parts (springs, struts and tire) are available. *jb
- Structure › Frame and members
While driving my 1989 ford taurus, there was a loud bang, and the car became almost impossible to steer. Fortunately, I was not near any other cars, and only 1 block from home, so with brute force I was able to drive the car back to my driveway. Inspection found that both rear corners of the sub…
While driving my 1989 ford taurus, there was a loud bang, and the car became almost impossible to steer. Fortunately, I was not near any other cars, and only 1 block from home, so with brute force I was able to drive the car back to my driveway. Inspection found that both rear corners of the sub frame that the engine, transmission, and suspension had dropped down, seperated from main car chassis. I thought this was unusual, so I searched the web and found out that ford had issued recall notice 98s36 that described exactly what happened to my car. Even though I now live in texas, I bought this car in 1990 in new york, and owned since. The car was driven in new york for the 1ST 4 years I owned it. The recall describes a subframe rust problem for cars driven in states that use salt in the roads in winter. I contacted my ford dealer requesting my car be repaired with a kit of parts the IS supplied in the 98s36 recall. I even offered to pay. I was told my vin IS not on the list for this recall, and there was nothing they could do. I then call ford directly and was told the same thing. I argued that my car had the exact failure described in the recall notice letter, and in same conditions, so my car must be on the list. But ford said no, vin IS not on list, and there nothing they can do. They refused to give me a techical reason for that position. My issues are; 1. If ford missed my car in in recall notice, there must still be many ford taurus's driving at risk of an accident due this problem. 2. I want the kit of parts the comes in the recall to fix my car, since the car runs fine and IS good condition. The vin number of this car IS: [xxx]. *Ak updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Car traveling 50 mph down a dry dirt road, with no reason car ended up spinning 5 times and being stopped by a tree. a loud thump was heard just prior to loss of control of the car. investigation done. engine had dropped, could have been at time of impact. I wonder if this auto even though it…
Car traveling 50 mph down a dry dirt road, with no reason car ended up spinning 5 times and being stopped by a tree. a loud thump was heard just prior to loss of control of the car. investigation done. engine had dropped, could have been at time of impact. I wonder if this auto even though it wasn't included in an earlier recall because it was manufactured in atlanta suffers from the same problems as others from other parts of the country. recall said snow salts caused deteriotion of submount bolts, florida seacoast weather rusts bolts too.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Steering · Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
We have a 1989 taurus w/od transmission that shifts hard and rough, also the front and rear rattles and sounds like it IS going to fall off. We were not aware of the recalls for this on our vehicle. The paint IS blistering with orange rust coming through, and the stearing (power w/tilt) has a jerk in it. Can you or will you help me with these defects?*ak
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
While driving consumer heard a loud noise then the left front dropped to the ground. Consumer got out to examine the vehicle, and noticed the tire was wrapped around the rim. vehicle was not drivable, and had to be towed to a shop. The tire was taken off. Consumer was told that the coil spring broke.*ak
- Seat belts
The front and rear seat belts would not retract back to the locking position. th dealership was notified but the cause has not been determined. *nm
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
While attempting to buckle the seat belt anchoring cable broke from its anchor. dealer claimed that the cable broke due to extensive wear and tear. manufacturer would be informed of the problem.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
I own vin#[xxx] and went for inspection on 8/8/03 and failed emission control#92e30 due to a recall on catalyst#93e47 which I was never notified .ford never notified me of this by letter ever ! Also this has never come up on any of my prior inspections their for I was not aware of this since you…
I own vin#[xxx] and went for inspection on 8/8/03 and failed emission control#92e30 due to a recall on catalyst#93e47 which I was never notified .ford never notified me of this by letter ever ! Also this has never come up on any of my prior inspections their for I was not aware of this since you never sent any information or received a call from any one on this matter and now this has come about and I should not be held liable this IS not something that I did myself .i should has been notified and given the same opportunity as others to correct this matter. Please response to this matter as soon as possible as and tell me how can I correct this matter without any further problem for me or your company. Thank you for your cooperation [xxx]. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Seat belts
Consumer stated that the front seat belt buckle will not latch. Dealer notified
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module · Parking brake › Conventional › Mechanical › Linkage and cable · Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
I bought my 1989 ford taurus in june of 2001. in the paperwork from the original owners was info. On a recall/extended warranty dated 4/98 regarding problems with seatbelt buckles. I recently had difficulties with my seatbelt buckles and took it to a ford dealership and was consequently told it…
I bought my 1989 ford taurus in june of 2001. in the paperwork from the original owners was info. On a recall/extended warranty dated 4/98 regarding problems with seatbelt buckles. I recently had difficulties with my seatbelt buckles and took it to a ford dealership and was consequently told it was way passed the warranty date even before I purchased the vehicle. so my complaint IS how do I get them fixed since this can become a serious matter if I or anyone else gets stuck in the car, or has further difficulties even fastening the seatbelt. I also was notified of reimbursement for replacing the ignition module to submit your receipts by 10/02. I however didn't have to replace it until a few months ago, and submitted those receipts anyway without any response what so ever. I've also not long ago had to replace the rear mountings for my rear shocks and springs and the front need to be done as well. does this qualify in the recall of the suspension:front:shock absorber ID #94e36000? *Ak I'm just curious as to how a person knows to look for these recalls when buying a vehicle. shouldn't the manufacturer notify us?
- Structure
The chassis mounts on the rear of the subframe corroded and broke which allowed the frame to separate front he body. the consumer requested reimbursement. *mr *cb *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling
Vehicles' engine caught fire. *mr
- Unknown or other
1989 ford taurus LX. *ph *nlm **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**768109
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving the vehicle caught fire under the hood. *nlm while driving the vehicle caught fire under the hood. *Mr
- Electrical system › Ignition
I have a 1989 ford taurus with an ignition switch problem. It has been getting worse for 1 year and yesterday when it wouldn't start, it kept cranking on it's own even after I pulled the key out. It then statred smoking from under the dash and I had to jump out and disconect the battery! Ford recalled every other model for 1989 but mine and the explorer for this same problem. Why not mine?
- Tires
While driving aprx. 55Mph back passenger tire sidewall blew, causing me to lose control of my vehical (sedan) and going into a spin (tire size: p205/70r15 95s),(dot: W2M0 R3B), (model type: steel belted radial), (make: firestone fr360). I have 2 young children that where in the vehical with me. In…
While driving aprx. 55Mph back passenger tire sidewall blew, causing me to lose control of my vehical (sedan) and going into a spin (tire size: p205/70r15 95s),(dot: W2M0 R3B), (model type: steel belted radial), (make: firestone fr360). I have 2 young children that where in the vehical with me. In the event that I was not extremly well trained in defensive driving my belief IS that the vehicle would have rolled. These tires have less then 400 miles on them. The two front tires are showing bubbles on sidewall. Driver back tire has seperation where the sidewall meets the tread,(this seperation IS very thin and hard to see unless you are at eye level with the tire). I find that firestone has a serious problem with there manufactoring of tires, so therfor I will no longer be purchasing tires from this company in the future.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The vehicle caught on fire, while consumer was driving.*jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Alleged defective tie rods
Alleged defective tie rods
- 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
===
- Fires in ignition switch
There is no summary currently available
- Storage compar suffocation
There is no summary currently available
- Seat belt buckle failure
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
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.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 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.
- 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.
- 601010Recommended guidelines for towing behind recreational vehicles.
- 600591Transaxles use a new transmission fluid.
- 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.
- 46461The power steering system may have a 'grunt' and/or 'groan' noise. This may be caused by hydraulic fluid movement within the power steering rack.
- 45937The torque converter identification codes have been revised as of 3/1/95.
Every Ford Taurus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.