1990 Ford Taurus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Taurus › 1990
These records cover every 1990 Ford Taurus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 1990 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.
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.
Threaded inflator components may have been damaged during assembly which may allow components to separate when inflator receives a signal to deploy the air bag.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Inflator component separation allows hot combustion gases to escape into the passenger compartment which could result in injuries to vehicle occupants.
Remedy
Replace air bag modules containing potentially defective inflators.
Wheels may contain cracks that could propogate in raised portion of wheel center.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Under severe duty, this could result in eventualseparation of wheel rim from center with loss of control and possibly acollision.
Remedy
Replace wheels with wheels of a revised design.
An incorrect transistor may cause autolamp system light sensor module malfunction.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Headlamps could turn off while vehicle IS being driven orremain on after vehicle IS parked. Loss of headlights while driving at nightcould be hazardous to the driver and other trafific.
Remedy
Replace light sensor modules.
Owner complaints
381 complaints29 involved a crash25 involved a fire26 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags › Frontal · Electrical system · Seat belts · Structure › Frame and members
How do I get ford motor company to honor genuine nhtsa recalls on a 1990 ford taurus wagon??? It currently has complaint # nhtsa 90e043001; nhtsa 98v323000; nhtsa 93v106002; nhtsa 91v34000. I cannot get dealership to replace air bag module defect, seat belt defect or cpu replacement defect. What do I do to get some action on these issues???? *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1990 ford taurus. while driving approximately 15 mph, the contact heard a loud noise underneath the vehicle. suddenly, the steering wheel locked up. the driver experienced extreme difficulty steering the vehicle, which resulted in greater effort to turn the steering wheel.…
Tl*the contact owns a 1990 ford taurus. while driving approximately 15 mph, the contact heard a loud noise underneath the vehicle. suddenly, the steering wheel locked up. the driver experienced extreme difficulty steering the vehicle, which resulted in greater effort to turn the steering wheel. the driver pulled into a parking lot and roadside assistance towed the vehicle to his residence. the vehicle was inspected by a certified technician, who stated that the failure was contributed to the subframe mount attachments. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 98v323000 (structure:frame and members), although the failures were identical. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were unavailable.
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 1990 ford taurus. while driving less than 30 mph, the front driver's side air bag deployed without warning or a crash occurring. the contact sustained injuries to her arms, lacerations on her face and arms, and a large burn on her lip. the manufacturer sent an inspector to…
Tl*the contact owns a 1990 ford taurus. while driving less than 30 mph, the front driver's side air bag deployed without warning or a crash occurring. the contact sustained injuries to her arms, lacerations on her face and arms, and a large burn on her lip. the manufacturer sent an inspector to investigate the air bag failure. the failure and current mileages were unknown. updated 5/5/09 *cn updated 05/07/09.*jb
- Electrical system
I had a loose ignition on my 1990 ford taurus in which I could remove my key while it was still running I had this changed while I was having other work done on the car and less then a week later I had a very expensive paperweight because after they placed a new ignition into my car it caught fire…
I had a loose ignition on my 1990 ford taurus in which I could remove my key while it was still running I had this changed while I was having other work done on the car and less then a week later I had a very expensive paperweight because after they placed a new ignition into my car it caught fire while I was driving it burning out all the wiring and destroying the wires connected to my battery. I towed the car to the ford dealer and I had to lay out even more money for them to tell me there IS nothing they can do about it. there have never been any fires or recalls and that was that. *tr
- Air bags
Check engine lights came on stayed on. Air bag light came on flashes 9 times pauses and then flashes 9 times repeats. Cruise control stops working. *Jb
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
The belts were replaced due to recall campaign# 92v113000 at 88K miles. at 120K miles, the driver side latch mechanism became stiff, then the outer sleeve had come apart. the sleeve was placed back into place and the belt was back functioning properly. *ak *sc *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Owner was driving and pulled out of a parking lot at approximately 5 mph, applied the brakes, and the vehicle continued to accelerate. Owner had to avoid several possible accidents by putting the vehicle in park in order to get the vehicle to stop. However, owner's vehicle did hit another vehicle. Owner contacted the manufacturer, and was informed that there were no recalls relating to this defect. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Whole back end of car failed and had to have it all replaced. the bolts broke causing the rest of the back end to totally fail and brake. had to have it all replaced including the bolts, rear suspension linkage, both shocks, and rear axle. we paid out of our own pocket for this to tune of 800.…
Whole back end of car failed and had to have it all replaced. the bolts broke causing the rest of the back end to totally fail and brake. had to have it all replaced including the bolts, rear suspension linkage, both shocks, and rear axle. we paid out of our own pocket for this to tune of 800. and now to do all of this the car IS now acting like it IS either having problems with the fuel system or the replaced catalytic converter IS going out.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Vehicle was involved in a collision due to loss of brake fluid from the left front brake valve. Manufacturer was contacted.*ak
- Seat belts
Seat belt would not secure found 8 other recall items from a canadian recall web site that were not on any u.s. Recall sites. *ak
- Steering · Structure › Frame and members
While driving 10 mph sub frame bolts snapped. As a result, steering failed. A recall was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak
- Air bags · Power train · Unknown or other
When the paint began to peel, I chose not to repaint the vehicle due to cost. when the transmission failed, I chose not to repair it due to the cost to repair. when the cruise control stopped working, I chose not to repair due to the cost to repair. if I get the transmission fixed, I intend to have the airbag fixed as well.
- Air bags
The vehicle has an on going problem with the air bag warning light coming on while driving. This may result in the air bag not deploying or deploy prematurely. the dealership indicated that the relay switch needed to be replaced to correct the problem. *Jb
- Air bags
While traveling 40 mph vehicle was involved in a side impact, air bags deployed and hit consumer in the chest, pushing her neck back. consumer sustained a spinal cord injury and a hernia disc injury. also, vehicle was totaled. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Steering
Consumer stated that the engine components fell onto the steering mechanism, making it very hard to steer. the vehicle had to be towed. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I have a 1990 taurus LX wagon that has one of the faulty axod transmissions. Last year this transmission failed, and I refused to repair it. After resent research,it appears many people have had problems with this and only a few have received any restitution from ford (1993-95 tuarus/sable owners). *la
- Service brakes, air › Antilock › Abs warning light
While driving at any speed ABS light stayed on at all times. however consumer was not experiencing brake problem. *ak
- Vehicle speed control
When put into drive car sometimes moves backwards and vice versa. Near accident in a parking lot while coming out of a parking space.*ak
- Air bags
Vehicle was impacted at a high speed on the passenger rear side door. Then, vehicle impacted other vehicle. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. Vehicle was totaled.*ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Heater core leaks. This part has been replaced twice in 5 years of time. It IS a cheaply made part and probably the most profitable ford makes. Labor IS 10 hours to replace the part. Applies to all taurus'. *nlm
- Steering
While driving, the steering wheel locked up. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. *jb
- Structure › Frame and members
Consumer took vehicle in for a routine check. mechanic states that the subframe IS corroded for engine, and they anytime engine could fall out. resulting in a crash. mr
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
When vehicle merged onto the street, it came to a complete stop without brakes being applyed. had vehicle towed. mechanic indicated that the inner tie rods bolts had broken of. please provide more details. ts
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer states that in a frontal collison none of the air bags deployed on impact. *Mr *yh
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Defective air bag crash sensor
Cfas sent a follow-up letter on december 12, 1996, to change the intent of the petition to airbag aggressivity and deployment variability.nhtsa received the letter on 12/12/96; accordingly, the petition due day was changed to april 12, 1997.cfas petitioned the agency to conduct an investigation to determine whether…
Cfas sent a follow-up letter on december 12, 1996, to change the intent of the petition to airbag aggressivity and deployment variability.nhtsa received the letter on 12/12/96; accordingly, the petition due day was changed to april 12, 1997.cfas petitioned the agency to conduct an investigation to determine whether the airbag crash sensor and/or deployment systems for the 1991-92 chevrolet corsica/beretta, 1990-92 ford taurus, and 1994-96 chrysler minivans are defective.cfas allege that information on low speed crashes here occupants have suffered fatal injuries suggests [that the above vehicles] have defective airbag crash sensor and/or deployment systems.
- 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
- 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
- Power steering leaks/fires
There is no summary currently available
- Engine mount failure
There is no summary currently available
- Storage compar suffocation
===
- Storage compar suffocation
There is no summary currently available
- Seat belt buckle failure
There is no summary currently available
- Brake disc hub separations
===
- Safety belt buckle locking
There is no summary currently available
- Wheel separation
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.
- 6091815Some vehicles may exhibit front outer tie rods squeak and / or pop noise over bumps and / or turning.
- 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
- 636080Transfer service tips for the front wiper motor mount bracket and depressed park output arm.
- 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.
- 622660This information IS a supplement to the wiper system service information provided in the workshop manuals. This service information IS intended as an aid to assist in diagnosis and repair of erratic wiper system conditions.
- 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.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 605294Concerns with reverse clutch that could become sheared or torn in extremely cold temperatures.
- 605254Experiencing a squeaking and / or popping noise from the front outer tire rods.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip.
- 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.
- 601341Experiencing a whining / buzzing noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio.
- 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.
- 601004Some vehicles may cycle when brakes are applied on rough roads or on an incline while making a sharp turn.
- 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.
- 51987Fuel economy- customer expectations versus vehicle usage.
- 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.
Every Ford Taurus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.