1991 Ford Taurus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Ford › Taurus › 1991
These records cover every 1991 Ford Taurus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1991 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.
Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with 3.8L engines and originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, colorado, iowa, idaho, illinois, indiana, kansas, massachusetts, maine, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, north dakota, nebraska, new hampshire, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Driver control of vehicle speed using the speed control system or the accelerator control system would be diminished increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will add a boot to the speed control cable.
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.
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.
Owner complaints
649 complaints43 involved a crash21 involved a fire23 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
My 1991 non sho ford taurus was parked in the driveway for 1 day. I walked out to my car in the early morning to take it to work. I put the key into the ignition and shifted the car into reverse. It was at this moment, that the car accelerated and I ended up going in reverse down the street without…
My 1991 non sho ford taurus was parked in the driveway for 1 day. I walked out to my car in the early morning to take it to work. I put the key into the ignition and shifted the car into reverse. It was at this moment, that the car accelerated and I ended up going in reverse down the street without brakes at a very rapid speed. I came to a jarring stop after I impacted a car that was parked on the street. Brakes were squishy and non-functioning. The car was unable to stop by mechanical means. The car accelerated to 45 miles an hour. The car IS now totaled and IS visually completely wrecked. I experienced whiplash and if the car was not in the street that morning, I would have smashed into a house, possibly killing someone or myself in the process. I have photos of the damage if anyone IS interested. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
1991 ford taurus. Consumer writes regarding a recall on the airbag module *tgw the consumer stated the air bag module failed for the second time. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the vehicle suddenly stopped moving forward and would not shift into reverse gear. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The vehicle had not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The current and failure mileages were approximately 69,000.
- Steering
A power steering fluid leak near the rack resulted in a fire, which destroyed the vehicle, after about 30 minutes of highway driving. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
TL* the contact owns a 1991 ford taurus. While driving an approximate speed of 35 mph, the vehicle began to shake. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where the independent mechanic replaced the radiator, battery, motor and transmission mounts. The contact confirmed that the vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 1991 ford taurus. While driving an approximate speed of 35 mph, the vehicle began to shake. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where the independent mechanic replaced the radiator, battery, motor and transmission mounts. The contact confirmed that the vehicle was repaired previously under nhtsa campaign ID numbers: 98v323000 (structure: frame and members) and 91v134000 (service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor) yet did not correct the failure. The dealer made repairs a second time and the manufacturer was notified to report the failures. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 102,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 ford taurus. the contact parked the vehicle and noticed that the bumper was partially out of the garage. He drove approximately 1 mph, to clear the garage door did not touch accelerator pedal, and the vehicle accelerated and crashed into a wall. The vehicle has not…
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 ford taurus. the contact parked the vehicle and noticed that the bumper was partially out of the garage. He drove approximately 1 mph, to clear the garage door did not touch accelerator pedal, and the vehicle accelerated and crashed into a wall. The vehicle has not been repaired; however, there was $5,000 in damages to vehicle. There were no injuries. the vin was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 25,480.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
The blower motor in my 1991 ford taurus IS starting to go out. this problem has been happening for the last week and a half. I will turn the heat on high in the mornings to warm up the car an within a 10-15 minute time frame - the motor will either stop blowing completely or barely blow. I…
The blower motor in my 1991 ford taurus IS starting to go out. this problem has been happening for the last week and a half. I will turn the heat on high in the mornings to warm up the car an within a 10-15 minute time frame - the motor will either stop blowing completely or barely blow. I understand there IS an existing recall under 03v087000 and complaint number 10184014. as I understand this IS a common problem for ford vehicles and needs to be addressed immediately. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
I was advised by a mechanic recently that my vehicle was unsafe. he showed me the rear subframe bolt that was deteriorated to about half of its original size and that the subframe was rusted heavily and cracked completely through. this was after the recall was done on my vehicle in 1999 for nhtsa…
I was advised by a mechanic recently that my vehicle was unsafe. he showed me the rear subframe bolt that was deteriorated to about half of its original size and that the subframe was rusted heavily and cracked completely through. this was after the recall was done on my vehicle in 1999 for nhtsa article no. 98V323000. so the work that was done to keep the subframe from falling IS not holding up and it appears that it could break soon. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving gears jump. There IS recall 96v166000. Consumer has contacted the dealer. The problem still remains. *Ak recall campaign. the consumer was told of other ford vehicles with design defects. *tc
- Tires › Tread/belt
Belts on tire bcame separated, causing tire to come apart. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift · Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
My ford taurus 1991 station wagon lunged forward uncontrollably after backing up, braking, then starting to go forward. it went against a wall, the brake didn't work, the front of the car was crashed, I had to put it into park to stop it. please let me know if any other car same make and model has had the same problem. my mechanic tested it and it did this another 3 times.*ak
- Structure › Frame and members
I was notified by my mechanic that my 1991 taurus-station wagon had a recall regarding the sub-frame. He suggested I call rizzo-ford in no. Providence, r.i. On mineral spring ave. When I called I spoke to representative rick marrconte and he agreed that there was a recall and he would fix my car…
I was notified by my mechanic that my 1991 taurus-station wagon had a recall regarding the sub-frame. He suggested I call rizzo-ford in no. Providence, r.i. On mineral spring ave. When I called I spoke to representative rick marrconte and he agreed that there was a recall and he would fix my car, bring it in he said. A few days later rick calls me back to inform me that not only the nut of the subframe was rotted, but also the subframe itself was rotted and it would cost $900.00 to fix and he told me my car was not worth it. To make a long story short, I played phone tag with the ford motor company hot line which seemed like forever. A sheila informed me that they were willing to pay for the repair if the company agreed to repair it. She later explained they refused to fix my car. This fault in my car almost had me and my 6 year old grandson in an accident. When I told the woman sheila this she explained to me that I should have known when buying this car that I should have called to find out about the recalls. This I do not understand...she wanted me to call and find out if my car was a 'lemon'? Now because this dealership refused to help me it now makes it difficult for me to perhaps go to another ford dealership that may have be able to help me. I am a student @ uri/cce, also working, and taking care of my 80 year old father. Prior to this damage I had just fix this car for $750.00, which I could not afford in the first place. This appears to be dishonest and a way to get people to give ford even more money towards their 'damaging pool'. IS there any recourse I can take? please advice. maria d. O'connor *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
When accelerating from a complete stop a jerking motion was produced. As a result, steering became difficult. dealer stated motor mounts failed. a recall 98v323000 was issued, however, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Structure › Body
After the recommended 1 year wait for waxing, I decided since the mild washings were continuing to make the car duller I would give it a shine. It was bad enough that paint continued to come off when drying regularly but I was mortified when I tested an area and it looked like water colors were…
After the recommended 1 year wait for waxing, I decided since the mild washings were continuing to make the car duller I would give it a shine. It was bad enough that paint continued to come off when drying regularly but I was mortified when I tested an area and it looked like water colors were used as paint. After all these years, I have called ford several times with no luck. On one occasion a undisclosed person said it sounded like there was not enough or no clear coat and I should take it to where I purchased it and have them look at it. So luckily the stadium automall in rutherford IS directly across the street from where I live. This IS also where I purchased it 13 years ago. The man admitted it was dull and a good waxing professionally would help. I told him I would be to embarassed because the paint comes off even when I dry it after a washing. He never checked if they were having problems and told me there was nothing they would do about it.i must point out we are avid ford buyers and my husbands 10 year old truck was re-painted from the same problem. Also as the original owner the recalls listed in your web page on my vehicle were only once reported to me. That the was the child safety catch. Just recently my tie-rod snapped on RT.3 in secaucus, n.j. Luckily for me I am still alive to write to you. P.s. The other things such as rotors excetera have also been done at my expense. My car only just clicked ovr 89,000 miles for goodness sake. this IS the best website!! Even if nothing comes out of it.*ak
- Child seat
While driving at any speed child IS able to free herself from the child safety seat. also, the latch on the harness IS very difficult to undo once it IS closed. one or the other of these incidents occurred at lease nine times in the last twelve months.*ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Engine and engine cooling · Equipment · Equipment › Electrical · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic · Suspension · Visibility
I can't possibly remember the dates these things happened. I put a new (used) transmission and this one IS slipping. I put more brake pads and calipers than you would use in a life time. the springs are weak in the back, but to exspensive to change. I put a new fuel pump and gas tank. I've put…
I can't possibly remember the dates these things happened. I put a new (used) transmission and this one IS slipping. I put more brake pads and calipers than you would use in a life time. the springs are weak in the back, but to exspensive to change. I put a new fuel pump and gas tank. I've put a new egr valve, oxygen sensor, throttle sensor, air temp sensor. I put a blinker switch and new struts because mine broke. 3 out of 4 of my doors will not open because of the handles. these are just a few of the things I wrote down or can remember. now it will not start unless I pump the gas(it's fuel injected) and keep turning it over and over. then I'm not sure if it will start again when I shut it off. the fuel pump IS working I think, I can hear it. I bought the car used and the person put a 1989 motor into a 1991 body. these things still went wrong with the car either way. I did not check any below because I'm not sure what to check.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Oem automatic transmission failed, requiring installation of re-manufactured transmission at cost of $2,862.51. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Oem 3.8 liter V6 engine failed, requiring installtion of re-manufactured engine at cost of $3608.47. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission jumped into neutral while going up hills. Once while going up a hill, transmission went into reverse, and vehicle went backwards, nearly hitting another car. *Ak *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My 1991 ford taurus wagon has always had major transaxle problems! On two separate occasions the transmission pan bolts loossened on their own. This has caused premature transmission damage, and now the wagon runs misserably! Though we tightened up the bolts (for the third time) enough damage…
My 1991 ford taurus wagon has always had major transaxle problems! On two separate occasions the transmission pan bolts loossened on their own. This has caused premature transmission damage, and now the wagon runs misserably! Though we tightened up the bolts (for the third time) enough damage occured to the transmission and now the whole transmission needs replacement. I put a new one in when I bought it. I will never buy another ford again, and several people who I am aquainted with will know my little ford ordeal as well (i'll make it a point that they know). How could a company that has been making cars for so long go so damm astray? Some one told me that ford spelled in reverse stands for: "driver returns on foot."...drof *la
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle intermittently shifts while driving.*mr the vehicle shifted erratically. on occasions it would slam into second gear or not at all. the vehicle hesitated from a stop and would jump into neutral. while driving while driving uphill the vehicle jumped into neutral which caused the vehicle to roll backwards almost causing an accident. the ford serviceman was aware of the transmission problem. *ts *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Consumer stated that while driving home, he turned a corner and heard a snap. Then, hood started to move up and down violently. Consumer managed to bring vehicle home and parked it. this happened today, and has not yet had time to get a mechanic to take a look at it.*ak
- Structure › Frame and members
While driving a loud noise was heard and the steering wheel locked. vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who stated the cradle mounting washer and bolts rusted. Dealer installed sub frames rear mount bolts, reinforcement plates and replaced nuts. *ak *cb *jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission
The vehicle over heated and then shut off. *Jb the transmission was rebuilt because it would not shift. *Cb *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My transmission went out even after driving my car with the up most care...and I am not the only one who has complained of this...the taurus IS infamous for there transmission failures. *Jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Audio system fires
See resume for details.
- 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.
- Engine cooling fan fires
There is no summary currently available
- Engine cooling fan fires
In december 1995, ford recalled 119,313 vehicles in canada to remedy the subject condition in certain 1992-95 taurus, sable, tempo, topaz and continental vehicles.ford IS aware of similar incidents occurring in northern regions of the united states, but maintains that the frequencies do not warrant a finding of an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.
- 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
- Failure of wheel studs
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
- Storage compar suffocation
===
- Anti-lock brakes
Anti-lock brakes
- Storage compar suffocation
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.
- 627747This aritlce IS to provide information on replacement of old style hood lamp switch to the rvised mechanical hood lamp switch.
- 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.
- 619293Information on additional parts required when replacing transfer case on vehicles equippped with AX4S transaxle.
- 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.
- 605338Information on transaxle service case replacement with oss (output shaft speed sensor) hole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 53663Concerns with harsh engagements and harsh shifts with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) 628, p0741 and/or p1744.
- 53660Vehicles exhibiting a "squeaking" or "chirping" from the blower motor at low blower motor speeds.
- 51995Transaxle- ax4s/ax4n- diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) 628, p0741 and/or p1744 stored in memory after transaxle exchange.
- 51990Blower motor- "chirping" or "squeaking" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 51987Fuel economy- customer expectations versus vehicle usage.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
Every Ford Taurus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.