1993 Ford Taurus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Ford › Taurus › 1993
These records cover every 1993 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 1993 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. vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of new york, michigan, ohio, illinois, wisconsin, pennsylvania, massachusetts, indiana, new jersey, maine, connecticut, new…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The front tire could deflate due to a broken front coil spring contacting the tire, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Customers with vehicles that have broken springs are to return their vehicle for spring replacement. both springs will be replaced even if only one spring IS fractured.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of new york, michigan, ohio, illinois, wisconsin, pennsylvania, massachusetts, indiana, new jersey, maine, connecticut, new hampshire, rhode island, vermont, minnesota, iowa, missouri, kentucky, maryland, delaware, and west virginia. the front coil springs can…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The front tire could deflate due to a broken front coil spring contacting the tire, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a spring catcher bracket which will prevent a fractured spring from contacting a tire.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the headlights can flash intermittently as a result of the circuit breaker opening. the vehicle's headlights can go out for brief intervals.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of headlights during vehicle operation can affect a driver's ability to navigate the roadway and reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a headlight switch that incorporates a cricuit breaker of revised design and installation of a wiring harness connector and wiring, if needed.
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.
These vehicles are originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, iowa, minnesota, nebraska, north dakota, and south dakota. the vehicles involved are 1992-1994 tempo/topaz vehicles with 3.0L engines; 1994 tempo/topaz with 2.3L engines; 1992-1995 taurus/sable with 3.8L engines; 1994-1995 taurus/sable with 3.0L engines and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause smoke or flames from the fan and/or shroud, the fan electrical wiring, or the fan motor resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install an electrical jumper harness containing an automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the fan motor low speed circuitry from overheating.
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.
Anti-lock brake system controllers designed for rear wheel drive cars may have been installed on these front wheel drive cars..
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in reduced braking ability and possiblevehicle accident.
Remedy
Replace the rear wheel drive ABS controller with a front wheel drive ABS controller.
Owner complaints
1,557 complaints54 involved a crash49 involved a fire46 injuries3 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
TL* the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact's hands became stuck to the steering wheel. The contact managed to release the steering wheel and noticed a dark yellow glue or paste like substance coming out of the seams of the steering wheel. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact's hands became stuck to the steering wheel. The contact managed to release the steering wheel and noticed a dark yellow glue or paste like substance coming out of the seams of the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. updated 10/30/14*cn updated 4/27/2015 *js
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the headlights turned off sporadically. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance since the vehicle had surpassed the statue of limitations. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 77,000.
- Exterior lighting · Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Headlights went out. fiddled desperately with the on/off switch & got them to come back on. went out several times over the next 30 minutes ... Discovered turning off and back on fixed. suspected it had to do with the heat. over the two month, recurred several times after driving for 30…
Headlights went out. fiddled desperately with the on/off switch & got them to come back on. went out several times over the next 30 minutes ... Discovered turning off and back on fixed. suspected it had to do with the heat. over the two month, recurred several times after driving for 30 minutes or so. also found that usually pressure applied to the switch itself and jiggling would bring them back, and discovered I could hold the high beams on. Finally searched here and found 98v009000, which seems to be the same problem. have contacted the local dealer ... But gave them recall 98s01 (found elsewhere when looking for replacement part when I had decided that it most likely was in the switch). *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph the frame on the vehicle fractured and completely separated from the vehicle causing him to temporarily lose control of the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed to a independent mechanic who informed…
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph the frame on the vehicle fractured and completely separated from the vehicle causing him to temporarily lose control of the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed to a independent mechanic who informed the contact that the frame had corroded causing it to separate from the vehicle. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. While driving 65 mph the vehicle stalled without a warning. He was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. He then tried to restart the vehicle but it failed to start. The vehicle was the towed to his residence where he notified a local mechanic…
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. While driving 65 mph the vehicle stalled without a warning. He was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. He then tried to restart the vehicle but it failed to start. The vehicle was the towed to his residence where he notified a local mechanic who stated that the fuel pump caused the failure. There were no repairs made to the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 162036.
- Unknown or other
I pull in the driveway in my 1993 ford taurus. the engine would not turn off. I pulled the car in front of my house to see how I could shut it off. the engine started to accelerate. as it was building rpm's smoke was coming from under neath the car and the car started to shake. I got out of…
I pull in the driveway in my 1993 ford taurus. the engine would not turn off. I pulled the car in front of my house to see how I could shut it off. the engine started to accelerate. as it was building rpm's smoke was coming from under neath the car and the car started to shake. I got out of my car to lift the hood to pull some wire to disconnect the engine. as I stared to lift the hood the car took off in reverse at a high speed. it went fifty feet and turned right hit a electric pole and slammed into a house. *tr
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. while driving 45 mph through the toll plaza, the vehicle failed to slow down when the brake pedal was depressed. the contact exited off the interstate and approached a traffic light thirty seconds later. she noticed smoke under the hood and the vehicle was…
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. while driving 45 mph through the toll plaza, the vehicle failed to slow down when the brake pedal was depressed. the contact exited off the interstate and approached a traffic light thirty seconds later. she noticed smoke under the hood and the vehicle was towed to a repair shop. the mechanic stated that the cable to the cruise control was stuck. prior to the failure, the contact had never used the cruise control button. the dealer was notified and advised her to bring in the vehicle; however, it was already being repaired by her mechanic. the cruise control cable was stuck which caused the throttle to saty open. Updated 11/19/08. *Jb
- Electrical system
I bought my 1993 ford taurus 3 months ago..it has 59K on it...one week after buying it check engine light came on..when I approached the dealership there comment was.."well things go wrong daily with used cars..i drive the car for about 10 minutes then the light will come on. I have changed all the…
I bought my 1993 ford taurus 3 months ago..it has 59K on it...one week after buying it check engine light came on..when I approached the dealership there comment was.."well things go wrong daily with used cars..i drive the car for about 10 minutes then the light will come on. I have changed all the sensors..had a tune up..radiator flush..just to mention a few things...had new motor mounts put in too..all of which has cost me well over 700.00...i called ford when I noticed they had a recall on the electrical in which I was informed they wouldn't do a thing..i can only drive this car for short periods of time before the engine starts smelling hot..though with the new thermostat it never registers its over heating..took it to my mechanic and had a computer check done..but wouldn't u know light wouldn't come on since it was just sitting. Seems it only comes on when driving down the road..again told the dealership...they keep saying must be a censor..which seems to me they knew this when the car was sold to me..yet didn't disclose that part..when I purchased it. I was sold a lemon..and ford will not honor there recalls on it..so seems im doomed..im on disability and cant afford all these repairs but no one seems to care.. *tr
- Suspension › Front
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic for an oil change and was informed that the coil springs and struts failed and the sway bar was damaged. prior to this information, the contact noticed that the front end was lower than normal. the vehicle…
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic for an oil change and was informed that the coil springs and struts failed and the sway bar was damaged. prior to this information, the contact noticed that the front end was lower than normal. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. nhtsa campaign ID number 98i002000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs) was referenced. the current and failure mileages were 150,000.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Power train › Automatic transmission
There are alot of recalls on my car and no one will help me. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
The heat from the engine comes inside my car...making it hotter on the inside than outside..driving it yesterday the a/c fan froze up causing it to smoke and was undrivable. Just had it in for a major tune up a week ago yet still this problems occurs.. *tr
- Suspension › Front
Driving down the road and the right side spring broke. I parked the car and in about two months I replaced the whole strut . When I was done I took it for a ride and went about two blocks and the driver's side spring broke. *tr
- Suspension › Front
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. the front suspension fell out while driving 40 mph. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the coil spring needed to be replaced. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 98v094000…
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. the front suspension fell out while driving 40 mph. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the coil spring needed to be replaced. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 98v094000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs). the manufacturer was unable to assist. the current mileage was 108,000 and failure mileage was 106,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. while driving approximately 70 mph, the subframe of the rear corners failed. this caused the steering to lock and nearly resulted in a crash. the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign ID number 98v323000 (structure:frame and members) in 1999. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. while driving approximately 70 mph, the subframe of the rear corners failed. this caused the steering to lock and nearly resulted in a crash. the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign ID number 98v323000 (structure:frame and members) in 1999. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer has not provided any assistance. the current and failure mileages were 113,000.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. while driving 30 mph, the contact heard a popping sound coming from the front of the vehicle. the steering wheel moved to the left. the mechanic stated that there was a recall for the structure: frame and members:underbody shields (nhtsa campaign ID number…
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. while driving 30 mph, the contact heard a popping sound coming from the front of the vehicle. the steering wheel moved to the left. the mechanic stated that there was a recall for the structure: frame and members:underbody shields (nhtsa campaign ID number 98v323000) and referred him to the dealer. the dealer stated that they were unable to access the recall. as of november 20, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 157,815.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. while driving 30 mph, the headlights flickered rapidly. the failure occurred intermittently. the dealer stated that the headlight switch failed and that his vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign ID number 98v009000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). no repairs were made. the current and failure mileages were 192,000. *updated 12/12/07 *bf updated 12/12/07
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. on may 30, 2007, the vehicle caught fire while parked. the contact noticed black smoke rising from under the hood, which led to the vehicle being engulfed in flames. the lot where the vehicle was parked sustained damage as well as the items that were in…
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. on may 30, 2007, the vehicle caught fire while parked. the contact noticed black smoke rising from under the hood, which led to the vehicle being engulfed in flames. the lot where the vehicle was parked sustained damage as well as the items that were in the vehicle. the vehicle was destroyed. the contact has pictures and can obtain a copy of the sheriff's report. the vin, engine size, and purchase date were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 170,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
1993 head gasket went bad with only 70,000 miles
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Exterior lighting › Headlights
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford taurus. the vehicle receivede recall regarding the circuit breaker opening. the failure caused the headlights to dim for short periods of time. the contact's vehicle had the same failure, but ford stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the current mileage IS 130,000, and failure mileage was 70,000.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Blown head gasket on 1993 ford taurus with 3.8L engine with 63,890 miles. Total repair $2008.12. *Jb
- Tires
2003 ford taurus blew a tire and bounced across the median into westbound traffic. *Kb *jb
- Tires · Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
1993 ford taurus left front tire separated from vehicle. *ts *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Consumer complaint concerning 1993 taurus engine problems. *ts *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was involved in a multi car crash at 30 mph in icy conditions; however the front air bags did not deploy. the vehicle was struck by numerous other vehicles and the vehicle was impacted on the entire front end, passenger's side doors and driver's side rear door.…
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was involved in a multi car crash at 30 mph in icy conditions; however the front air bags did not deploy. the vehicle was struck by numerous other vehicles and the vehicle was impacted on the entire front end, passenger's side doors and driver's side rear door. injuries were sustained to the driver to the chest from impacting the steering wheel and knees hitting the dash. the passenger sustained injuries to the neck, a collapsed right lung and several broken ribs from impacting the dash board. both occupants were wearing seat belts. the police were on the scene and made a written report. the vehicle was inspected by the insurance company and deemed totaled. Updated 03/280/6. *Jb
- Structure › Frame and members
Subframe which supports the engine and transmission dropped out while diving. Steering suddenly became very difficult. Car was pulled off road without further incident. Recall items which were replaced in 1999 had failed again. Ford takes no responsibility for second failure.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front suspension spring
There is no summary currently available
- Windshield wiper
ODI has received 50 additional complaiints on MY 1993 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles alleging malfunction of the windshield wiper system including; intermittent or complete stoppage of wiper sweeping; inadequate sweep speed; and other general complaints of poor performace.In some cases, the owner alleges…
ODI has received 50 additional complaiints on MY 1993 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles alleging malfunction of the windshield wiper system including; intermittent or complete stoppage of wiper sweeping; inadequate sweep speed; and other general complaints of poor performace.In some cases, the owner alleges havingto leave the roadway or roll down the window and manually restart the sweeping motion of the wiper arms.Other complaints allege that the wiper sweeps too slowly at the maximum speed setting resulting in inadequate vision during heavy precipition.Some complaints allge repeated wiper system malfunctions despirt having their vehicles serviced at Ford dealerships of replacement of the multi-function switch and/or wiper motor.Ford provided its response to an Information Request Letter indicating that the same wiper motor is used on the MY 1987-1993 Taurus and Sable; however, warranty and complaint data show that the MY 1993 is over represented and may warrant particular attention.An Engineering Ananlysis is necessary to determine if a potential safety defect exists.
- Windshield wiper
Alleged that the windshield wipers fail without warning
- Front suspension coil spring failure
Alleged the front suspension coil springs may fracture, permitting suspension collapse, possible tire puncture and the potential for compromise to vehicle safety
- Front suspension coil spring failure
Front Suspension coil springs may fracture with the vehicle in motion, posing a potential compromise to the driver's ability to control the vehicle.
- Engine cooling fan fires
There is no summary currently available
- Headlight failure
Excessive heat in an improperly manufactured circuit breaker within the headlight switch caused that circuit breaker to open for time periods of varying length to cool off.opening of the circuit breaker in this manner interrupts electric current flow to the headlights, shutting them off.headlight outages have ranger…
Excessive heat in an improperly manufactured circuit breaker within the headlight switch caused that circuit breaker to open for time periods of varying length to cool off.opening of the circuit breaker in this manner interrupts electric current flow to the headlights, shutting them off.headlight outages have ranger from brief flickers (less than one second) to greater than 20 seconds.over time, the outages grow in length and duration because of heat-induced deterioration of the switch and associated wiring.recall 98v-009 will apply to approximately 506,000 taurus, sable, mark viii, and continental vehicles produced from 1-dec.-92 through 30-sep-93 at the atlanta, chicago,and wixom assembly plants.87% of my 1992-1995 taurus/sable and 97% of my 1993-1995 mark viii warranty repairs (headlight switch replacement) involved vehicles built during the dec. 92 - oct. 93 build range.
- 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.
- Headlights failure
There is no summary currently available
- 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
- Broken tie rods
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.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 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.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 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.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 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.
- 618077Subject regarding remanufactured AX4S sho transaxles built with a unique triple clutch pack assembly and driven sprocket support.
- 617878Subject regarding flex fuel vechicle oil and fuel recommendations.
- 616508Special field action regarding revised waranty information.
- 615471Some vehicles may exhibit a speedometer pointer waiver concern.
- 615396Some vehicles may exhibit a speedometer pointer wiver concern.
- 615282Some flex fuel vehicles with previously serviced fuel senders may exhibit a fuel gauge indicator that stays at approximately << tank.
- 615201Some flex fuel vehicles with previously serviced fuel senders may exhibit a fuel gauge indicator that stays at approximately << tank.
- 615138Safety recall involving installation of the protective spring shields on certain vehicles front coil springs - stabilizer link replacement parts on national backorder.
- 615127Safety recall and owner notification to install protective spring shields on the front coil springs of affected vehicles to reduce the possibility of tire puncture should spring facture occur.
- 613334Some customers may experience overdrive not engaging which IS related to no torque converter clutch engagement in cold weather.
- 613327Experiencing a squeal noise coming from the rear brakes on some vehicles when braking.
- 613324Some vehicles may experience the air bag diagnostic light flashing.
- 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
- 613084Vehicles with the AX4S transaxle have an inline transmission cooler bypass valve located in the cooler line near the radiator cooler. *Mjs
- 613061Vehicles may experience speedometer pointer waver.
- 613037Vehicles may exhibit speedometer pointer waver. *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.
- 606508Conditions with the brake lamps inadvertently disabling the brake shift interlock.
- 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.
Every Ford Taurus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.