1994 Ford Taurus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Taurus › 1994
These records cover every 1994 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 1994 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: 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.
Owner complaints
923 complaints51 involved a crash23 involved a fire42 injuries3 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting
While driving at night headlights go off for a few seconds and then come back on it happens several times and then stops happening
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. While driving various speeds, the headlights flashed intermittently without warning and the headlight switch was hot to the touch. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact researched the…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. While driving various speeds, the headlights flashed intermittently without warning and the headlight switch was hot to the touch. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact researched the failure online and found nhtsa campaign number: 98v009000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer confirmed that the vin was not included in the recall. No further assistance was offered. The contact was referred to nhtsa. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
- Air bags
Airbag light flashes on/off frequently. Defective sensor IS suspected. Part IS unavailable. A major safety concern. Not sure if there was a recall prior to purchase or change out of parts. *tr
- Power train
The car when leaving a stop acts like its in neutral then catches and leaps forward. Ford used a cheap forward clutch piston. *tr
- Power train
After the vehicle has been running for a while and approaches a stop, it "de-clutches" and either fails to shift into gear, when pushing gas pedal to accelerate or it then shifts hard during take off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced.…
After the vehicle has been running for a while and approaches a stop, it "de-clutches" and either fails to shift into gear, when pushing gas pedal to accelerate or it then shifts hard during take off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. the current and failure mileage IS 85,000. manufacture has supposedly sent out tsb for revised forward clutch piston #9837. ford has been aware of the problem through technical service bulletin's 91-5-7, 92-1-4,92-26a-6, 93-9-11 and 94-24-7 which even tells the dealers to use a steel piston and not to use the aluminum piston and if they have any in stock to return them to the parts depot for credit. *tr
- Engine
I just got off the telephone with ford corp., ~ I have inherited a 1994 taurus from my grandmother, who took excellent care of it and it only has 88,000 original miles ~ the day after thanksgiving, the head gasket blew & the exhaust started pouring out thick smoke, I was able to get to a safe…
I just got off the telephone with ford corp., ~ I have inherited a 1994 taurus from my grandmother, who took excellent care of it and it only has 88,000 original miles ~ the day after thanksgiving, the head gasket blew & the exhaust started pouring out thick smoke, I was able to get to a safe location immediately, but I look under the car and there were all different color fluids coming out. Back in 1999 there was a letter sent to mr. William clay ford relating to this issue ~ a vehicle that has been so well kept and not even have passed 100K miles... This malfunction of ford, should be fixed and honored at all costs and now I am looking at a bill of $2300.00 to get this fixed ~ when if it would have been built right from the beginning this issue would have never happened. I am asking for help of program 98m01 ~ this extension IS mandatory for I am a single mother / driver of a ford vehicle ~ it's the american way...... Right???? Mr. William clay ford ~ get me back into a safe vehicle. *tr
- Engine · Power train
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. The contact stated that the engine and transmission failed. The contact started the vehicle and both the engine and the transmission collapsed. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 93v106000 (structure:frame and members) and contacted the dealer.…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. The contact stated that the engine and transmission failed. The contact started the vehicle and both the engine and the transmission collapsed. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 93v106000 (structure:frame and members) and contacted the dealer. The dealer advised the contact that his vin was not included in the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and they filed a complaint on the contact's behalf. The failure mileage was 155,000.
- Electrical system
Car had been parked in my driveway for five days without use. About 9:00am I moved the car and parked it in the street in front of my house. There was no indication of any problem of any kind. About 45 min. Later I was alerted to the sound of a car horn and found the fords horn was honking. When I…
Car had been parked in my driveway for five days without use. About 9:00am I moved the car and parked it in the street in front of my house. There was no indication of any problem of any kind. About 45 min. Later I was alerted to the sound of a car horn and found the fords horn was honking. When I opened the door to attempt to pull the lever to open the hood there was smoke in the car and a small flame on the left lower corner of the cash. I went to get a fire extinguisher and phoned 911, was gone maybe 30 seconds and when I returned the dash was fully aflame. I then dragged my hose out and by the time @45 seconds later I got the water on, the passenger compartment was fully engulfed. After about 7 min. Of me putting water on the fire and it about 90% out the fire department showed up and finished putting it out. The only problems the car had before was the interior lights had quit working from the door in july but still worked from the headlight switch. About a year and a half ago the fuse that fed the radio among other things had blown but when replaced with the same 15amp fuse all had been ok. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. The contact was driving 5 mph and attempting a left turn when the vehicle exhibited an abnormal pop noise. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact found that the cradle bolt was fractured. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who confirmed the…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. The contact was driving 5 mph and attempting a left turn when the vehicle exhibited an abnormal pop noise. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact found that the cradle bolt was fractured. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who confirmed the failure and ordered the part needed for repairs. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 98v323000 (structure:frame and members) and advised that the failure was related to the recall. the manufacturer was then contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000. updated 9/20/11 *cn updated 10/11/11
- Structure › Frame and members
The front lower subframe mount plate nut dropped. There was loss of the structural integrity of the subframe mount attachment. Detachment of the body mounts at the front corners of the subframe, which supports the engine and transmission, allowed the front corners of the subframe to drop. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. The contact noticed that the rear of the vehicle was lower than usual. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who discovered a crack in the frame that caused the rear suspension to lower. The contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealer who made a clunking sound. The dealer stated that the struts were defective. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. While driving approximately 10 mph he heard a loud bang. The vehicle was driven onto the emergency lane and shut off. upon examination he noticed that the sub frame fractured from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to his residence and was not examined for the cause of failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 75,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Structure › Body
The fuel pump, and transmission for the 1994 ford taurus GL 3.0 V6. Bucks and kicks alot. Even after fixed. Even if you aren't stepping on the gas it gets a delayed reaction sometimes and still kicks or bucks a little but while coasting. A result could be damaging property, and possible crashes that cannot be avoid if a sudden stop was needed and the car does buck and kick. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. The vehicle was parked, and the contact observed while the air conditioner was activated water leaked onto the engine. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired at the time of the complaint. In addition, there was a tranmission defect. The failure mileage was 140,000.
- Service brakes, electric · Vehicle speed control
It's not geared to any manufacture because all the vehicles I have driven work the same way. This pertaining to cruise control. Their IS only two ways to shut it off. The one way you shut it off IS to hit the brakes like if you have stop fast to avoid a accident. But the problem IS if the brake…
It's not geared to any manufacture because all the vehicles I have driven work the same way. This pertaining to cruise control. Their IS only two ways to shut it off. The one way you shut it off IS to hit the brakes like if you have stop fast to avoid a accident. But the problem IS if the brake light fuse IS blown it will not shut off the cruise and you are fighting the brake with the engine revving at a higher rate like highway speed. The only way you can bring it off cruise IS manually shut it off through the on and off switch. Now at avoiding a accident the first thing you do hit the brake I don't I think most people would shut it off manually at the time of a accident when their under pressure of a accident and have time to the burn out fuse can happen from a short that happens within the vehicle electric or a short in a the towing object. This happened years ago with me but with all the problems with throttle that has happen recent made me think about what happen to me. And again this IS not geared to any certain manufacture I have had ford to gm. *Tr
- Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. since approximately the middle of 2003, the coil spring has failed. the contact has been driving the vehicle in this condition ever since that time. he located recalls for this issue, but his vin was not included. the nhtsa campaign ID numbers were unknown. the failure mileage was 108,000. updated 6/15/09 *cn the mechanic replaced the strut coil. Updated 06/16/09.*jb
- Suspension › Front · Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Broken drivers coil spring. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign ID number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control). he took the vehicle to the dealer, but they could not perform the recall repair because the harness burned. the contact would have to pay $100 to repair…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign ID number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control). he took the vehicle to the dealer, but they could not perform the recall repair because the harness burned. the contact would have to pay $100 to repair the harness. the manufacturer stated that they would not assist with the repair because the harness was not included in the recall. the current and failure mileages were 205,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. the vehicle's engine caught fire while it was parked and unoccupied. the contact received a ford recall notice for nhtsa campaign ID number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control) in late december of 2008. the insurance company determined the vehicle to be…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. the vehicle's engine caught fire while it was parked and unoccupied. the contact received a ford recall notice for nhtsa campaign ID number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control) in late december of 2008. the insurance company determined the vehicle to be destroyed and would not investigate the failure because the vehicle did not have complete coverage. the fire and police report numbers were unknown. the failure and current mileages were 123,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. the vehicle went through state inspection and the contact was informed that the rear engine mount needed to be replaced. there IS a recall for nhtsa campaign ID number 98v323000 (structure:frame and members); however, the dealer could not find the recall in…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. the vehicle went through state inspection and the contact was informed that the rear engine mount needed to be replaced. there IS a recall for nhtsa campaign ID number 98v323000 (structure:frame and members); however, the dealer could not find the recall in their system. the manufacturer has not been notified. the failure mileage was 109,000. updated 10/07/08. *lj updated 10/10/08. *Jb
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. the contact heard a clunking noise when the accelerator pedal was first depressed. a mechanic stated that the rear subframe of the engine mount was corroded. the purchase date, speed, and mileage information were unavailable. updated 5/6/08 *cn the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. the contact heard a clunking noise when the accelerator pedal was first depressed. a mechanic stated that the rear subframe of the engine mount was corroded. the purchase date, speed, and mileage information were unavailable. updated 5/6/08 *cn the consumer stated after further discussion with they have agreed to repair this vehicle under the recall and repairs are now complete. Updated 05/06/08 *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan · Power train › Automatic transmission · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension › Front › Shock absorber
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. while driving 30 mph, the subframe on the vehicle dropped. the contact lost complete control of the steering. the vehicle IS currently at an auto shop and the mechanic stated that the subframe dropped. the estimated repair cost was $1,000. nhtsa campaign…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. while driving 30 mph, the subframe on the vehicle dropped. the contact lost complete control of the steering. the vehicle IS currently at an auto shop and the mechanic stated that the subframe dropped. the estimated repair cost was $1,000. nhtsa campaign ID number 98v323000 (structure:frame and members) was referenced. the engine cooling fan failed two months ago, and caused the vehicle to overheat. the repair cost was $400. nhtsa campaign ID number 97v019000 (engine and engine cooling) was referenced. the contact also had to replace the struts on his vehicle. nhtsa campaign ID number 943036000 (suspension:front: shock absorber) was referenced. the repair cost was $300. the transmission had to be rebuilt, and the cost for the repair was $1,500. the current and failure mileages were 103,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Head gasket failure. *tr
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. the contact stated that her vehicle caught fire and was towed to a local repair shop. the mechanic stated that the fire originated from the speed control switch and the fire fused the wiring harness. in august of 2007, she received a recall notice for…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. the contact stated that her vehicle caught fire and was towed to a local repair shop. the mechanic stated that the fire originated from the speed control switch and the fire fused the wiring harness. in august of 2007, she received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign ID number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control). the manufacturer stated that they needed to call her insurance company. the insurance company stated that she needed to provide her vehicle information to open an investigation. the contact has yet to provide the requested documentation. the powertrain was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 209,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford taurus. after the vehicle has been running for a while and approaches a stop, it "de-clutches" and either fails to shift into gear or shifts hard during take off. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. the speed was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 96,000.
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
- 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.
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.
- 625888Information regarding engine replacements warranty extension program.
- 625878Information regarding engine replacements warranty extension program.
- 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.
- 619293Information on additional parts required when replacing transfer case on vehicles equippped with AX4S transaxle.
- 618535Information regarding premature failure of head gaskets.
- 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.
- 613867Subject regarding customers with prior after warranty adjustment (awa) head gasket repair.
- 613563Important recall information regarding vehicles that experience premature failure of the head gasket.
- 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
- 612897Some vehicles may experience premature head gasket(s) failure, which may result in engine coolant leakage, which if not detected, can cause engine overheating. *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.
Every Ford Taurus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.