1996 Ford Taurus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Taurus › 1996
These records cover every 1996 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 1996 Ford Taurus. Newest first.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles previously serviced under ford service bulletin 97-17-9 from august 1997 through december 1997. these vehicles were inadvertenly equipped with an 18-gallon fuel tank rather than the 16-gallon as specified. the 18-gallon tank has a second valve location where a shipping plug should be installed.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this shipping plug IS displaced, fuel leakage can result. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could potentially result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install the correct fuel tank.
The automatic transmission park pawl shaft may not be free to rotate as intended. if the park pawl shaft does not rotate, it would prevent the park pawl from engaging the park gear when the shift lever IS in the park position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral with the shift lever in the park position.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft rotation and those shafts with restricted rotation will be replaced with a shorter shaft that will not restrict rotation.
The park pawl abutment bracket has a sharp edge which can cause the parking pawl to hang up and not engage the park gear. this would allow the vehicle to move even though the gear shift indicator shows that the vehicle IS in park.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Unintended and unexpected vehicle movement can result in personal injury and property damage.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket.
The fuel pressure regulator located on the fuel rail in the engine compartment has a vacuum diaphragm that was damaged during manufacture of the regulator.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the diaphragm tears or ruptures, liquid fuel could enter the intake manifold plenum through the vacuum line resulting in either release of fuel from the air cleaner assembly or the exhaust system. fuel release in the presence of an ignition source could potentially result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel pressure regulator. those regulators produced during the suspect time period will be replaced.
The park pawl shaft was improperly positioned when the roll pin that retains it was installed during transmission assembly. if the shaft was not properly positioned, the roll pin may not have lined up with the groove in the shaft and have been crushed at assembly. also, a burr could have been raised on the shaft.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in the park pawl occasionally not engaging when the transmission selector lever IS placed in the park position. This could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral if the vehicle operator does not apply the parking brake.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft roll pin. If the roll pin IS damaged, both the roll pin and the park pawl shaft will be replaced. In addition, owners will be reminded to fully apply the parking brake, in addition to placing the transmission in park.
The brake system fluid level indicator lamp switch can malfunction. This does not comply with fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: if the switch malfuntions, the brake system warning lamp will either remain illuminated continuously or fail to light as intended when the fluid level falls to a certain level. in either case, the vehicle operator would not be warned of a low brake fluid level condition.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake system fluid level indicator lamp switches.
Owner complaints
825 complaints69 involved a crash12 involved a fire69 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Unknown or other
I recently brought the car for 4,00 and some change a bout a year ago two days after I brought it the check engine light came on and every now and then while driving it would cut off I took the car back to the place I brought it from and told them they told me to bring it back in I would have to…
I recently brought the car for 4,00 and some change a bout a year ago two days after I brought it the check engine light came on and every now and then while driving it would cut off I took the car back to the place I brought it from and told them they told me to bring it back in I would have to leave it so I got some one to follow me and take me back home when I went to pick up the car it was running but by the time I got home the check engine light was back on. Then the defrost didn't work I took it back to them. that's when the air condictioner stop working I just quit complain the car ran pretty smooth although the check engine light stayed on . I went to start my car one night and it wouldn't start so I went and brought so heet I thoght because it was cold out side it IS winter I begin hear a hiss llike some air IS excaping from somewhere under the hood but yo hear it inside the car like a lot of static. It time for me to get a tuneup now the car really runs sluggish and turns off more often and you can't turn the wheels so that IS spooky I had the check light checked out and they said it was my lean sensor too much air IS getting into the gasoline and that has something to do with the catalyic converter
- Structure › Body
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving at 15 mph, there was a loud noise coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the motor carriage had corroded and stated that the vehicle…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving at 15 mph, there was a loud noise coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the motor carriage had corroded and stated that the vehicle needed a new under frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 1 mph, the vehicle accelerated violently and crashed into a pole without any warning. The contact sustained chest and head injuries and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. the vehicle was not taken to the…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 1 mph, the vehicle accelerated violently and crashed into a pole without any warning. The contact sustained chest and head injuries and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. updated 3/13/13 *cn updated 03/19/13 updated 03/20/13*lj the consumer stated the brakes didn't work, and she hit several curbs and two tires burst on the passenger side. She hit a lamp post and some shrubs, as well as an atm machine. Updated 04/10/13
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the vehicle was involved in a crash and the seat belt failed to retract. The contact, who was seating in the front passenger seat, hit her head on the windshield. the vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileage was 70,890.
- Engine · Structure
The motor cradle in my mother-in-law's 1996 taurus rusted through and broke as she was making a turn. this caused the motor to partially drop making steering almost impossible. I did some research and found that there was a recall for this problem for the 1995 taurus in dec. Of 1998. my question…
The motor cradle in my mother-in-law's 1996 taurus rusted through and broke as she was making a turn. this caused the motor to partially drop making steering almost impossible. I did some research and found that there was a recall for this problem for the 1995 taurus in dec. Of 1998. my question IS if this problem was not discovered until 1998 then why would the 1996 taurus not be included in this recall? I would like to see credible documentation that ford substantially fixed a problem with the motor cradles in the 1996 taurus two years before they knew there was a problem prompting the 1998 recall. short of that, I would like nhtsa to explain why this problem should not be fixed by ford. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
My son was driving the vehicle when the brakes completely failed. Brake lines to the rear of the car ruptured and drained system of brake fluid and car had no brakes at all. It rolled into an intersection and thankfully he wasn't hurt. Apparently this IS fairly common with older cars. Both lines being replaced. *tr
- Visibility › Windshield
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. the contact stated that water was leaking into the passenger side floorboard from an unknown entry source. the dealer advised the contact that due to the age of the vehicle, the failure was common. The dealer advised having the molding and sealant for the…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. the contact stated that water was leaking into the passenger side floorboard from an unknown entry source. the dealer advised the contact that due to the age of the vehicle, the failure was common. The dealer advised having the molding and sealant for the windshield replaced. the manufacturer took a complaint on the contacts behalf and offered no further assistance since there were no related recalls for the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the current mileage was 78,456 and the failure mileage was 78,426.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. The contact was driving approximately 30 mph when the vehicle was involved in a crash. During the crash all of the air bags deployed but during deployment, the passenger side air bag detached from the dashboard. A police report was filed but no injuries were…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. The contact was driving approximately 30 mph when the vehicle was involved in a crash. During the crash all of the air bags deployed but during deployment, the passenger side air bag detached from the dashboard. A police report was filed but no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a parking lot where the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 150,000.
- Suspension › Rear
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited an abnormal clunking noise. He then discovered that the rear passenger axle was corroded, similar to the failure listed under nhtsa campaign ID number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly).…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited an abnormal clunking noise. He then discovered that the rear passenger axle was corroded, similar to the failure listed under nhtsa campaign ID number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the engine, transmission, front seats, steering control arms, dashboard, and transaxle would need to be removed in order to make repairs to the sub frame. The contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure nor was the vehicle repaired. The vin was unavailable. The current mileage was approximately 202,000 and the failure mileage was approximately 195,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
My 1996 ford taurus GL stalled due to a failed camshaft synchronizer that broke. it only has 106,500 miles on it. I understand the 1997's have a recall - why aren't the 1996 taurus included ?? these should be part of the recall. *tr
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
1996 ford taurus, driver felt vehicle shake, pulled to the right berm and right tire fell off the vehicle. *Bf according to the police report, there were five broken tire spokes along with a scraped brake rotor from contact with the roadway. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0385-91) *jb updated 09/13/10*bf
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
1996 ford taurus. Consumer states problem with the park pawl *tgw the consumer stated when she put the gear in park, the park pawl did not engage, which cause the vehicle to roll. the consumer spoke with her mechanic and he informed her a recall had been issued in 1996 for certain vehicles. the…
1996 ford taurus. Consumer states problem with the park pawl *tgw the consumer stated when she put the gear in park, the park pawl did not engage, which cause the vehicle to roll. the consumer spoke with her mechanic and he informed her a recall had been issued in 1996 for certain vehicles. the consumer went to the dealer to have the problem addressed. while the dealer did acknowledge the recall and the consumers vehicle was equipped with AX4N automatic transaxles, she was advised her vehicle was not included in the recall. *Jb
- Structure › Frame and members
On my 1996 ford taurus the subframe IS completely rusted out. with only 90,000 miles and stored inside I have never seen a frame rusted out this bad. *Tr
- Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. While the contact was driving approximately 60 mph the engine shut off without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician stated that water leaked onto the front passenger side floor area. The water was coming from the front windshield and…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. While the contact was driving approximately 60 mph the engine shut off without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician stated that water leaked onto the front passenger side floor area. The water was coming from the front windshield and the engine. the failure occurred during rainy weather conditions. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure continued to occur. The contact stated that the manufacturer should be responsible for the repair cost. the failure mileage was 138,000.
- Structure
The frame IS cracked. *Tr
- Suspension › Rear
The rear springs of my 1996 ford taurus GL have both broken through normal driving conditions. *Tr
- Tires
Douglas tire on 1996 ford taurus "came apart" on I-10, no apparent puncture or other signs of hitting an object on the highway. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
1996 ford taurus GL, 147,000 miles. While trying to move the car the front left coil spring broke, puncturing the tire. Fortunately this was low speed, no one harmed. Requires new spring and tire at a minimum. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake line failure. Lost brakes in parking lot. Brake line rotted through. Repaired by local mechanic who stated this IS a common problem on ford cars. If this doesn't require a recall and repair I don't know what does. *Tr
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. the contact stated that the vehicle would not start. it cranks, but the ignition does not turn over until she depresses the accelerator pedal. the vehicle would stall at least ten to twelve times before it would start. she took the vehicle to a mechanic…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford taurus. the contact stated that the vehicle would not start. it cranks, but the ignition does not turn over until she depresses the accelerator pedal. the vehicle would stall at least ten to twelve times before it would start. she took the vehicle to a mechanic and was informed that the fuel injectors and brake switch interlock were the causes of the failure. the vehicle IS also stuck in park and will not move. in order to start the vehicle, she has to turn the ignition off and shift into neutral. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 120,000. updated 05/05/09. *Lj
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Coolant system failure of all types all part prone to extreme chemical corrosion very aggravating problem and now the coolant bypass hose has failed with the same corrosive symptoms as the other components. *Tr
- Electrical system
96' ford taurus has a leak in the passenger seat, this leak causes either a short in the blower motor or the blower motor resistor. blower motor works sometimes or doesn't, usually after it rains and the corresponding leak causes a short. this IS very dangerous up north when the defrosting of the windshield IS a necessity. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission partially shifts between first and second gears intermittently. this has been happening for a couple months and IS increasing in occurrence. *tr
- Suspension › Front
I have a 96 ford taurus that has a broken front spring (and I obviously didn't know about it) and it caused my tire to blow on the highway. I almost caused a severe accident that would have involved a tractor trailer, and almost surely my death. *tr
- Tires
The uniroyal temporary spare tire developed tread separation while just sitting in its compartment. *Tr
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.
- 10018745Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10017916Surge, idle roll, rough idle only when the engine cooling fans are operating.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10011162Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008314Erratic operation of the cool/warm function of the temperature control system - repair procedure for stratification (secondary) temperature blend door.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008183Groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector IS in park with the vehicle parked on an incline. This bulletin updates previous bulletin 17358, dated 11/01/2003 to include 2005 models.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10003741In vehicle loctite service procedure for camshaft tube and gear.
- 10002684Torque converter clutch not engaging when commanded and/or diagnostic trouble codes p0741 or p1744 stored in memory. Models from 1996 to 2003.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6091815Some vehicles may exhibit front outer tie rods squeak and / or pop noise over bumps and / or turning.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090649Information regarding slight vibration upon acceleration. *Mjs
- 6090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *Mjs
- 6090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes.
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090085Service information for musty and mildew type odors coming from the air conditioning / heating system.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6090053Some vehicles equipped with AX4S transaxle, may exhibit a harsh 2-3 downshift may occur when coasting around a corner and then accelerating.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 637741Some sho vehicles may exhibit a ticking noise originating from the valve cover area.
- 635968Some vehicles equipped with the 3.0L 4V duratec engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with a diagnostic trouble code p1518, intake manifold runner control.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630408Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine light and/or egr diagnostic trouble codes 332, p0401, p1407 (lackof egr flow).
- 630356Some vehicles may exhibit a park pullout clunk noise when shifting from park to another gear position.
- 630351Some vehicles may exhibit a groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector IS in park.
- 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
- 624854Some vehicles may exhibit a harsh 2-3 shift after installing a remanufactured automatic transaxle.
- 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.
- 622646Some vehicles may exhibit cooling system conditions such contaminated / corroded coolant; leaking / discolored coolant overflow bottles; vibration from engine; leaking heater core; coolant overflow; high temperature gauge readings, etc.
- 620415Information regarding passenger air bag module be replacement during normal vehicle service after restraint system diagnostics.
- 620271Some vehicles may exhibit an intermittent loss of integrated control panel (icp) illumination. Audio and climate controls continue to operate during the icp's loss of illumination condition. This may be caused by a faulty internal ribbon cable connection in the icp.
Every Ford Taurus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.