1998 Ford Taurus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Taurus › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Ford Taurus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1998 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 equipped with manual seat tracks. the front seat belt buckle attaching stud may have been improperly heat treated. this heat treatment may have resulted in cracks developing in the stud.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the stud IS cracked, in the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle mounting bracket and stud assembly.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the text and/or graphics for the vehicle headlamp aiming instructions provided in the owner guides are not sufficiently clear. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may be confused by the aiming instructions provided in the owner guides causing the headlamps to be improperly aimed.
Remedy
Owner guides containing revised aiming instructions will be mailed to owners of these vehicles.
Owner complaints
545 complaints61 involved a crash14 involved a fire64 injuries4 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
This car only has 73k milrs on it i am the 3rd owner. The power steering and the rack and pinion failed on this car. I was driving west on Columbus Drive in East Chicago three weeks ago when my steering became so stiff it was very difficult for me to make a turn and i could have easily hit another…
This car only has 73k milrs on it i am the 3rd owner. The power steering and the rack and pinion failed on this car. I was driving west on Columbus Drive in East Chicago three weeks ago when my steering became so stiff it was very difficult for me to make a turn and i could have easily hit another vehicle ir been hit by another vehicle. In researching this issue and talking to a Ford mechanic the rack and pinion is a common problem in the Ford Taurus from 1996 to 2000. There should have been a nationwide recall and there was not. A mechanic that worked at Ford at the time told me 30000 vehicles were recalled but all the vehicles should have been recalled. The problem was so big they designed a special tool to deal with it. They just waited for people to ca them and they dealt with it at that time as most of the cars were still under warranty at Ford. My problem is the original owner was a denior citizen who drove the car very little. She turned it over to the 2nd owner in 2016 with 66k miles on it. Had she driven the car the average for the industry this would have been covered unfer warranty. If you research this issue online you will discover Ford knew about it and its common to this car for the years stated above. The power steering pymp went out in July. We fixed that..the rack and pinion went out soon after. The pump had alteady been changed in that car before i got it, which leads me to believe the problem has been the rack and pinion for awhile. I have enclosed receits on tbe parts. My neighbor installed the pump for $80. Estimates in installing the rack and pinion are 250 to 400 in this area. Ive gone thru 75 in fluid loss bc the seal on the rack and pinion on the drivers side is blown so car keeps spitting out fluid. I tried to upload reveipts on the parts but i was unable to. The pump was approximately $84. The rack and pinion and return hoses were apprimately $200 thru Rockauto.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. The contact stated that all four seat belts in the vehicle malfunctioned and failed to retract, which left the occupants unsecured. The vehicle was taken to bayshore ford of pennsyville (200 s. Broadway st, pennsyville, nj). The contact was informed that the…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. The contact stated that all four seat belts in the vehicle malfunctioned and failed to retract, which left the occupants unsecured. The vehicle was taken to bayshore ford of pennsyville (200 s. Broadway st, pennsyville, nj). The contact was informed that the manufacturer no longer produced parts for the vehicle and it could not be repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 139,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Electrical system › Horn
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. While driving at an unknown speed, the horn became inoperable and the service engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,230.
- Engine · Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 mph, the brakes failed completely and the check engine warning indicator illuminated continuously. The failure had recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 mph, the brakes failed completely and the check engine warning indicator illuminated continuously. The failure had recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the vehicle needed a rear proportioning valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 138,000. The vin was not available.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
This IS the scariest thing I have ever seen while driving my teenage son's vehicle. His vehicle would not decrease in speed. While taking off from a stop, without touching the pedal, the vehicle accelerated on its own. I have never seen a vehicle accelerate without hitting the gas pedal. This IS a…
This IS the scariest thing I have ever seen while driving my teenage son's vehicle. His vehicle would not decrease in speed. While taking off from a stop, without touching the pedal, the vehicle accelerated on its own. I have never seen a vehicle accelerate without hitting the gas pedal. This IS a serious safety concern especially since its a teenagers vehicle. I see that newer tauruses had a recall for the exact same issue. Many were reporting the vehicle accelerating on its own, this IS exactly what my son's did tonight. Also, when I placed his vehicle in park, the vehicle revved up to 4000 rpm's like someone was hitting the gas. I had to shut the car off before it blew the engine. It was nerve racking. This IS likely to cause a serious injury of death to my child. *tr
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. The contact stated that the heater was not working in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 177,000. updated 10/30/14*cn
- Power train
TL* the contact owns 1998 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle made a jerking motion and failed to accelerate properly. The failure recurred multiple times and at various speeds. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. the contact stated that the vehicle started to roll away. as a result, the contact had to depress the brake pedal quickly and shift into park. there were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the vin was unavailable. the approximate failure mileage was 260,000.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. The contact stated that he noticed the vinyl on the dashboard was detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
While applying the brake to stop at a light on a highway access road, the vehicle had trouble stopping. it started violently jerking and vibrating and the brakes were all the way to the floor. The rpm's read in the 4'S. I pulled over and in a parking lot, the vehicle rapidly reached 45 mph…
While applying the brake to stop at a light on a highway access road, the vehicle had trouble stopping. it started violently jerking and vibrating and the brakes were all the way to the floor. The rpm's read in the 4'S. I pulled over and in a parking lot, the vehicle rapidly reached 45 mph without stepping on the gas pedal. I was reluctant to have it reach a greater speed so I stopped the vehicle. it once again did not want to respond properly to the brakes. I called ford and eplained the sudden acceleration and the vehicle difficulty in stopping, there are no recalls. I researched online, and it appears that there IS a faulty cruise control cable that sticks to the throttle and leaves it open. I once again contacted ford for an estimate to replace the cruise control cable. The service advisor stated that there was no such thing as a cruise control cable. I called the parts department and they said that part IS aftermarket and IS no longer available. this IS a very dangerous situation. I was reading the aol vehicle complaints on this and accidents have occured and people have been injured. I don't know why ford does not recognize this serious safet issue in a timely manner. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. The contact stated that when shifting from reverse to park or from drive to park, the vehicle would rapidly accelerate. The engine rpms increased excessively and the contact shifted into park as he turned the engine off in order to stop the failure. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. The contact stated that when shifting from reverse to park or from drive to park, the vehicle would rapidly accelerate. The engine rpms increased excessively and the contact shifted into park as he turned the engine off in order to stop the failure. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic or to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Service brakes · Structure › Body
Applied brakes while stopped in parking lot,pedal went to floor,all brake fluid now under car. Unable to lift car,no metal existed from floorpan to rocker panel bottom. Brake lines had been affixed to this metal,and now had lost support/mounting place and vibrated and fell apart. The outside of the…
Applied brakes while stopped in parking lot,pedal went to floor,all brake fluid now under car. Unable to lift car,no metal existed from floorpan to rocker panel bottom. Brake lines had been affixed to this metal,and now had lost support/mounting place and vibrated and fell apart. The outside of the car looked almost new,but the plastic trim on the lower sill hid the problem outside. Now,the door sill(both sides)are getting so bad,we are afraid to step on them,or go over a bad bump or railroad track. I don't understand this,as this metal rotted from the inside-out,as though it never went thru a rust prevention bath process. My friends are current ford people or,like myself,are retired ford people,they said taurus veh. Cant have this extreme problem,but I do. Thanks for asking. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Structure › Body
After driving about a mile, the air conditioning stopped and black smoke came out of the hood. stopped the car and thought of opening the hood but saw flames. three adults and two children (5 and 2 yrs old) got out of the car. called police and fire service. by the time they arrive, the car…
After driving about a mile, the air conditioning stopped and black smoke came out of the hood. stopped the car and thought of opening the hood but saw flames. three adults and two children (5 and 2 yrs old) got out of the car. called police and fire service. by the time they arrive, the car was in flames. the engine and front row seats were totally burnt. the car was a total loss. there was no way to determine the reason for the (mysterious) fire. this happened in miami, florida. *tr
- Exterior lighting · Seat belts · Wheels
The car has a recall on lights seat buckle and stud. *tr
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
When I was turning a corner my car started to shimmy like it had a flat tire I got out to check only to find there isnt a flat tire and that my rack and pinion IS gone bad on the passenger side of my car I just replaced the same part on the other side a year ago everytime the alignment goes out the rack and pinion goes bad! *tr
- Vehicle speed control · Vehicle speed control › Cables
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. The contact was driving 10 mph when the throttle became stuck, causing the vehicle to abnormally accelerate without warning. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by shifting into neutral and applying the brakes. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. The contact was driving 10 mph when the throttle became stuck, causing the vehicle to abnormally accelerate without warning. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by shifting into neutral and applying the brakes. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer to have the cruise and throttle cable replaced but the dealer did not have the necessary parts. The dealer lubricated the components but that did not remedy the issue. The contact also replaced the cruise control module but to no avail. The contact had experienced the failure numerous times. The failure mileage was 90,000. updated 07/25/12*lj the consumer stated the vehicle would accelerate on its own. Each time, the accelerator pedal would go down on its own, and the consumer had no way of controlling the vehicle. As the consumer stepped on the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to go faster. the dealer fixed the problem. However, it returned months later. The dealer informed the consumer, parts were no longer being made. They sprayed the cables, but the sudden acceleration returned weeks later. Updated 07/25/12
- Vehicle speed control
Vehicle has had two incidents that may be related to faulty acceleration. perhaps you need to investigate older ford taurus for problems currently under review on 2006, etc. dates and mileage are approx. I do not have reports available. vehicle had speed control. while attempting to park…
Vehicle has had two incidents that may be related to faulty acceleration. perhaps you need to investigate older ford taurus for problems currently under review on 2006, etc. dates and mileage are approx. I do not have reports available. vehicle had speed control. while attempting to park the accelerator suddenly revved up when I hit the brakes. happened so suddenly the car went out of control bounced over parking lot bump and hit other vehicles causing damages to those as well as my vehicle and injury to me as well as cost me a ticket. that was in 2006 as I recall. in january, 2009 or december, 2008 the accelerator suddenly revved up again when I was pulling into traffic from a parking lot on to the highway. I shut off the engine and volunteers helped push the vehicle off the road. I had it towed and have had it stored in my driveway since. no one has ever scanned, etc. To determine what was wrong. IS it safe to even sell to anyone? mileage for the second incident was approx. 147000. I have a mandate from the city to remove the vehicle by may, 2012 or face fines therefore if you need anything test needs done before then. message phone only included. *tr
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. The contact stated that the rear driver and passenger seat belts failed by not retracting and locking into place. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they advised her that the seat belts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
- Suspension › Front
98 ford taurus waggon build date of 11/4/97 with 105,000 miles, front passanger coil spring broke while driving slowly, thank god. Apparently very common, why IS there no recall for this!! no apparent reason, light useage mostly highway miles. *tt
- Suspension › Front
1998 ford taurus front driverside coil broke while driving. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure › Frame and members · Suspension · Tires
In june 2008 I started my regular yearly maintenance schedule of my 1998 ford taurus wagon. I had my oil change & rotated/balanced my tires. In october 2008 I had two tires replaced (all of my service was done @ a ford dealership in my city) and a multi-point inspection for my vehicle inspection.…
In june 2008 I started my regular yearly maintenance schedule of my 1998 ford taurus wagon. I had my oil change & rotated/balanced my tires. In october 2008 I had two tires replaced (all of my service was done @ a ford dealership in my city) and a multi-point inspection for my vehicle inspection. The mechanic advised me that my car needed rear shocks, as the outer casing was rotted! Left inner tie rod was loose & front brakes were worn. I went in on oct 23, 2008 and had all of the work done!,$417.45 for front brakes, resurfaced front rotors; replaced front inner tie rod. Then on 11/10/08 I went in to have my vehicle inspected and was advised that it failed, the rocker panels were rotted out! I made an appt for 11/19/08 to find out how much it would cost to fix this & learned that the rocker panels were not available from ford & that I needed to fabricate new ones! My car, which had 142,555 miles on it, which I thought to be in perfect condition, did not pass inspection because of sub-frame rot! This vehicle has only been serviced by ford dealerships, who had just pocketed $621.45 of my money to perform work on a car that they refused to inspect! In searching for estimates to repair this damage I learned that all taurus' rusted in the same place! Under the rocker panel covers, right where mine was rotted. I was told by every company to junk my car! I called ford to express my concerns and was only told "your car IS no longer under warranty". I just learned today about recalls on ford vehicles due to subframe rot! My car IS still sitting in my driveway. I have been unable to fix it and have not junked it yet because I am so saddened that it was never fixed by ford. I have every receipt for all the work performed on my car and would like my car to be included in the updated recalls on ford vehicles! Thank you. [Xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
1998 ford taurus with relatively low miles. always cared for. mechanic informed me it has a rotted subframe. this holds the engine and transmission. dealer stated there are no recalls for this model year. the car (which IS in otherwise excellent condition) IS unsafe to drive at this point. 3 independent mechanics were surprised to see this level of rot in a car of this condition. *tr
- Suspension › Front
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. The contact was driving in reverse approximately 2 mph while in the driveway and heard a grinding noise coming from the front end of the vehicle, followed by the front driver side collapsing to the ground. The contact inspected the vehicle and detected that…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. The contact was driving in reverse approximately 2 mph while in the driveway and heard a grinding noise coming from the front end of the vehicle, followed by the front driver side collapsing to the ground. The contact inspected the vehicle and detected that the front driver side coil spring fractured. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact experienced the similar defect as mentioned in the recall on the 1999-2001 models under the nhtsa campaign ID number 04v332000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs). The failure mileage was 80,450.
- Suspension › Front
I was pulling out of my drive way and my coil spring on my 1998 ford taurus went threw my front right tire. Luckily I was only pulling out of my drive way. This could have been very serious, just two days before I was driving to syracuse and going 70mph on the freeway, I would have more then likely…
I was pulling out of my drive way and my coil spring on my 1998 ford taurus went threw my front right tire. Luckily I was only pulling out of my drive way. This could have been very serious, just two days before I was driving to syracuse and going 70mph on the freeway, I would have more then likely died due to this. Now ford knows there IS a defect in the coils in there cars but yet has done little to fix it or help people. Now I am out 600 plus dollars because I had to replace my tire and pay for a whole new coil sping assembly for both sides on the front of my car. All I want IS for ford to take responsibility and be held responsible for this and these faulty coil spings and for me to get my money back. *ln
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and turning it off, it would not start again. The failure occurred intermittently. No warning lights illuminated on the instrumental panel. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and they informed her that they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
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.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 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.
- 10008592Exhaust system y-pipe crack at the noise vibration harness bracket.
- 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.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 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.
- 6092180Subject regarding service tip for sun visor bracket breakage.
- 6092093Nners of the edsr-of-the-month quality award announcement for september.
- 6091905Subject regarding the sbds relative cam timing test.
- 6091815Some vehicles may exhibit front outer tie rods squeak and / or pop noise over bumps and / or turning.
- 6091729Information on removing rear tie down brackets during pdi as required.
- 6091676Subject regarding all vehicles requires a parameter reset to be performed on the passive anti-theft system module (pats / vic / hec) when the powertrain control module (pcm) IS replaced.
- 6090880Service tip for vehicles built 11/1/1997 - 2/15/1999 with single illuminated vanity mirror sun visors only, may exhibit a broken sunvisor stowage bracket.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090834Information on using peanut style a/c fittings.
- 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.
- 6090131Information on diagnosing a vehicle with malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes p0442 and p0455 stored in continuous memory.
- 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.
- 637556Some vehicles equipped with an ax4n/4f50n transaxle may exhibit a shudder during a 3-4 shift.
- 636065Information regarding discharged battery charging service tips and guidelines.
- 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.
Every Ford Taurus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.