1999 Ford Taurus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Taurus › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Ford Taurus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1999 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.
On certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, the front…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this occurs, the tire may rupture resulting in a rapid air loss, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install protective spring shields. in addition, ford IS extending the warranty coverage of the front coil springs in all other states, for fracture only, up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. if the vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until july 31, 2005. if either front coil spring fractures, dealers will replace both front springs at no charge to the owner. an interim notice was sent to owners on august 2, 2004. parts are now available for the 2000-2001 my vehicles and owners were sent a letter on january 10, 2005, advising them to bring in their vehicles for repair parts are expected to be available for the 1999 my vehicles by the end of february 2005 and owners of these vehicles will be notified then. owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the seat belt retractor may have a pin shaft in the switchable elr/alr mechanism that IS incorrectly formed. in some circumstances, the switching mechanism could become nonfunctional, preventing the seat belt webbing from being extracted from the retractor. it IS also possible that malfunction of the mechanism…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the mechanism malfunctions and does not allow the webbing to be extracted, the lap and shoulder belt could not be worn by a vehicle occupant. in the event that the mechanism does not allow the alr mode to be engaged, the operator may be unable to properly install a child seat in that seating position.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the lap and shoulder belt assemblies. assemblies with julian date codes of 200 through 223 are suspect and will be replaced.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equpped with the "california" emissions package. an incorrect transmission oil cooler line was installed. the line contacts the anti-lock braking system module support bracket and over time, can wear and develop a leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Transmission fluid leakage onto the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install the appropriate transmission oil cooler line.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. a dash insulator retainer clip was not fully assembled to the accelerator cable dash fitting. the clip can disengage from the accelerator cable and fall into the accelerator pedal arm pivot area.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this condition occurs, the engine may not fully return to idle. also, the insulator may not stay in the intended location and could interfere with the accelerator cable.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these vehicles to ensure proper installation of the accelerator cable clip, and re-install if needed.
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.
Owner complaints
874 complaints61 involved a crash16 involved a fire69 injuries4 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting
The headlights have had condensation inside for several months. With torrential rains two weeks ago, the passenger side headlight took on an inch and a half of water inside the cover, and the driver side had increased condensation to obscure the whole cover. The car IS commonly parked outside my…
The headlights have had condensation inside for several months. With torrential rains two weeks ago, the passenger side headlight took on an inch and a half of water inside the cover, and the driver side had increased condensation to obscure the whole cover. The car IS commonly parked outside my apartment (urban area) when not in use. Dates are approximate, and I've put the car in the aaa shop to get the headlights replaced (big expense, as the car's old enough to vote!)
- Engine
TL* the contact's friend owns a 1999 ford taurus. While driving various speeds, the contact's friend heard knocking noises coming from the engine compartment. The contact was unaware if there were any warning indicators illuminated. The contact's friend took the vehicle to an independent mechanic…
TL* the contact's friend owns a 1999 ford taurus. While driving various speeds, the contact's friend heard knocking noises coming from the engine compartment. The contact was unaware if there were any warning indicators illuminated. The contact's friend took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, but the failure continued. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 187,000.
- Seat belts
I would say 7 times out of 10 while driving in my car the driver side seat belt randomly pops unbuckled or if I reach for something it unbuckles. it IS a little scary to be honest. Sometimes when I break the slightest pressure cause it to fail
- Power train · Vehicle speed control
Was driving and all of a sudden the speedometer started jumping around, when I stepped on the gas the rpm's reved up high. I stopped at the stop sign and the car accelerated by itself into the intersection I came close to hitting another car! I have had the vehicle speed sensor replaced twice…
Was driving and all of a sudden the speedometer started jumping around, when I stepped on the gas the rpm's reved up high. I stopped at the stop sign and the car accelerated by itself into the intersection I came close to hitting another car! I have had the vehicle speed sensor replaced twice already and the transmission replaced . As I was driving it home the car hesitated in the intersection then jerked you can feel the pulsing of the car as it accelerates and deaccelerates. It IS a safety hazzard
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
The car has had yransmission rebuilt last year and im still making paymemts on the car. Then 4months ago I had the speed sensor replaced ran good until day before yesterday when it starting acting the same way it was before I got it fixed so I jmow its the speed sensor again how many times do I have to fix this crap before it gets recalled or before spmeone gets into an accident or dies
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus. The contact stated that the rear row seat belts on the passenger and driver side failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.
- Power train · Vehicle speed control
May 2016 I was driving my car and it felt like the transmission was slipping and the speedometer was all out of whack, the rpm's were going higher as I stepped on the gas pedal. I had the transmission replaced, the car has had more problems and was broke down for almost the remainder of the year.…
May 2016 I was driving my car and it felt like the transmission was slipping and the speedometer was all out of whack, the rpm's were going higher as I stepped on the gas pedal. I had the transmission replaced, the car has had more problems and was broke down for almost the remainder of the year. Dec. 2016 had a new starter, power steering pulley, and serpentine belt replaced. Car ran great for 3 days then the speedometer wasn't working and felt like the transmission IS slipping or completely going out. I can't afford to repair this car I just finished paying off the $900 transmission job, plus I am still paying on the car! I am a single mother on disability with no money for repairs or another car. Please help. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Structure
My ac unit blew out and stopped working this summer, now that it IS rainy season there IS a puddle of water on the floor of my front passenger seat. other people have had this issue call ref number: 03v087000. complaint number: 10184014. I am not sure what they have done but it rains in…
My ac unit blew out and stopped working this summer, now that it IS rainy season there IS a puddle of water on the floor of my front passenger seat. other people have had this issue call ref number: 03v087000. complaint number: 10184014. I am not sure what they have done but it rains in washington state and my car IS going to stink. the ac unit just up and stopped working, and the puddle of water only shows up when it IS raining. I am unclear if this puddle gets bigger why driving but I would assume that as long as there IS rain falling on the vehicle, that it IS getting into the car. *tr
- Engine · Service brakes · Structure › Body
Front spring coil IS broken
- Electrical system
Voltage regulator, or its fuse, IS failing to charge battery
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus. The contact stated that the day time running headlights remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
- Steering
I'll copy anothers post to reflect exactly the way I feel and my experience with this steering issue... Rack and pinion seal leaks fluid into the right hand boot and then the ground, causing the power steering not to function properly and failure to the power steering pump. I can't believe ford…
I'll copy anothers post to reflect exactly the way I feel and my experience with this steering issue... Rack and pinion seal leaks fluid into the right hand boot and then the ground, causing the power steering not to function properly and failure to the power steering pump. I can't believe ford doesn't care about the safty and loyalty of their customers and take steps to correct this consistant defect quite common in this model.
- Seat belts
Passenger seatbelt will not retract out of holder to be put on passenger. Drivers seatbelt staying out, not retracting back in as to work properly.
- Tires › Markings
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus equipped with goodyear eagle LS tires, size: p225/60r16. The contact stated that all the tires experienced cracks and leaks. The dealer found no failure with the tires. The tires were not replaced. The tires were replacement tires. The manufacturer was…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus equipped with goodyear eagle LS tires, size: p225/60r16. The contact stated that all the tires experienced cracks and leaks. The dealer found no failure with the tires. The tires were not replaced. The tires were replacement tires. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The contact stated that the same failure occurred with the goodyear tires on his 2000 mercury grand marquis. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 152,000 and the tire failure mileage was 20,000. The dot number and vin were unknown.
- Suspension
I just bought a 1999 ford taurus and found the coil spring front driver side out of place checking on recalls saying this IS an issue for this car im guessing this issue was supposed to have been repaired then why IS it out of place again in saying I do not know if any of the other recalls might have been successfully repaired can I still have this repaired under recalls and any other issues. *tr
- Exterior lighting
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus. The contact stated that the headlights were dim and the visibility was impaired every time they were turned on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus. The contact stated that the headlights were dim and the visibility was impaired every time they were turned on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 09e012000 (exterior lightning) however, the vin was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns 1999 ford taurus. The contact stated while driving at 35 mph, the windshield wipers failed intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
- Seats · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus. The contact stated that the support beams and the sub frame were corroded. Also, the contact stated that there was severe corrosion under the driver's seat. The dealer informed him the seat could fall out at anytime. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a loud popping noise while the contact was reversing. Upon further inspection, it was found that the driver's side front tire was punctured. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, who advised that the strut…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a loud popping noise while the contact was reversing. Upon further inspection, it was found that the driver's side front tire was punctured. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, who advised that the strut failed and punctured the tire. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. the failure and current mileage was not available. updated 06/27/14*lj updated 07/3/2014 *js
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle would make a rattling noise. A local mechanic inspected the vehicle and found that the front spring struts were fractured. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact also stated the nhtsa campaign number…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford taurus. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle would make a rattling noise. A local mechanic inspected the vehicle and found that the front spring struts were fractured. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact also stated the nhtsa campaign number 04v332000 (suspension) was performed however the failure was not corrected. The vin was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The current and failure mileage was 112,000.
- Electrical system
Was driven down the highway never had any problems before noticed a burning wire smell.. Pulled over and the whole top of my motor was on fire... The fire department said it was electrical... My car IS totaled. *tr
- Seat belts · Suspension
My son IS 22 yrs old he bought this 1999 ford taurus from a used car dealer in march 2013,him and his girlfriend was driving down the highway when all of a sudden,the car jerked to the left really hard he could not control it no steering control,needless to say he went down a ditch thru a yard and…
My son IS 22 yrs old he bought this 1999 ford taurus from a used car dealer in march 2013,him and his girlfriend was driving down the highway when all of a sudden,the car jerked to the left really hard he could not control it no steering control,needless to say he went down a ditch thru a yard and hit this ladys parked car in her drive way totaling it,and hit the side of her house,his girl friend was critically injured having to be airlifted,this accident resulted in a serious injury and serious property damage,his girl friends seat belt failed to lock causing her to go forward the airbags did deploy but because seat belt failed to lock her head ended up hitting windshield when she got jerked forward.,,,after accident had the car looked at by a mechanic,the sub frame had rusted out and broken and the lower control arm had snapped causing the car to jerk to the left and causing this severe accident. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
My son was driving all of a sudden the car jerked to the left,resulting in loss of steering control at 55 mph car crash his girl friend was airlifted, he left the highway went thru a lady's yard hitting and totaling her car and hitting her house,his girl friend has 7 fractured facial bones 3…
My son was driving all of a sudden the car jerked to the left,resulting in loss of steering control at 55 mph car crash his girl friend was airlifted, he left the highway went thru a lady's yard hitting and totaling her car and hitting her house,his girl friend has 7 fractured facial bones 3 cracked ribs,and possibly a broken eye socket,had to have car towed,after looking at the underneath of car discovered the frame had rusted thru and broke,this resulted to a lot of personal damage and serious injury. IS there any recall or anything reported for this type of problem plz respond of vital importance I have seen of fords problems list their was one other issue with this. *tr
- Power train
The throttle cable broke and has to be replaced. I've noticed there was a recall for the throttle cable specifically but I cannot find information regarding this with the nhtsa. *js
- Service brakes
One of the rear brake lines ruptured causing gradual but complete loss of normal braking. luckily was able to pull off in to a parking area just as brakes quit working completely. cause of rupture appears to be rust. rupture occurred approximately under the driver seat location. no prior warning. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front suspension coil spring fracture
Odi possesses 130 vehicle owners questionnaires (voq) alleging front suspension coil spring failure in the subject (model year 1999-2000) vehicles.an additional 11 voqs concerning my 2001 vehicles have been found, bringing the total to 141.more than 75% of these reports allege that the broken spring damaged or…
Odi possesses 130 vehicle owners questionnaires (voq) alleging front suspension coil spring failure in the subject (model year 1999-2000) vehicles.an additional 11 voqs concerning my 2001 vehicles have been found, bringing the total to 141.more than 75% of these reports allege that the broken spring damaged or punctured the adjacent tire.all of these reports originated in the salt belt states located in the northeast quadrant of the united states and canada.ford will conduct a safety recall (04v-332) covering vehicles soldor currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, to install spring shields in my 1999-2001 taurus/sable vehicles to prevent a fractured spring from damaging the nearby tire.ford will additionally notify owners of all my 1999-2001 taurus/sable vehicles that warranty coverage for spring fractures has been extended to 10 years of age or 150,000 miles.odi analyzed ford?s warranty and complaint data and found that 99% of the spring fractures occurred in the states covered by the recall.the other incidents occurred in the states of florida, north carolina, texas, alabama, and georgia.in view of the coverage of the spring failures by the recall campaign, odi IS closing the preliminary evaluation.odi will continue to monitor the performance of the subject vehicles throughout the remainder of the country.
- Front suspension coil spring fracture
A total of 161 front suspension spring failures are known to odi and ford from all sources, 59 of these leading to tire damage.these failures are concentrated in the corrosion states, where 253,814 subject vehicles were sold.warranty and consumer complaint data show that the subject fleet experienced a spring fracture…
A total of 161 front suspension spring failures are known to odi and ford from all sources, 59 of these leading to tire damage.these failures are concentrated in the corrosion states, where 253,814 subject vehicles were sold.warranty and consumer complaint data show that the subject fleet experienced a spring fracture rate of 0.009% at 30,000 miles and 0.03% at 60,000 miles.these rates are very low when compared to previous investigations of coil spring fracture:recalled '93 taurus (ea97-026): 0.1% at 30,000 miles and 0.34% at 60,000 miles; and recalled '98 windstar (ea00-027): 0.11% at 30,000 miles and 1.25% at 60,000 miles.the subject vehicles also experienced failure rates substantially lower than those of comparable-aged non-recalled windstars subject to ea00-027 (my '95-'97).given these circumstances, further expenditure of agency resources IS not justified in this matter.the preliminary evaluation IS therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action in the future if circumstances warrant.
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.
- 10205033Safety recall 04S17 - Front coil springs - requests for recall service action
- 10183769For 1999-2001 Taurus or Sable vehicles Safety Recall 04S17 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the front coil springs could potentially fracture. A fractured front coil spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire. If a front coil spring should fracture and come in contact with a tire, the tire may rupture resulting in rapid air loss, which could increase the risk of a crash without warning.
- 10058102Mercury/ford: safety recall regarding front coil springs can fracture on vehicles operating for extended periods in high corrosion areas. Model 1999-01 taurus, sable.
- 10056656Mercury/ford: front coil springs can fracture, after operating, for an extended period of time, in high corrosion areas, move move past spring seat and contact rupture front tire, resulting rapid air loss. Model 1999-2001 taurus, sable.
- 10026389Ford: certain 1999-2001 model year vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in new york and certain 2001 vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in the state of maine, certified for sale in california-federal emission warranty refund.
- 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.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013080Headliner grab handles loosen.
- 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.
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10009716Front coil spring extended warranty coverage. Customer satisfaction program 04m04.
- 10009321Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
- 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.
- 10001934AX4S transaxle may exhibit no reverse engagement condition.
- 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.
- 6092090Effective october 15, 1999, the AX4S and AX4N transmission assembly for the certain vehicles are available as a ford quality renewal (fqr) assembly.
- 6092039Some vehicles may intermittently exhibit a self activated single wipe of the front windshield wipers.
- 6091962Subject regarding a redesigned park system in AX4S and AX4N transaxle.
- 6091921Some vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes p0351 / p0356 (ignition coil a-f primary / secondary circuit).
- 6091917Some vehicles equipped with the passive anti-theft system (pats) may exhibit a no crank starting condition.
- 6091905Subject regarding the sbds relative cam timing test.
- 6091848Subject regarding front seat trim investigation.
- 6091815Some vehicles may exhibit front outer tie rods squeak and / or pop noise over bumps and / or turning.
- 6091813The owners guide for certain vehicles incorrectly states that the accessory delay feature will provide for radio and power window operation for up to 10 minutes after the ignition IS turned off or until a front door IS opened.
- 6091781Concerns with the reverse clutch lip seals becoming ripped / torn during reverse engagement resulting in no reverse or intermittent no reverse engagement during extreme cold temperatures.
- 6091729Information on removing rear tie down brackets during pdi as required.
- 6091694All wagons built on or after 12/19/98 now have the liftgate door ajar wiring connected into the left rear door ajar circuit.
Every Ford Taurus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.