1989 FORD TAURUS — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
762
Owner Complaints
7
Recalls
2
Service Bulletins
3
Investigations
Overview of the 1989 FORD TAURUS
The 1989 FORD TAURUS has received a total of 762 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS, SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. 2 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly (108 complaints), Electrical Systemignitionswitch (55 complaints), and Structureframe And Members (50 complaints).
Recalls for the 1989 FORD TAURUS
NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 1989 FORD TAURUS, potentially affecting up to 4,916,600 vehicles.
Recall 98V323000 — STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
| 2,697,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM...
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 94E036000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
| 98,000 vehicles affected
Defect: THE ARC WELDS ON THE SWAY BAR BRACKET, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE STRUT RESERVE TUBE, DID NOT FUSE PROPERLY.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 92V113000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
| 565,000 vehicles affected
Defect: THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES ARE DEFECTIVE IN THREE WAYS. FIRST, A FASTENED SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. THIS RESULTS FROM INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE BUCKLE EJECTOR FINGER AND THE BUCKLE TONGUE WINDOW. THE SECOND DEFECT IS THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT LATCH. THE THIRD POSSIBLE DEFECT IS THAT THE TONGUE MAY...
Consequence: AN INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED OR UNLATCHED SAFETY BELTINCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT. IF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH, IT WILL NOT ALLOW THEOCCUPANT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
Remedy: FORD WILL REPLACE THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH END RELEASE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES DESIGNED TO PREVENT LATCH PROBLEMS.
View full details →Recall 92V065000 — WHEELS
| 654,000 vehicles affected
Defect: CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
Consequence: THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.
View full details →Recall 91V134000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
| 325,000 vehicles affected
Defect: FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.
Consequence: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.
View full details →Recall 91V036000 — SEATS
| 278,000 vehicles affected
Defect: THE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING IS ROUTED OVER RATHER THAN UNDER THE FRONT SEAT SUPPORT BRACE, ALLOWING DAMAGE BY SEAT CUSHION SPRING ENDS WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED.
Consequence: POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING INSULATION MAY BECOME ABRADED,OR PUNCTURED, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR THAT COULD RESULT IN A FIREIN THE SEAT CUSHION MATERIAL.
Remedy: REVISE ROUTING OF POWER SEAT WIRING TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM SEAT CUSHION SPRING CONTACT.
View full details →Recall 97I003000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
| 299,600 vehicles affected
Defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. FORD IS INITIATING AN OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM THAT WILL PROVIDE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, 12 YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILEAGE, FOR ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES WITH FUNCTIONAL CONCERNS.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THE OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, FOR 12 YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILEAGE.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 1989 FORD TAURUS
762 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1989 FORD TAURUS. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
THE BALL END BROKE OFF THE TIE ROD.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HE ATTEMPTED TO SECURE THE SEATBELT, THE ENTIRE SEATBELT BECAME DETACHED FROM THE ANCHORAGE CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 215,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, HE NOTICED THAT WHEN HE TRIED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, HE WAS UNABLE TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL USING THE BRAKE PEDAL. HE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN USING THE BRAKES BUT HAD TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL BY PUSHING THE OFF BUTTON ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 96,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1989 FORD TAURUS GLS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TRIED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UP TO 85 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF AS THE SPEED INCREASED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND THEY NEVER WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE DUPLICATE FAILURE 2 YEARS LATER. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT REPORTED THE CRASH TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE ANOTHER INCIDENT BEFORE HER STATE CONSIDERED THE VEHICLE FAILURES UNDER THE LEMON LAW. THE CONTACT GAVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE DRIVER ACCIDENTLY STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND UNEXPECTEDLY, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO BOTH THE BRAKE AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS BEING POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Safety Rating for the 1989 FORD TAURUS
NHTSA has not yet tested the 1989 FORD TAURUS in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 1989 FORD TAURUS
Ford Motor Company has issued 2 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1989 FORD TAURUS. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
9811329 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
INFORMATION REGARDING THE THE AVAILABILITY OF THE REVISED HEADGASKET FOR COOLANT LOSS CONDITIONS ON SOME ENGINES. *TT
BC9584961001 — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
INFORMATION FOR CONCERNS OF GRUNT OR GROAN DURING WHEEL RETURN FROM FULL RIGHT TURN. *TT
NHTSA Investigations for the 1989 FORD TAURUS
NHTSA has opened 3 investigations into potential safety defects in the 1989 FORD TAURUS.
Other Model Years of the FORD TAURUS
- 1984 FORD TAURUS — 4 complaints
- 1985 FORD TAURUS — 2 complaints
- 1986 FORD TAURUS — 150 complaints
- 1987 FORD TAURUS — 355 complaints
- 1988 FORD TAURUS — 462 complaints
- 1989 FORD TAURUS (current)
- 1990 FORD TAURUS — 542 complaints
- 1991 FORD TAURUS — 946 complaints
- 1992 FORD TAURUS — 1,009 complaints
- 1993 FORD TAURUS — 2,206 complaints
- 1994 FORD TAURUS — 1,284 complaints
Other FORD Models
- FORD F-150 — 45,660 total complaints
- FORD EXPLORER — 42,140 total complaints
- FORD ESCAPE — 34,654 total complaints
- FORD FOCUS — 29,539 total complaints
- FORD FUSION — 28,243 total complaints
- FORD WINDSTAR — 19,456 total complaints
- FORD EDGE — 17,247 total complaints
- FORD MUSTANG — 11,551 total complaints