1990 FORD TAURUS — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

542

Owner Complaints

32 Crashes 29 Fires

8

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

4

Service Bulletins

2

Investigations

Overview of the 1990 FORD TAURUS

The 1990 FORD TAURUS has received a total of 542 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 8 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS, SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. 4 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Structureframe And Members (64 complaints), Engine And Engine Coolingengine (42 complaints), and Power Trainautomatic Transmission (29 complaints).

Recalls for the 1990 FORD TAURUS

NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 1990 FORD TAURUS, potentially affecting up to 4,515,112 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Recall 90E043001 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

| 172,000 vehicles affected

Defect: THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.

Consequence: INFLATOR COMPONENT SEPARATION ALLOWS HOT COMBUSTION GASES TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.

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Recall 90V159000 — WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER

| 1,212 vehicles affected

Defect: WHEELS MAY CONTAIN CRACKS THAT COULD PROPOGATE IN RAISED PORTION OF WHEEL CENTER.

Consequence: UNDER SEVERE DUTY, THIS COULD RESULT IN EVENTUALSEPARATION OF WHEEL RIM FROM CENTER WITH LOSS OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLY ACOLLISION.

Remedy: REPLACE WHEELS WITH WHEELS OF A REVISED DESIGN.

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Recall 89V171000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

| 2,900 vehicles affected

Defect: AN INCORRECT TRANSISTOR MAY CAUSE AUTOLAMP SYSTEM LIGHT SENSOR MODULE MALFUNCTION.

Consequence: HEADLAMPS COULD TURN OFF WHILE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN ORREMAIN ON AFTER VEHICLE IS PARKED. LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHTCOULD BE HAZARDOUS TO THE DRIVER AND OTHER TRAFIFIC.

Remedy: REPLACE LIGHT SENSOR MODULES.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 1990 FORD TAURUS

542 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1990 FORD TAURUS. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 64 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 42
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 29 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 26 6 Fires 3 Injuries
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 25 17 Crashes 1 Fire 17 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 23 3 Crashes 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 18
Air Bags
Complaints: 16 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 12 4 Fires
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 12 3 Fires
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 12
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 11
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 11
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 9 2 Crashes
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 8
Steering
Complaints: 8 1 Crash
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 7
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 7
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 6
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 6 3 Fires
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 6
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 6
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 5
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 5
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 5
Electrical System
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 4
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 4
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 4
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 3 2 Fires
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 3
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 3
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 4 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 3
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 3
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 3
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
Complaints: 3 2 Fires
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfrontshock Absorber
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 2
Structure
Complaints: 2
Structurebody
Complaints: 2
Suspension
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Tires
Complaints: 2
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentotherownersserviceother Manual
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 1
Power Train
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontwebbing
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Service Brakes Air
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumwheel Cylinders
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesrodrelayconnecting
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytailgate
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearaxlespindle
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1
Wheelshubcapcover
Complaints: 1
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10295663 | AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | | 70,000 miles
HOW DO I GET FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO HONOR GENUINE NHTSA RECALLS ON A 1990 FORD TAURUS WAGON??? IT CURRENTLY HAS COMPLAINT # NHTSA 90E043001; NHTSA 98V323000; NHTSA 93V106002; NHTSA 91V34000. I CANNOT GET DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE AIR BAG MODULE DEFECT, SEAT BELT DEFECT OR CPU REPLACEMENT DEFECT. WHAT DO I DO TO GET SOME ACTION ON THESE ISSUES???? *TR
#10295663 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 70,000 miles
HOW DO I GET FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO HONOR GENUINE NHTSA RECALLS ON A 1990 FORD TAURUS WAGON??? IT CURRENTLY HAS COMPLAINT # NHTSA 90E043001; NHTSA 98V323000; NHTSA 93V106002; NHTSA 91V34000. I CANNOT GET DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE AIR BAG MODULE DEFECT, SEAT BELT DEFECT OR CPU REPLACEMENT DEFECT. WHAT DO I DO TO GET SOME ACTION ON THESE ISSUES???? *TR
#10295663 | SEAT BELTS | | 70,000 miles
HOW DO I GET FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO HONOR GENUINE NHTSA RECALLS ON A 1990 FORD TAURUS WAGON??? IT CURRENTLY HAS COMPLAINT # NHTSA 90E043001; NHTSA 98V323000; NHTSA 93V106002; NHTSA 91V34000. I CANNOT GET DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE AIR BAG MODULE DEFECT, SEAT BELT DEFECT OR CPU REPLACEMENT DEFECT. WHAT DO I DO TO GET SOME ACTION ON THESE ISSUES???? *TR
#10295663 | STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS | | 70,000 miles
HOW DO I GET FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO HONOR GENUINE NHTSA RECALLS ON A 1990 FORD TAURUS WAGON??? IT CURRENTLY HAS COMPLAINT # NHTSA 90E043001; NHTSA 98V323000; NHTSA 93V106002; NHTSA 91V34000. I CANNOT GET DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE AIR BAG MODULE DEFECT, SEAT BELT DEFECT OR CPU REPLACEMENT DEFECT. WHAT DO I DO TO GET SOME ACTION ON THESE ISSUES???? *TR
#10277975 | STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS | | N/A miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN GREATER EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TOWED THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENTS. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.

View all Structureframe And Members complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1990 FORD TAURUS

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1990 FORD TAURUS in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1990 FORD TAURUS

Ford Motor Company has issued 4 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1990 FORD TAURUS. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

011201 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

THIS INFORMATION IS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WIPER SYSTEM SERVICE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE WORKSHOP MANUALS. THIS SERVICE INFORMATION IS INTENDED AS AN AID TO ASSIST IN DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR OF ERRATIC WIPER SYSTEM CONDITIONS. *TT

BC101209702 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

VERIFY THE TRANSAXLE INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE IS THE CORRECT MODEL AND MODEL YEAR FOR THE VEHICLE. *JD

RCL/94E55 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

UNKNOWN

RCL/94E54 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

VEHICLES MAY BE RELEASING EXHAUST EMISSIONS THAT EXCEED FEDERAL AND CANADAIAN STANDARDS. *TW

NHTSA Investigations for the 1990 FORD TAURUS

NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 1990 FORD TAURUS.

Investigation EA91011 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Closed

Opened:

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

Investigation PE90113 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Closed

Opened:

SAFETY BELT BUCKLE LOCKING

Other Model Years of the FORD TAURUS

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Other FORD Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report