1992 FORD TAURUS — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

1,009

Owner Complaints

62 Crashes 26 Fires 4 Deaths

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

3

Service Bulletins

4

Investigations

Overview of the 1992 FORD TAURUS

The 1992 FORD TAURUS has received a total of 1,009 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN. 3 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine And Engine Coolingengine (152 complaints), Power Trainautomatic Transmission (74 complaints), and Structureframe And Members (61 complaints).

Recalls for the 1992 FORD TAURUS

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 1992 FORD TAURUS, potentially affecting up to 3,738,200 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 97V025000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

| 212,700 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WATER CAN ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT. IF ENOUGH WATER ACCUMULATES, IT COULD...

Consequence: DRIVER CONTROL OF VEHICLE SPEED USING THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD BE DIMINISHED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.

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Recall 97V019000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

| 75,200 vehicles affected

Defect: THESE VEHICLES ARE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, IOWA, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA. THE VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE 1992-1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES; 1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3L ENGINES; 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8L ENGINES; 1994-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND 1992-1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES. DURING HIGH WINDS, HEAVY, BLOWING AND...

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SMOKE OR FLAMES FROM THE FAN AND/OR SHROUD, THE FAN ELECTRICAL WIRING, OR THE FAN MOTOR RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.

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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 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 91V145000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

| 1,300 vehicles affected

Defect: MANUFACTURING ERRORS BY THE SUPPLIER OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH MECHANISM MAY CAUSE THE SECONDARY PORTION OF THE LIFTGATE LATCH NOT TO FUNCTION. IF THE LATCH IS NOT IN THE PRIMARY LATCH POSITION, THE LIFTGATE COULD OPEN WITHOUT OPERATOR ACTION.

Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE WERE TO OPEN DURING VEHCILE OPERATION,PASSENGERS OR CARGO COULD FALL FROM THE OPEN LIFTGATE.

Remedy: REPLACE MALFUNCTIONING LIFTGATE LATCHES.

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Owner Complaints for the 1992 FORD TAURUS

1,009 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1992 FORD TAURUS. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 152
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 74
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 61
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 53 2 Crashes 4 Fires 2 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 41 10 Crashes 4 Injuries
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 32 27 Crashes 25 Injuries 1 Death
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 27 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 22 3 Fires
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 20
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 19
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 19
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 17
Air Bags
Complaints: 15 6 Crashes 5 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 15
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 15 1 Injury
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 14
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 13
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 12 4 Fires
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 12
Tires
Complaints: 11 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 10
Steering
Complaints: 10 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 10
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 9
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 9
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 8 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 8
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 8
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 7
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 7 1 Crash
Suspension
Complaints: 7
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 7
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 6 5 Fires 1 Death
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 6
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 6
Electrical System
Complaints: 5 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 5
Power Train
Complaints: 5
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 4 1 Fire 1 Injury
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 4 1 Injury
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 4
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 4
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 4
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 4
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 4
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 3
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 3 2 Crashes
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 3
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 3 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Seat Beltsfrontwebbing
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury 1 Death
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuumhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 3
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 3
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 3 2 Fires 1 Death
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Suspensionfrontshock Absorber
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 3
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 3
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 3
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 3
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings
Complaints: 2
Equipmentmechanicalcarrierrack
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 2
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Airdisccaliper
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumdrum
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
Complaints: 2
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 2
Suspensionrearshock Absorber
Complaints: 2
Suspensionrearspringsleaf Spring Assemblyu Bolt Leaf Spring To Axle
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 2
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 2
Child Seat
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcrankcase Pcv
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeconventionalmechanical
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdrumshoeslinings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airsupplyhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfluid
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assisthydraulic
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesarmidler And Attachment
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesrodrelayconnecting
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringsair Suspensionspringsbags
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearspringsleaf Spring Assembly
Complaints: 1
Tiresbead
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11002487 | AIR BAGS | | 190,000 miles Crash 2 Injuries
A CAR RAN A STOP SIGN, T-BONED ME ON FRONT PASS-SIDE PUSHING ME OFF THE ROAD TO THE LEFT. SEATBELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME, BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, LEFT BAG BLEW SHRAPNEL CUTTING MY FACE AND INJURING MY RIGHT EYE.
#11002487 | SEAT BELTS | | 190,000 miles Crash 2 Injuries
A CAR RAN A STOP SIGN, T-BONED ME ON FRONT PASS-SIDE PUSHING ME OFF THE ROAD TO THE LEFT. SEATBELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME, BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, LEFT BAG BLEW SHRAPNEL CUTTING MY FACE AND INJURING MY RIGHT EYE.
#10482737 | TIRES | | 126,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD TAURUS WITH GILLETTE SILVER BEAR (205/65R/15) TIRES (DOT E2URMYC2003). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE DRIVER STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE TIRE. THE DRIVER NOTICED THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT HE WOULD HAVE TO MAIL THE TIRE IN FOR INSPECTION. AFTER THE TIRE WAS INSPECTED, THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THE TIRE HAD EVIDENCE OF OVER DEFLECTION. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
#10327566 | STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS | | 72,000 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD TAURUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUBFRAME BOLTS ON THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WERE COVERED WITH RUST WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME UNSTABLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 98V323000 (COMPONENT: STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS) BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL; HE WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL REPAIR COSTS. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO CONFIRMED WHAT THE DEALER STATED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 72,000.
#10226384 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | 137,000 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE REAR MOUNTING ATTACHMENT FOR THE ENGINE CRADLE DETERIORATED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY ROAD SALT, DEBRIS, AND OTHER NATURAL MATERIALS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE MAJOR SAFETY HAZARDS. IF THE ENGINE CRADLE IS NOT SUPPORTED, A LOSS OF STEERING AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR. HE WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER PROVIDED HIM WITH A REASSEMBLY KIT, AS IF THE FAILURE WERE COMMON. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. UPDATED 5/19/08 *CN

View all Engine And Engine Coolingengine complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1992 FORD TAURUS

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1992 FORD TAURUS in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1992 FORD TAURUS

Ford Motor Company has issued 3 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1992 FORD TAURUS. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

95157 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

THE TORQUE CONVERTER IDENTIFICATION CODES HAVE BEEN REVISED AS OF 3/1/95. *SD

9511 — SUSPENSION:FRONT

PREMATURE WEAR ON THE INNER EDGES OF REAR TIRES. *TW

94263 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:SOLENOID

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NO-CRANK CONDITION DUE TO CORROSION AT THE STARTER SOLENOID CONNECTOR. *TW

NHTSA Investigations for the 1992 FORD TAURUS

NHTSA has opened 4 investigations into potential safety defects in the 1992 FORD TAURUS.

Investigation RQ98016 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS Closed

Opened:

FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING BREAKAGE

Investigation DP96014 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE Open

Opened:

DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR

Investigation EA96019 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING Closed

Opened:

HEADLIGHT FAILURE

Investigation PE95026 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Closed

Opened:

PLASTIC TRIM PANEL SEPARATION

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