VehicleVerdict

1996 Ford Taurus (sho) problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 31 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Taurus (sho) year — the 1996 model ranks #2 of 10 Taurus (sho) years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 68% of all reports (21 of 31), far ahead of other at 3.

31

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Taurus (sho) years?

Taurus (sho) NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted40 complaints1990: 4 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 6 complaints1993: 29 complaints1994: 13 complaints1995: 9 complaints1996: 31 complaints1997: 40 complaints1998: 14 complaints1999: 22 complaints
Taurus (sho) NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Taurus (sho) years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Ford Taurus (sho) problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2168%
Other310%
Transmission26%
Tires & Wheels13%
Airbags13%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Electrical System13%
Latches & Locks13%

Does the 1996 Ford Taurus (sho) have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16E026000BrakesApril 1, 2016 · 49,635 units

Defect

Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.

Consequence

A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE CAMSHAFT IN MY CAR FAILED AND CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE. IT WAS A 1996 FORD TAURUS SHO. IT CAUSED A COMPLETE POWER LOSS AROUND A CORNER AND I WAS ALMOST INVOLED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO MANY SHO OWNERS. THE REPAIR COSTS ARE RUNNING ME $5000 DOLLARS. THIS IS NOTHING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 17, 2003 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH HEARD A TICKING SOUND. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, AND VEHICLE STALLED. DEALER REPLACED A BROKEN CAMSHAFT.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 1, 2001

“TRANMISSION DOES NOT WORK GOOD IT HAS AHARD BUMP WHEN TAKEING OFF HAD IT REDONE BUT HAD THE SME PROBLEM AND PUT TWO SPEED SENORS IN IT SAME THING ITALKED TO SOME MOREPEOPLE THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 15, 2004

“TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON 12/19//06 WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 309, AT ABOUT 5O MPH ON A CLEAR NIGHT WITH GOOD ROAD CONDITION. THE AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO ONE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO APPARENT CAUSE FOR THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 19, 2006

“96 TAURUS SHO V8 3.4L CAMSHAFT FAILURE. I HAVE KEPT MY CAR IN PERFECT SHAPE WITH TUNE UP AND ALL. IT IS IN MINT CONDITION AND HAS NO RUST. I HAVE NICE EXHAUST SYSTEM PUT ON BY A MECHANIC AND ALSO A COLD AIR INTAKE PUT ON AND A NEW TRANS IN JULY NOW WITH ONLY 3000 MILES ON IT.. I HEARD TICKING FROM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 24, 2010

1996 Ford Taurus (sho) — common questions

Is the 1996 Ford Taurus (sho) reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 31 complaints put the 1996 model at #2 of 10 Taurus (sho) years. It is one of the Taurus (sho) years to avoid.

What are the most common 1996 Taurus (sho) problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (21 complaints), other (3 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).

Does the 1996 Ford Taurus (sho) have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Ford Taurus (sho). Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Taurus (sho) years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Taurus (sho) years to avoid are 1997, 1996. The cleanest record among Taurus (sho) years belongs to 1991.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.