VehicleVerdict

1998 Ford Taurus (sho) problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 1998 Ford Taurus (sho) — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

14

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Taurus (sho) years?

Taurus (sho) NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Taurus (sho) years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Ford Taurus (sho) problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine536%
Transmission429%
Suspension214%
Brakes17%
Seat Belts17%
Body & Structure17%

Does the 1998 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.

“BRAKE LINE CORROSION AND SEPARATION CAUSING FAILURE OF THE BRAKES. RESULTING IN ALSO FRONT SWAY AND LINK BAR DAMAGE. NO BRAKES. FRONT SWAY BARS BREAK WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED A CERTAIN DEGREE. FRONT MIDDLE OF HOOD ON ALL TAURUS SEEM TO LOSE THE PAINT DO TO ROCK OR DEBRIS BEING ABLE TO BOUNCE ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 28, 2005 · crash

“BRAKE LINE CORROSION AND SEPARATION CAUSING FAILURE OF THE BRAKES. RESULTING IN ALSO FRONT SWAY AND LINK BAR DAMAGE. NO BRAKES. FRONT SWAY BARS BREAK WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED A CERTAIN DEGREE. FRONT MIDDLE OF HOOD ON ALL TAURUS SEEM TO LOSE THE PAINT DO TO ROCK OR DEBRIS BEING ABLE TO BOUNCE ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 28, 2005 · crash

“BRAKE LINE CORROSION AND SEPARATION CAUSING FAILURE OF THE BRAKES. RESULTING IN ALSO FRONT SWAY AND LINK BAR DAMAGE. NO BRAKES. FRONT SWAY BARS BREAK WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED A CERTAIN DEGREE. FRONT MIDDLE OF HOOD ON ALL TAURUS SEEM TO LOSE THE PAINT DO TO ROCK OR DEBRIS BEING ABLE TO BOUNCE ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 28, 2005 · crash

“BRAKE LINE CORROSION AND SEPARATION CAUSING FAILURE OF THE BRAKES. RESULTING IN ALSO FRONT SWAY AND LINK BAR DAMAGE. NO BRAKES. FRONT SWAY BARS BREAK WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED A CERTAIN DEGREE. FRONT MIDDLE OF HOOD ON ALL TAURUS SEEM TO LOSE THE PAINT DO TO ROCK OR DEBRIS BEING ABLE TO BOUNCE ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 28, 2005 · crash

“I OWN A 1998 FORD TAURUS STATION WAGON. THE REAR SEAT BELTS LAP AND BOTH SHOULDERS HAVE GOTTEN JAMMED IN THE SIDE COMPARTMENTS TWICE AND WERE UNUSABLE. I HAD IT REAPAIRED ONCE AT NO COST AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. BOTH REAR DOOR PANELS ARE COMING APART ALSO. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I TAKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 1, 2002

1998 Ford Taurus (sho) — common questions

Is the 1998 Ford Taurus (sho) reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1998 Taurus (sho) problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), transmission (4 complaints), suspension (2 complaints).

Does the 1998 Ford Taurus (sho) have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 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.