VehicleVerdict

1999 Ford Taurus (sho) problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 1999 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.

22

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Taurus (sho) years?

Taurus (sho) NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Taurus (sho) years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Ford Taurus (sho) problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1150%
Suspension418%
Speed Control29%
Steering15%
Brakes15%
Visibility & Wipers15%
Lighting15%
Seat Belts15%

Does the 1999 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.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS SHO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND BLACK SMOKE ROSE FROM THE ENGINE. AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED AND NEARLY CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE REAR ENDED. BEFORE HE REACHED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 19, 2002 · fire

“1999 FORD TAURUS REAR STRUT SPRINGS BROKEN. BOTH REAR STRUT SPRINGS HAVE BROKE ON THE CAR. I WAS TOLD THIS CAN CAUSE TIRE FAILURE IF SPRING PUNCTURES TIRE. I DID NOT KNOW OF THE PROBLEM UNTIL HAD THE CAR EVALUATED BY SERVICE STATION. $500 TO FIX IT, HAVEN'T FIX IT YET, AND THEREFORE CAR IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 22, 2009

“DRIVING DOWN THE STREET IN WHICH I LIVE GOING 30 MPH, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY. MY 11 YEAR OLD WAS IN THE BACK SEAT. SUDDENLY THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AFTER I TAPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY. THE MORE I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE THE FASTER THE CAR WOULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 12, 2005 · crash

“THE POWER STEERING ON MY CAR IS COMPLETELY SHOT. WE'VE REPLACE THE PUMP AND EXAMINED THE HOSE/LINES WITH NO SUCCESS. I'M AM ONLY ABLE TO STEER MY CAR WITH MUCH EFFORT. TURNING OR SWERVING QUICKLY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT WOULD BE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. I'VE READ ON THE INTERNET THAT NUMEROUS FORD TAURAUS'S…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 15, 2005

1999 Ford Taurus (sho) — common questions

Is the 1999 Ford Taurus (sho) reliable?

The record is thin — 22 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 1999 Taurus (sho) problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), suspension (4 complaints), speed control (2 complaints).

Does the 1999 Ford Taurus (sho) have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Ford Taurus (sho). Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Ford Taurus (sho) under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.