VehicleVerdict

1995 Ford Taurus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,597 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.9 times the median Taurus year — the 1995 model ranks #3 of 39 Taurus years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 74 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 418 reports (26% of the total).

1,597

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

4

Investigations

71

Crash-involved

62

Fires reported

74

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1995 compare to other Taurus years?

Taurus NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted2,206 complaints1977: 2 complaints1981: 2 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 4 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 150 complaints1987: 355 complaints1988: 462 complaints1989: 762 complaints1990: 542 complaints1991: 946 complaints1992: 1,009 complaints1993: 2,206 complaints1994: 1,284 complaints1995: 1,597 complaints1996: 1,132 complaints1997: 1,003 complaints1998: 680 complaints1999: 1,100 complaints2000: 1,497 complaints2001: 1,264 complaints2002: 1,759 complaints2003: 1,524 complaints2004: 482 complaints2005: 1,005 complaints2006: 415 complaints2007: 196 complaints2008: 240 complaints2009: 77 complaints2010: 274 complaints2011: 251 complaints2012: 100 complaints2013: 749 complaints2014: 295 complaints2015: 333 complaints2016: 97 complaints2017: 52 complaints2018: 62 complaints2019: 15 complaints
Taurus NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Taurus years to avoid →

What are the most common 1995 Ford Taurus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission41826%
Engine40325%
Electrical System1067%
Brakes996%
Speed Control886%
Suspension795%
Airbags624%
Body & Structure614%
Fuel System594%
Visibility & Wipers483%
Steering403%
Other362%
Lighting292%
Tires & Wheels262%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)191%
Seat Belts111%
Latches & Locks91%
Seats30%
Child Seat10%

Does the 1995 Ford Taurus have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01I011000EngineDecember 21, 2001 · 695,260 units

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995 TAURUS/SABLE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.8L ENGINES AND 1995 FORD MUSTANG VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 5.0L ENGINES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BEARING TO SEIZE.

Consequence

SHOULD THIS OCCUR, EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD BE GENERATED WHICH COULD MELT THE FAN MOTOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. COMPONENTS INSIDE THE COOLING FAN MOTOR COULD IGNITE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MOTOR ASSEMBLY AT NO CHARGE TO CONSUMERS. FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY ON THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MOTOR TO A TOTAL OF 8 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. THIS COVERAGE IS AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRED TO SUBSEQUENT OWNERS AT NO CHARGE. IF THE VEHICLE ALREADY HAS MORE THAN 100,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL JUNE 30, 2002. IF THE CONSUMER HAS PAID TO HAVE THIS SERVICE DONE BEFORE DECEMBER 2001, FORD IS OFFERING A REFUND. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.

01V390000EngineDecember 21, 2001 · 695,260 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.8L ENGINES AND MUSTANG VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 5.0L ENGINES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BEARING TO SEIZE.

Consequence

SHOULD THIS OCCUR, EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD BE GENERATED WHICH COULD MELT THE FAN MOTOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. COMPONENTS INSIDE THE COOLING FAN MOTOR COULD IGNITE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A CIRCUIT BREAKER. IF THE COOLING FAN IS INOPERATIVE, THE FAN AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

98V323000Body & StructureDecember 16, 1998 · 2,697,000 units

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 EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.

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.

97V025000Speed ControlFebruary 26, 1997 · 212,700 units

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 FREEZE WITHIN A LOW AREA OF THE CABLE ROUTING WHEN EXPOSED TO A LONG TERM COLD SOAK AT TEMPERATURES AT LEAST SEVERAL DEGREES BELOW FREEZING.

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.

97V019000EngineFebruary 25, 1997 · 75,200 units

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 DRIFTING SNOW, AND LOW TEMPERATURES, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAN BECOME BLOCKED OR FROZEN WITH SNOW. THE FAN MOTOR MAY NOT ROTATE AND COULD OVERHEAT.

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.

94V198000BrakesOctober 11, 1994 · 1,500 units

Defect

THE RETAINER CLIP WHICH HOLDS THE MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM IS MISSING OR NOT COMPLETELY INSTALLED. THE PUSH ROD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE RETAINER CLIP.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES/SLIPS WHEN VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP, LIKE WHEN TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. TRANSMISSION JUMPS INTO GEAR ABRUPTLY AFTER EXCELLERATOR PEDAL IS PRESSED HARD. THIS FAILURE CAUSED A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT AND INJURY WITH THIS OWNER WHEN TRYING TO MERGE ONTO A HIGHWAY. THIS COMPLAINT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 1, 1999 · crash

“I CALLED TO REPORT THIS PROBLEM TO THE DEALER I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM,TOLD HIM ABOUT THE PROBLEM, THEY SAID I WAS OWN MY OWN, TO BAD. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM I FEEL IT WAS UP TO THE DEALER TO NOTIFY ME OF THIS RECALL BEFORE THEY SOLD THIS CAR TO ME. NOW MY CAR HAS CAUGHT FIRE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 24, 2000 · fire

“WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE LEFT TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL, POWER WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS, BREAKS, IGNITION, AND GEAR LEVER LOCKS UP. AFTER MANIPULATING THE KEY IN IGNITION FOR SEVERAL MINUTES IT WILL RELEASE AND VEHICLE CAN BE SHIFTED TO PARK AND ALL OTHER COMPONENTS UNLOCK. IF COLLISION HAD RESULTED IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 30, 1996 · crash

“TAKING EXIT IN LEFT LANE, VEHICLE GOING DOWN RAMP, BRAKES (ABS) FAILED TO STOP, WENT INTO INTERSECTION, HIT 2 OTHER PARKED VEHICLES, AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK CONSUMER STATES POSSIBLE ACCELERATION JAM OR CRUIS CONTROL, VEHICLE PICKED UP SPEED AND WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AND HIT A ROAD SIDE CONCRETE BLOCK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 26, 1996 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON SIDE STREETAND GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. GAS PEDAL WAS ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. SHE HAD CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND HIT GUARDRAIL. CONSUMER THOUGHT IT WAS CRUISE CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 16, 2001 · crash

1995 Ford Taurus — common questions

Is the 1995 Ford Taurus reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,597 complaints put the 1995 model at #3 of 39 Taurus years. It is one of the Taurus years to avoid.

What are the most common 1995 Taurus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (418 complaints), engine (403 complaints), electrical system (106 complaints).

Does the 1995 Ford Taurus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 Ford Taurus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1995 Ford Taurus under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Taurus years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Taurus years to avoid are 1993, 2002, 1995, 2003, 2000, 1994, 2001, 1996, 1999, 1992, 2005, 1997, 1991, 1989, 2013, 1998, 1990. The cleanest record among Taurus years belongs to 1983.

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.