VehicleVerdict

1996 Ford Taurus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,132 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Taurus year — the 1996 model ranks #8 of 39 Taurus years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 73 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (241), transmission (190), and steering (114), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,132

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

0

Investigations

82

Crash-involved

18

Fires reported

73

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Taurus years?

Taurus NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 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, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Taurus years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Ford Taurus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine24121%
Transmission19017%
Steering11410%
Brakes858%
Electrical System646%
Suspension636%
Visibility & Wipers615%
Body & Structure484%
Airbags464%
Speed Control434%
Lighting343%
Tires & Wheels333%
Other323%
Seat Belts252%
Fuel System212%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)141%
Latches & Locks121%
Seats50%
Child Seat10%

Does the 1996 Ford Taurus have recalls?

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

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

98V067000Fuel SystemMarch 25, 1998 · 400 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER FORD SERVICE BULLETIN 97-17-9 FROM AUGUST 1997 THROUGH DECEMBER 1997. THESE VEHICLES WERE INADVERTENLY EQUIPPED WITH AN 18-GALLON FUEL TANK RATHER THAN THE 16-GALLON AS SPECIFIED. THE 18-GALLON TANK HAS A SECOND VALVE LOCATION WHERE A SHIPPING PLUG SHOULD BE INSTALLED.

Consequence

IF THIS SHIPPING PLUG IS DISPLACED, FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CORRECT FUEL TANK.

96V176000TransmissionSeptember 18, 1996 · 340,000 units

Defect

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARK PAWL SHAFT MAY NOT BE FREE TO ROTATE AS INTENDED. IF THE PARK PAWL SHAFT DOES NOT ROTATE, IT WOULD PREVENT THE PARK PAWL FROM ENGAGING THE PARK GEAR WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS IN THE PARK POSITION.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS IF IN NEUTRAL WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE PARK POSITION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PARK PAWL SHAFT ROTATION AND THOSE SHAFTS WITH RESTRICTED ROTATION WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SHORTER SHAFT THAT WILL NOT RESTRICT ROTATION.

96V166000TransmissionSeptember 5, 1996 · 40,000 units

Defect

THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK.

Consequence

UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET.

96V151000Fuel SystemAugust 12, 1996 · 4,700 units

Defect

THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR LOCATED ON THE FUEL RAIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAS A VACUUM DIAPHRAGM THAT WAS DAMAGED DURING MANUFACTURE OF THE REGULATOR.

Consequence

IF THE DIAPHRAGM TEARS OR RUPTURES, LIQUID FUEL COULD ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD PLENUM THROUGH THE VACUUM LINE RESULTING IN EITHER RELEASE OF FUEL FROM THE AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY OR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. FUEL RELEASE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. THOSE REGULATORS PRODUCED DURING THE SUSPECT TIME PERIOD WILL BE REPLACED.

96V086000TransmissionMay 14, 1996 · 100,000 units

Defect

THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WAS IMPROPERLY POSITIONED WHEN THE ROLL PIN THAT RETAINS IT WAS INSTALLED DURING TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY. IF THE SHAFT WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONED, THE ROLL PIN MAY NOT HAVE LINED UP WITH THE GROOVE IN THE SHAFT AND HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AT ASSEMBLY. ALSO, A BURR COULD HAVE BEEN RAISED ON THE SHAFT.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PARK PAWL OCCASIONALLY NOT ENGAGING WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS IF IN NEUTRAL IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PARK PAWL SHAFT ROLL PIN. IF THE ROLL PIN IS DAMAGED, BOTH THE ROLL PIN AND THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, OWNERS WILL BE REMINDED TO FULLY APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE, IN ADDITION TO PLACING THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK.

96V016000BrakesJanuary 25, 1996 · 76,500 units

Defect

THE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR LAMP SWITCH CAN MALFUNCTION. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE SWITCH MALFUNTIONS, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP WILL EITHER REMAIN ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY OR FAIL TO LIGHT AS INTENDED WHEN THE FLUID LEVEL FALLS TO A CERTAIN LEVEL. IN EITHER CASE, THE VEHICLE OPERATOR WOULD NOT BE WARNED OF A LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL CONDITION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR LAMP SWITCHES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE TRAVELING AT 65MPH, VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, THEN ENGINE QUIT. CONSUMER HAD TO GET TO SHOULDER BY USING HAZARD LIGHTS. WHILE CONSUMER WAS ON SHOULDER ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER SAYS TEMPARATURE GAUGE WENT TO 3 QUARTERS INTERMITTENTLY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 7, 2000 · fire

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF PARK AND ALMOST ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE HIT A CULVERT CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION. THE DRIVER AND INFANT PASSENGER WERE NOT INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL #96V176000…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 4, 2006 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING OUT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD TO A SERVICE ROAD, MADE A LEFT HAND TURN AND TIRE ROD BROKE, VEHICLE VEERED OFF TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A CONCRETE POWER LINE. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY ON EITHER SIDE. CONTACTED THE LOCAL MECHANIC, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 3, 1999 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30MPH IN THE RAIN 3-4 CAR LENGTHS WHEN HE BEGAN TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE PEDALWAS HARD, AND VEHICLE SLID UNDERNEATH A PICKUP TRUCK AT 32000 MILES. ALSO, THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED. AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND THE NECCESSARY REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS MADE, THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 9, 1999 · crash

“WHILE TRAVELING AT 65MPH, VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, THEN ENGINE QUIT. CONSUMER HAD TO GET TO SHOULDER BY USING HAZARD LIGHTS. WHILE CONSUMER WAS ON SHOULDER ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER SAYS TEMPARATURE GAUGE WENT TO 3 QUARTERS INTERMITTENTLY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 7, 2000 · fire

1996 Ford Taurus — common questions

Is the 1996 Ford Taurus reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,132 complaints put the 1996 model at #8 of 39 Taurus years. It is one of the Taurus years to avoid.

What are the most common 1996 Taurus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (241 complaints), transmission (190 complaints), steering (114 complaints).

Does the 1996 Ford Taurus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Ford Taurus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.