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U.S. public vehicle records

1999 Ford TAURUS SHO problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

21 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

78,228 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1999 model year. Data updated: . 15 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 21 complaints (23.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior733.3%
Steering behavior523.8%
Engine operation14.8%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
5
Engine And Engine Cooling
4
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
3
Vehicle Speed Control
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
1
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
1
Seat Belts:Rear/Other
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine5
Engine And Engine Cooling4
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs3
Vehicle Speed Control2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System1
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights1
Seat Belts:Rear/Other1

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling: 4; Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs: 3; Vehicle Speed Control: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System: 1; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights: 1; Seat Belts:Rear/Other: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
3
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9993
50,000 to 74,9993
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9993
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 1

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2003
3
2004
6
2005
6
2006
2
2007
3
2009
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20033
20046
20056
20062
20073
20091

2003: 3; 2004: 6; 2005: 6; 2006: 2; 2007: 3; 2009: 1

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10093205 · 2004-09-27 (September 27, 2004)

I AM THE OWNER OF A 99 TAURUS SHO. VIN#[XXX]. I LEARNED ONLY RECENTLY OF THE CAM GEARS SPINNING FREELY AND DESTROYING THE ENGINE. I AM FORKING OUT OVER FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS OF MY MONEY TO HAVE THE GEARS WELDED TO THE CAMS. WHILE I PERSONALLY HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANY INJURIES THE POTENTIAL IS THERE. IMAGINE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH ON A BUSY INTERSTATE AND HAVING YOUR ENGINE FAIL. NO POWER STEERING NO BRAKES. IT COULD BE FATAL. THERE ARE NEARLY FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOCUMENTED CASES OF THIS AT WWW.V8SHO.COM. AND THE NUMBERS ARE RISING, BETWEEN 7- AND …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10093205 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10098265 · 2004-11-04 (November 4, 2004)

IT IS A KNOWN FACT, TO FORD AND THEIR DEALERS, THAT THE 1996 THROUGH 1999 FORD TAURUS V8 SHO HAVE DEFECTIVE CAM SHAFTS. WHY HASN'T ANTHING BEEN DONE TO PROTECT THE DRIVING PUBLIC FROM THIS MENACE. GO TO THE FOLLOWING WEB PAGE. *AK HTTP://AUTO.COM/INDUSTRY/TAURUS24_20021024.HTM MY SON WAS DRIVING A 1999 FORD TAURUS V8 SHO WHEN THE CAMSHAFT FAILED CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD HE WAS NOT HURT. THERE ARE HUNDREDS, MORE LIKELY THOUSANDS OF FORD TAURUS V8 SHO CARS WITH DANGEROUS CAMSHAFT DEFECT…

Owner-reported narrative. 60 miles reported. Look up ODI 10098265 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10000563 · 2003-01-06 (January 6, 2003)

CAMSHAST SLIPPED AND CAUSED MOTOR DAMAGE. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT SO NO SAFETY ISSUE. HAVE READ THRU WWW.V8SHO.COM THIS IS A PROBLEM FORD DENIES AND THINK A RECALL IS IN ORDER. IT HAS HAPPENED TO PEOPLE WHILE DRIVING AND THEY LOST POWER STEERING AND BREAKING CAUSING A REAL SAFETY ISSUE

Owner-reported narrative. 49,680 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000563 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

21 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

71.4%Usable mileage15 / 21 records
100.0%Valid incident date21 / 21 records
100.0%Valid filing date21 / 21 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates21 / 21 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component1990199119921993199419951996199719981999
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

833.3%
ODI 10000175 · 99,361 mi

CAM FAILURE 1996 TAURUS SHO AT 99K MILES

Look up ODI 10000175 at NHTSA ↗

1150.0%
ODI 10000610 · 16,950 mi

I HAVE A 1997 FORD TAURUS SHO, I STARTED HEARING A TAPING IN MY ENGINE, I ASKED A MACHANIC FRIEND ABOUT IT, HE TOLD ME THAT HE READ ABOUT THE CAM SHAFT IN THE SHO'S FROM 1996 - 1999 GOING BAD, I TOOK MY SHO TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I BOUGHT IT FROM AND THEY DETERMIND IT WAS THE CAMSHAFT HAD GONE BAD. I DID A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND THERE IS A WRITE UP ABOUT THE ISSUE.I TALKED TO FORD MOTOR CO CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HADN'T HAD ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO WARRENT A RECALL, THAT I SHOULD SAVE MY RECIEPTS AND IF THEY HAVE A REC…

Look up ODI 10000610 at NHTSA ↗

330.0%
ODI 10010782 · 85,757 mi

CAM SPROCKET FAILURE ON FORD TAURUS V8 SHO. *JB

Look up ODI 10010782 at NHTSA ↗

523.8%
ODI 10026092 · 78,267 mi

I WAS MAKING A TURN FROM A MAIN STREET ONTO A SIDE ROAD WHEN MY ENGINE FAILED. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY A TRUCK MAKING THE SAME TURN. THE ENGINE FAILED BECAUSE THE TIMING GEAR ON ONE OF THE INTAKE CAMSHAFTS SHEARED OFF OF THE SHAFT. THIS DESTROYED THE ENGINE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1996-1999 FORD SHO'S.*AK

Look up ODI 10026092 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

17.1%
ODI 10113837 · 55,000 mi

VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. THIS ALMOST RESULTED IN REAR END COLLISIONS. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR, FUEL PUMP, TIMING BELT, AND SOME WIRES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. CONSUMER WAS RESTRAINED FROM DRIVING THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE.*AK

Look up ODI 10113837 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

520.8%
ODI 10050970 · 108,000 mi

ENGINE REPLACEMENT COSTS $16,000. *AK

Look up ODI 10050970 at NHTSA ↗

313.6%
ODI 10135334

THERE WAS A CHAIN LIKE TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, I AS A TECHNICIAN OBSERVED IT TO BE A CAMSHAFT GETTING READY TO FAIL, WHEN IT FAILED MY PREGNANT WIFE WAS DRIVING LUCKILY ON A SIDE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE HAD LOST ALL POWER AND MAKING IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER, NOW THE 1997 SHO JUST SITS B/C I CAN NOT AFFORD THE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS! ESPECIALLY WITH A BABY ON THE WAY. *JB

Look up ODI 10135334 at NHTSA ↗

110.0%
ODI 10100833 · 80,000 mi

NO FAILURE, THE CAR IS A 1998 FORD TAURUS SHO. THE OWNER PREVIOUS OF ME SPENT $13000 REPLACING THE ENGINE DUE TO A CAMSHAFT SPROCKET FAILURE IN AN INTERFERENCE ENGINE. I WOULD LIKE INFORMATION AS TO WHAT THE NHTSA IS GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS. I HAVE MANY SOURCES FROM A CAR CLUB WITH OVER 400 DOCUMENTED CAMSHAFT FAILURES IN THESE CARS. THAT IS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THE NUMBER THAT HAVE ACTUALLY HAD THIS PROBLEM. HOPEFULLY SOMETHING CAN BE DONE SOON ABOUT THIS PROBLEM INSTEAD OF PEOPLE WHO WORK EVERYDAY AND THEIR ENGINE BLOWS UP AND THEY HAVE TO DISH O…

Look up ODI 10100833 at NHTSA ↗

419.0%
ODI 10000563 · 49,680 mi

CAMSHAST SLIPPED AND CAUSED MOTOR DAMAGE. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT SO NO SAFETY ISSUE. HAVE READ THRU WWW.V8SHO.COM THIS IS A PROBLEM FORD DENIES AND THINK A RECALL IS IN ORDER. IT HAS HAPPENED TO PEOPLE WHILE DRIVING AND THEY LOST POWER STEERING AND BREAKING CAUSING A REAL SAFETY ISSUE

Look up ODI 10000563 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

17.1%
ODI 554661

AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. *SLC

Look up ODI 554661 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 10145697 · 36,600 mi

FORDS RECALL OF THEIR 3.8 V6 MOTOR IS A TRAVESTY THAT THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH IT! THEY KNEW THE MOTOR WAS BAD, PUT OUT A RECALL WITH A MILEAGE LIMIT (100,000), BUT THEN ALSO A TIME LIMIT (7 YEARS)! HOW ABOUT A CAR THAT IS NOT DRIVEN THE 100K, AND GETS THE PROBLEM? THE ASSUMPTION IS THAT IF ONE GOES 100K, THEN THEY GOT SOME VALUE OUT OF IT! THEREFORE FORD DID THEIR JOB! BUT WHEN ONE PAYS GOOD MONEY FOR THEIR SCREW UP, AND THE PROBLEM HAPPENS, AND DID NOT DO 100K, THEN THE PURCHASER DID NOT GET SOME VALUE OUT OF IT! FORD SHOULD STICK TO THE 100K,…

Look up ODI 10145697 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

625.0%
ODI 10007742 · 100,175 mi

CAMSHAFTS IN THE 1996-1999 TAURUS SHO. I HAVE HAD A FAILURE LIKE MANY OTHERS, THERE HAVE BEEN OVER 250 FAILURES OF THIS TYPE, MINE WAS FAILURE NUMBER 221. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE ENGINE SEIZED CAUSING THE CAR TO DART TO THE RIGHT, IF THERE WAS A VEHICLE THERE, WE WOULD HAVE COLLIDED. $8500.00 IN DAMAGE, FORD WILL NOT COVER ANY OF IT, THIS IS A QUOTE FROM A FORD REP. "METAL WEARS" BUT AT THE RATE THAT THIS IS HAPPENING IS ALARMING, 18 CARS SO FAR SINCE 02-01-2002. AT ABOUT $8000.00 EACH CAR IS $144,000.00 DAMAGES FEBUARY ALONE, FOR ALL…

Look up ODI 10007742 at NHTSA ↗

418.2%
ODI 10005786 · 76,260 mi

I HAD A CAM FAILURE ON MY 97 FORD TAURUS SHO, BAD DESIGN ON THE ENGINE LED TO THE FAILURE

Look up ODI 10005786 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.8%
ODI 10054397 · 66,000 mi

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FROZEN CAM SHAFT DUE TO FAULTY PRESS FIT CAM CONTAINER REPORTED ON 30% OF YAMAHA BUILT FORD TAURUS SHO V8 ENGINES (ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT) BUILT BETWEEN 1996 & 1999. * CB

Look up ODI 10054397 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

642.9%
ODI 10129785

FORD TAURUS 1993 SHO CRUISE CONTROL PRESSURE SWITCH ON BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER BURNED. ON THIS MODEL THIS CIRCUIT SHARES THE SAME FUSE WITH THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. LUCKILY I NOTICED THE LOSS OF BRAKE LIGHTS RIGHT AWAY AND DISCONNECTED THE BURNED CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND REPLACED THE FUSE. DRIVING WITHOUT REAR BRAKE LIGHTS IS A DEFINITE HAZARD. MY VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED IN THE RECALL WITH THE NEARLY 1 MILLION F-150S AND CROWN VICTORIAS BUT I SUSPECT THAT THE SWITCH IS FROM THE SAME VENDOR. FORD HAS AN IMPROVED SWITCH AVAILABLE AND I BELIEVE M…

Look up ODI 10129785 at NHTSA ↗

218.2%
ODI 10133682

CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT FUNCTION, BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK, COULD NOT GET CAR OUT OF PARK, #1 -15 AMP FUSE KEPT BURNING OUT. CAR HAS HAD THESE PROBLEMS FOR 1 YEAR. FUSE WOULD SOMETIME BURN OUT OTHER TIMES WOULD WORK FINE. DRAINED BATTERY. BOUGHT NEW BATTERY, REPLACED SPEED CONTROL SWITCH THAT GOES ON THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. CAUSE OF FAILURE. BRAKE FLUID LEEKED INTO SWITCH. FOUND PROBLEM WHEN CHECKING TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY EXCESSIVE AMPS BEING PULLED FROM BATTERY, THE SWITCH WAS SMOKING.

Look up ODI 10133682 at NHTSA ↗

111.1%
ODI 10138368 · 140,900 mi

FAILURE OF CRUISE CONTROL DISCONNECT SWITCH UNDER THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER - LIKE THE FAILURE CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL FOR FORD TRUCKS. I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK DUE TO THE INTERLOCK. THE FUSE THAT CONTROLLED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND BRAKES BLEW. WHEN THE CAR WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE REPAIR FACILITY, THEY FOUND THAT THE DISCONNECT SWITCH AND THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HAD MELTED TO SOME POINT. THE PART HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FORD PART USED TO REPAIR WAS XW7Z-9F924-BA. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS PART IS A NEW DESIGN, OR THE OLD DESIGN. *NM

Look up ODI 10138368 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

29.5%
ODI 10155592

DRIVING MY CAR DOWN THE STREET IN WHICH I LIVE WITH CHILD IN BACK SEAT. I TAPPED THE BRAKE TO PULL INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE FROM 30 MPH TO 60 MPH IN SECONDS. MY INTENTION WAS TO PULL INTO MY DRIVEWAY BUT CAR TOOK OFF LIKE A ROCKET AND ACCELERATED INTO A HEAVY TRUCK ROUTE GOING THROUGH A STOP SIGN. THIS ALL HAPPENED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND COULD HAVE KILLED MYSELF AND THE OTHER VEHICLE. MY TAURUS SPUN OUT OF CONTROL FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THE COLLISION STOPPED THE CAR FROM ACCELERATING. T…

Look up ODI 10155592 at NHTSA ↗

Structure:Frame And Members
250.0%
ODI 10043833 · 180,000 mi

SUBFRAME MOUNT FAILURE. ENGINE DROPPED CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING AND DESTRUCTION OF COMPUTER CONTROLL MODULE WITH RESULTANT LOSS OF ENGINE FUNCTION. SUBJECT OF PREVIOUS RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN 98V323000. RECALL PRECEDURE PERFORMED BUT DID NOT FIX THE UNDERLYING CAUSE OF FAILURE PROBLEM. THERE ARE HUNDRED OF THOUSAND OTHER TAURUSES WHICH ARE LIKELY TO SUFFER THE SAME FATE BECAUSE THE CORROSION PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED, JUST DELAYED, BY THE RECALL PROCEDURE. TALKED WITH FORD MOTOR AND THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED THE RECALL PROCEDURE AND NONE SHO…

Look up ODI 10043833 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

321.4%
ODI 10054345

ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000, MY VEHICLE IS AFFECTED UNDER A RECALL FOR REPLACEMENT OF SUB FRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS; YET MY SERVICING DEALER (ELK RIVER FORD, ELK RIVER,MN.) AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AS STATED IN THE RECALL DOCUMENTATION. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO, SO I AM MAKING THIS MY FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. *CB

Look up ODI 10054345 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 10168253 · 149,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING A 1995 FORD TAURUS SHO I EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME WHERE IT DETACHED FROM THE BODY. THIS FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO THAT DESCRIBED IN NHTSA RECALL 98V323 AND FORD RECALL 98S36. FORD CLAIMS THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD THE RECALL PERFORMED ON 5/27/1999 - IF THIS IS THE CASE THEN THE VEHICLE FAILED IN EXACTLY THE SAME MANNER AS IF THE RECALL WAS NOT PERFORMED. THIS MAKES ME QUESTION THE QUALITY OF THE REPAIR; I ALSO AM CONSIDERING CONTACTING THE DCP TO DETERMINE IF FRAUD WAS COMMITTED, I.E. THE RECALL REPAIR WORK WAS CLAI…

Look up ODI 10168253 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.5%
ODI 10299626 · 139,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD SHO TAURUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN REVERSE WHEN THE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND SHREDDED THE TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A RECALL FOR THE 1998 TO 2001 FORD TAURUS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139000. UPDATED 02/02/10. *LJ UPDATED 02/05/10.*JB

Look up ODI 10299626 at NHTSA ↗

110.0%
ODI 10105839

MY 1998 FORD TAURUS EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM EXACTLY AS THE RECALL STATES FOR THE 1999 FORD TAURUS RE: THE SPRING COIL BREAKING AND PUNCTURING THE TIRE. THIS RESULTED IN A FLAT TIRE, COIL, SPRING, AND MOUNT REPAIR, AS WELL AS A TOW AND RENTAL CAR. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE IT HAPPEN IN MY DRIVEWAY INSTEAD OF ON THE INTERSTATE POSSIBLY RESULTING IN DEATH OF MY CHILD AND SELF. IT CAUSED AND IMMEDIATE BLOW OUT OF MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. I AM VERY ANGRY THAT I HAVE BEEN WATCHING FOR REPORTS ON POSSIBLE INVESTIGATIONS ON THE YEAR AND PROBLEM A…

Look up ODI 10105839 at NHTSA ↗

314.3%
ODI 10012486

THE FRONT SPRINGS BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSED. *JB

Look up ODI 10012486 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

214.3%
ODI 10129785

FORD TAURUS 1993 SHO CRUISE CONTROL PRESSURE SWITCH ON BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER BURNED. ON THIS MODEL THIS CIRCUIT SHARES THE SAME FUSE WITH THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. LUCKILY I NOTICED THE LOSS OF BRAKE LIGHTS RIGHT AWAY AND DISCONNECTED THE BURNED CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND REPLACED THE FUSE. DRIVING WITHOUT REAR BRAKE LIGHTS IS A DEFINITE HAZARD. MY VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED IN THE RECALL WITH THE NEARLY 1 MILLION F-150S AND CROWN VICTORIAS BUT I SUSPECT THAT THE SWITCH IS FROM THE SAME VENDOR. FORD HAS AN IMPROVED SWITCH AVAILABLE AND I BELIEVE M…

Look up ODI 10129785 at NHTSA ↗

327.3%
ODI 10133682

CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT FUNCTION, BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK, COULD NOT GET CAR OUT OF PARK, #1 -15 AMP FUSE KEPT BURNING OUT. CAR HAS HAD THESE PROBLEMS FOR 1 YEAR. FUSE WOULD SOMETIME BURN OUT OTHER TIMES WOULD WORK FINE. DRAINED BATTERY. BOUGHT NEW BATTERY, REPLACED SPEED CONTROL SWITCH THAT GOES ON THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. CAUSE OF FAILURE. BRAKE FLUID LEEKED INTO SWITCH. FOUND PROBLEM WHEN CHECKING TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY EXCESSIVE AMPS BEING PULLED FROM BATTERY, THE SWITCH WAS SMOKING.

Look up ODI 10133682 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

214.3%
ODI 10379619 · 137,600 mi

1993 FORD TAURUS SHO..ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. *TR

Look up ODI 10379619 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 10127352

1994 FORD TAURUS SHO. CAR WAS SITTING IDLE NOT RUNNING FOR HOURS AND SUDDENLY STARTED ON FIRE. APPROXIMENTLY 1 MONTH BEFORE THIS THE CRUISE CONTROL JUST STOPPED WORKING. ALL WIRING IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND THE MOTOR IS NON REPAIRABLE. THE FIRE WAS FROM UNDER THE HOOD, DRIVERS SIDE, NEAR THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT STARTED BEHIND THE FIREWALL. I HAVE SEEN ON THE NEWS AND HEARD ON THE RADIO THAT A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS DAMAGE. MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAVE CALLED [phone removed], AND THEY SAY THERE HAS…

Look up ODI 10127352 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.2%
ODI 10145536

I PURCHASED MY '96 FORD TAURUS WAGON IN '99. I HAD IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS WITH THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE. THE LIGHT WAS CHECKED AND I WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG AND THE SYSTEM WAS RESET. MONTHS LATER, THE LIGHT POPPED ON AGAIN AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE OXYGEN SENSOR (BY FORD MOTORS). 6 MONTHS LATER, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS ANOTHER SENSOR. MONTHS AFTER THAT WAS REPAIRED THE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AGAIN AND UP UNTIL THIS DAY (12-17-05) I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT/ INDI…

Look up ODI 10145536 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine67,000–89,515 mi78,267 mi5
ODI 10026092 · 78,267 mi

I WAS MAKING A TURN FROM A MAIN STREET ONTO A SIDE ROAD WHEN MY ENGINE FAILED. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY A TRUCK MAKING THE SAME TURN. THE ENGINE FAILED BECAUSE THE TIMING GEAR ON ONE OF THE INTAKE CAMSHAFTS SHEARED OFF OF THE SHAFT. THIS DESTROYED THE ENGINE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1996-1999 FORD SHO'S.*AK

Look up ODI 10026092 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10095813 · 67,000 mi

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HEARD A TICKING NOISE, THEN A BACKFIRE AND THE CAR DIED. THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THAT I NEED A NEW HEAD AND THAT IT WOULD BE CHEAPER TO PUT IN A USED ENGINE. THEY SAY THAT THE REAR HEAD, ALL THE VALVES ARE STUCK OPEN, BUT THEY DIDN'T GO ANY FUTHER TO TELL ME WHY.*AK

Look up ODI 10095813 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10116979 · 89,515 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE PRODUCES A TICKING NOISE. DEALER STATES THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR HAS MALFUNCTIONED. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN WHILE IN MOTION. *AK

Look up ODI 10116979 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range49,680 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10000563 · 49,680 mi

CAMSHAST SLIPPED AND CAUSED MOTOR DAMAGE. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT SO NO SAFETY ISSUE. HAVE READ THRU WWW.V8SHO.COM THIS IS A PROBLEM FORD DENIES AND THINK A RECALL IS IN ORDER. IT HAS HAPPENED TO PEOPLE WHILE DRIVING AND THEY LOST POWER STEERING AND BREAKING CAUSING A REAL SAFETY ISSUE

Look up ODI 10000563 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10098265 · 60 mi

IT IS A KNOWN FACT, TO FORD AND THEIR DEALERS, THAT THE 1996 THROUGH 1999 FORD TAURUS V8 SHO HAVE DEFECTIVE CAM SHAFTS. WHY HASN'T ANTHING BEEN DONE TO PROTECT THE DRIVING PUBLIC FROM THIS MENACE. GO TO THE FOLLOWING WEB PAGE. *AK HTTP://AUTO.COM/INDUSTRY/TAURUS24_20021024.HTM MY SON WAS DRIVING A 1999 FORD TAURUS V8 SHO WHEN THE CAMSHAFT FAILED CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD HE WAS NOT HURT. THERE ARE HUNDREDS, MORE LIKELY THOUSANDS OF FORD TAURUS V8 SHO CARS WITH DANGEROUS CAMSHAFT DEFECT…

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ODI 10106397 · 49,907 mi

OIL PAN GASKET HAS SLIPPED OUT AT THE SAME SPOT,UNDER THE PULLEY. THERE IS NO BOLTS IN THE CURVE UNDER THE PULLEY, TO HOLD THE GASKET IN PLACE. *NM

Look up ODI 10106397 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range78,228 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10155936 · 78,228 mi

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 SPEED GOING FROM 30 MPH TO 70 MPH. I FLEW THROUGH A STOP SIGN ONTO A HEAVILY TRAVELED TRUCK ROUTE SLAMMING INTO A KIA SUV. THE OTHER PASSENGER BROKE RIBS, A DOG WAS EJECTED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THIS CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND COULD HAVE KILLED PE…

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Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineToo few reports for a range66,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10054397 · 66,000 mi

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FROZEN CAM SHAFT DUE TO FAULTY PRESS FIT CAM CONTAINER REPORTED ON 30% OF YAMAHA BUILT FORD TAURUS SHO V8 ENGINES (ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT) BUILT BETWEEN 1996 & 1999. * CB

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Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust SystemToo few reports for a range99,990 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10143080 · 99,990 mi

THE REAR EXHAUST SPROCKET ON THE CAMSHAFT OF MY 1999 FORD TAURUS SHO CAME LOOSE AND CAUSED THE VALVES TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE PISTONS. THIS IS NOT A RARE OCCURENCE EITHER. MANY CASES OF THIS ARE BEING DOCUMENTED ON A WEBSITE CALLED WWW.V8SHO.COM. *NM

Look up ODI 10143080 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting:Brake LightsToo few reports for a range126,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10203947 · 126,000 mi

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 FREEWAY, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS CALLED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 126,000.

Look up ODI 10203947 at NHTSA ↗

Seat Belts:Rear/OtherToo few reports for a range40,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10103501 · 40,000 mi

CONSUMER'S REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT. CONSUMER WAS MADE AWARE OF THIS WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED BY REAR SEAT PASSENGERS. *AK

Look up ODI 10103501 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 22 reports

1998: 2 complaints · 1999: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
1998002
1999011
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
1998820
19992100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineEngine And Engine CoolingSuspension:Front:Springs:Coil SpringsVehicle Speed ControlEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineEngine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust SystemExterior Lighting:Brake LightsSeat Belts:Rear/Other
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine—00000
1
ODI 10203947 · 126,000 mi

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 FREEWAY, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS CALLED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 126,000.

Look up ODI 10203947 at NHTSA ↗

0
Engine And Engine Cooling0—000000
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs00—00000
Vehicle Speed Control000—0000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline0000—000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System00000—00
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
1
ODI 10203947 · 126,000 mi

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 FREEWAY, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS CALLED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 126,000.

Look up ODI 10203947 at NHTSA ↗

00000—0
Seat Belts:Rear/Other0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

4 mentions · 19.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 49,680 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10000563 · 49,680 mi

CAMSHAST SLIPPED AND CAUSED MOTOR DAMAGE. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT SO NO SAFETY ISSUE. HAVE READ THRU WWW.V8SHO.COM THIS IS A PROBLEM FORD DENIES AND THINK A RECALL IS IN ORDER. IT HAS HAPPENED TO PEOPLE WHILE DRIVING AND THEY LOST POWER STEERING AND BREAKING CAUSING A REAL SAFETY ISSUE

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ODI 10093205

I AM THE OWNER OF A 99 TAURUS SHO. VIN#[XXX]. I LEARNED ONLY RECENTLY OF THE CAM GEARS SPINNING FREELY AND DESTROYING THE ENGINE. I AM FORKING OUT OVER FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS OF MY MONEY TO HAVE THE GEARS WELDED TO THE CAMS. WHILE I PERSONALLY HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANY INJURIES THE POTENTIAL IS THERE. IMAGINE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH ON A BUSY INTERSTATE AND HAVING YOUR ENGINE FAIL. NO POWER STEERING NO BRAKES. IT COULD BE FATAL. THERE ARE NEARLY FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOCUMENTED CASES OF THIS AT WWW.V8SHO.COM. AND THE NUMBERS ARE RISING, BETWEEN 7- AND …

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ODI 10098265 · 60 mi

IT IS A KNOWN FACT, TO FORD AND THEIR DEALERS, THAT THE 1996 THROUGH 1999 FORD TAURUS V8 SHO HAVE DEFECTIVE CAM SHAFTS. WHY HASN'T ANTHING BEEN DONE TO PROTECT THE DRIVING PUBLIC FROM THIS MENACE. GO TO THE FOLLOWING WEB PAGE. *AK HTTP://AUTO.COM/INDUSTRY/TAURUS24_20021024.HTM MY SON WAS DRIVING A 1999 FORD TAURUS V8 SHO WHEN THE CAMSHAFT FAILED CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD HE WAS NOT HURT. THERE ARE HUNDREDS, MORE LIKELY THOUSANDS OF FORD TAURUS V8 SHO CARS WITH DANGEROUS CAMSHAFT DEFECT…

Look up ODI 10098265 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 4.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 78,228 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10155936 · 78,228 mi

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 SPEED GOING FROM 30 MPH TO 70 MPH. I FLEW THROUGH A STOP SIGN ONTO A HEAVILY TRAVELED TRUCK ROUTE SLAMMING INTO A KIA SUV. THE OTHER PASSENGER BROKE RIBS, A DOG WAS EJECTED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THIS CAR WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND COULD HAVE KILLED PE…

Look up ODI 10155936 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 4.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 49,680 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10000563 · 49,680 mi

CAMSHAST SLIPPED AND CAUSED MOTOR DAMAGE. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT SO NO SAFETY ISSUE. HAVE READ THRU WWW.V8SHO.COM THIS IS A PROBLEM FORD DENIES AND THINK A RECALL IS IN ORDER. IT HAS HAPPENED TO PEOPLE WHILE DRIVING AND THEY LOST POWER STEERING AND BREAKING CAUSING A REAL SAFETY ISSUE

Look up ODI 10000563 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b