U.S. public vehicle records

Ford TAURUS SHO problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

119 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

94,440 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1990 to 1999 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 75 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 27 of 119 complaints (22.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	27	22.7%
Steering behavior	12	10.1%
Engine operation	10	8.4%
Transmission and shifting	8	6.7%
Electrical and battery issues	7	5.9%
Fuel system concerns	3	2.5%

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

Engine And Engine Cooling

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline

Vehicle Speed Control

Structure:Frame And Members

Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs

Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control

Electrical System

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	27
Engine And Engine Cooling	14
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	13
Vehicle Speed Control	11
Structure:Frame And Members	6
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs	5
Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control	5
Electrical System	4

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 27; Engine And Engine Cooling: 14; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 13; Vehicle Speed Control: 11; Structure:Frame And Members: 6; Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs: 5; Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control: 5; Electrical System: 4

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 8; 50,000 to 74,999: 14; 75,000 to 99,999: 17; 100,000 to 149,999: 27; 150,000 and above: 7

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (27). 44 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.

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2013

2014

2015

2000: 5; 2001: 7; 2002: 14; 2003: 24; 2004: 11; 2005: 24; 2006: 8; 2007: 10; 2008: 6; 2009: 1; 2010: 3; 2011: 2; 2013: 2; 2014: 1; 2015: 1

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 27 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 12 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 10 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 758965 · 2002-03-05 (March 5, 2002)

I PURCHASED A CONTROL ARM FROM UNITED AUTO. THE PART WAS MADE BY TRW. THE BALLJOINT FAILED WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I WENT BACK AND BOUGHT ANOTHER ONE, THEN WHILE DOING A ROUTINE INSPECTION(I AM A MECHANIC) NOTICED THAT THE TOP OF THE BALLJOINT WAS 1.2MM(I MEASURED) FROM THE ABS RING. THE CONTROL ARM ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE IS ABOUT 5MM FROM THE ABS RING. I WENT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND HAD THEM GET ME 2 NEW CONTROL ARMS L+R. GUESS WHAT THEY WERE DIFFERENT THEN THE ONES THAT UNITED AUTO SOLD ME. I WENT BACK TO UNITED AUTO, HAD AN EMPLOYE…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 758965 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 8003035 · 2002-01-29 (January 29, 2002)

BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED AND IT WILL NOT SPRING BACK, CAUSING BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND ROTORS TO WARP. DELAER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8003035 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10043833 · 2003-10-28 (October 28, 2003)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 180,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10043833 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10135400 · 2005-09-06 (September 6, 2005)

WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE BOLTS FOR THE ENGINE SUBFRAME BROKE LOOSE FROM THE FLOOR, THE ENGINE DROPPED. I LOST ENGINE POWER, STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST. ALTHOUGH THERE IS A RECALL LISTED ON THE FORD WEBSITE #98S36 I DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTICE. THE FACTORY REFUSED TO ASSIST IN REPAIRS COSTING ME $1148.59 THE DEALER INSTALLED REINFORCING PATCHES IN THE FLOOR AND CUT OUT THE REMAINING BOLTS. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE YET THEIR WEBSITE SHOWS ONE FOR THE BOLTS. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 187,585 miles reported. Look up ODI 10135400 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 560420 · 2001-03-19 (March 19, 2001)

THE VEHICLE HAS HAD CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH STALLING, SEVERAL REPAIRS COMPLETED AT THE DEALERSHIP TO TRY TO RECTIFY THE STALLING, HOWEVER ALL HAVE FAILED, THE DEALERSHIP HAS IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS BEING THE IGNITION MODULE, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET DUE THE PARTS BEING ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. *MJS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 560420 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10040512 · 2003-09-24 (September 24, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10040512 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 558116 · 2000-12-13 (December 13, 2000)

WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING VIBRATING AND JERKING, THERE WAS A HOLE BUSTED THROUGH THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION. *MJS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 558116 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10509998 · 2013-04-29 (April 29, 2013)

DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH NO ISSUES. REACHED THE BOTTOM OF A DOWNGRADE AND PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL. ENGINE REVVED BUT CAR DIDN'T ACCELERATE. THERE WERE NO NOISE OR INDICATIONS FOR A PENDING FAILURE. .PULLED TO THE SIDE AND TRIED ALL GEARS AND REVERES. CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. SPOKE WITH LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY COULD OFFER AND ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR COST. RENTED A U-HAUL VAN AND CAR DOLLY TO TOW IT HOME, ABOUT 400 MILES. TOOK THE CAR A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP AND WAS TOLD THE FRONT PUMP FAILED. HAD THEM REBUILD IT AND HAS WORKED FINE SINCE.…

Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10509998 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10201617 · 2007-08-31 (August 31, 2007)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS SHO. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, NUMBER 05S28. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE DOES NOT WORK ON HIS VEHICLE. THE SERVO ASSEMBLY, PART#F8ZZ9C735AA AND THE WIRING HARNESS BURNED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE IS OPERATIONAL. THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED BY FORD. FORD STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER 2007. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 109,629. UPDATED 12/12/07

Owner-reported narrative. 109,629 miles reported. Look up ODI 10201617 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10379619 · 2011-01-30 (January 30, 2011)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 137,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10379619 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 559037 · 2001-01-12 (January 12, 2001)

FUEL PUMP FAILED. CJ

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 559037 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10113837 · 2005-03-09 (March 9, 2005)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 55,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10113837 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

1990: 0; 1991: 0; 1992: 0; 1993: 2; 1994: 2; 1995: 2; 1996: 0; 1997: 0; 1998: 0; 1999: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Ford TAURUS SHO model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
1990	4	0	Not available
1991	1	0	0
1992	3	0	0
1993	14	2	+2
1994	11	2	0
1995	9	2	0
1996	24	0	-2
1997	22	0	0
1998	10	0	0
1999	21	0	0

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

119 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

63.0%Usable mileage75 / 119 records

90.8%Valid incident date108 / 119 records

100.0%Valid filing date119 / 119 records

90.8%Ordered incident and filing dates108 / 119 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.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999
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 TLTHE 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
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	64,746–94,241 mi	76,384 mi	22	ODI 10000175 · 99,361 mi CAM FAILURE 1996 TAURUS SHO AT 99K MILES Look up ODI 10000175 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10000766 · 93,642 mi MY AUTOMOTIVE IS MAKING A NOISE FROM MY VALVETRAIN AREA THAT MY MECHANIC INDICATES IS A POTENTIAL CAMSHAFT (AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE FAILURE) PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE FIXED BEFORE CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. Look up ODI 10000766 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10013782 · 86,799 mi THE FAILURE OF THE CAMSHAFTS IN A DUAL OVER HEAD CAMSHAFT ENGINES CAN CAUSE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE CAMSHAFTS (PER DEALER) ARE FAILING AND I FEAR THAT THEY WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO MY PASSENGERS OR MYSELF. THE DETROIT FREE PRESS HAS PUBLISHED A SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THE FAILURE OF CAMSHAFTS IN TAURUS SHO ENGINES SINCE 1996. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE REFUSES TO ADMIT THEY HAVE A RECALL ISSUE EVEN THOUGH THEY BEGAN REPLACING CAMSHAFTS ON VEHICLES WITH AS LITTLE AS 30,000 MILES FOR THE FAILURE OF THE WELDS THAT ATTACH THE CA… Look up ODI 10013782 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	51,954–93,564 mi	77,126 mi	11	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 ↗ ODI 10050970 · 108,000 mi ENGINE REPLACEMENT COSTS $16,000. AK Look up ODI 10050970 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10228062 · 80,127 mi I HAVE A1996 FORD TAURUS SHO V-8,IT JUST TURNED 80,000 MILES AND HAS HAD ALL REGULAR SERVICE AND NOW THE CAMSHAFT GEAR HAS FAILED ON THE CAMSHAFT AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE!I WORK AT A FORD DEALER AND SEE THIS ENGINE FAILURE OFTEN. IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS COMMON ON THE V-8 SHO ENGINE AROUND 75,000-85,000 MILES AND SOMETIMES THERE IS A TICKING NOISE THAT IS CONSIDERED A WARNING SIGN TOO GET REPAIRS BUT THERE WAS NOT ANY WARNING FROM MY ENGINE. I HAVE DONE ALL KINDS OF RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE LAWSUITS AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND BLOGS DEVOTED… Look up ODI 10228062 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	67,500–79,065 mi	74,130 mi	6	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 ↗ 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 ↗ ODI 10029094 · 80,000 mi THE CAMSHAFT IN MY CAR FAILED AND CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE. IT WAS A 1996 FORD TAURUS SHO. IT CAUSED A COMPLETE POWER LOSS AROUND A CORNER AND I WAS ALMOST INVOLED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO MANY SHO OWNERS. THE REPAIR COSTS ARE RUNNING ME $5000 DOLLARS. THIS IS NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT IT COULD HAVE DONE TO MY FAMILY. PLEASE HELP THIS NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. FORD KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM. SOME MAY NOT BE AS LUCKY AS ME. *AK Look up ODI 10029094 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	89,114–125,450 mi	109,629 mi	7	ODI 10201617 · 109,629 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS SHO. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, NUMBER 05S28. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE DOES NOT WORK ON HIS VEHICLE. THE SERVO ASSEMBLY, PART#F8ZZ9C735AA AND THE WIRING HARNESS BURNED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE IS OPERATIONAL. THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED BY FORD. FORD STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER 2007. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 109,629. UPDATED 12/12/07 Look up ODI 10201617 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10220872 · 100,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNED A 1993 FORD TAURUS SHO. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DUE TO THE UNDERHOOD FIRE. ON MARCH 5, 2008, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD SAFETY RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000. UPDATED 4/11/08 CN Look up ODI 10220872 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10509993 · 70,000 mi A BROKEN BRACKET HOLDING THE THROTTLE END OF THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE ALLOWED THE CABLE SHIELD TO SLIP OUT. ONCE OUT THE CABLE SHIELD CAUGHT ON THE BRACKET AND HELD THE THROTTLE ABOUT 1/2 WAY OPEN. THIS RESULTED IN RAPID UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION. TR Look up ODI 10509993 at NHTSA ↗
Structure:Frame And Members	Too few reports for a range	170,000 mi	4 (sparse)	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 ↗ ODI 10222886 · 160,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD TAURUS SHO. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE SUBFRAME BOLT FAILED AND THE VEHICLE DROPPED. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS) IN 1990. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED HIS VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 160,000. Look up ODI 10222886 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10135400 · 187,585 mi WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE BOLTS FOR THE ENGINE SUBFRAME BROKE LOOSE FROM THE FLOOR, THE ENGINE DROPPED. I LOST ENGINE POWER, STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST. ALTHOUGH THERE IS A RECALL LISTED ON THE FORD WEBSITE #98S36 I DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTICE. THE FACTORY REFUSED TO ASSIST IN REPAIRS COSTING ME $1148.59 THE DEALER INSTALLED REINFORCING PATCHES IN THE FLOOR AND CUT OUT THE REMAINING BOLTS. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE YET THEIR WEBSITE SHOWS ONE FOR THE BOLTS. JB Look up ODI 10135400 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs	Too few reports for a range	139,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10299626 · 139,000 mi TLTHE 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 ↗
Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control	Too few reports for a range	105,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10159831 · 105,000 mi FAILED SPEED CONTROL ON 1993 TAURUS SHO, IDENTICAL TO PICK UP TRUCKS WHICH ARE RECALLED. NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY COUNCIL HAS NOT RECALLED MY VEHICLE. FORD MOTOR CO. REFUSED TO REPAIR VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE. FIRE DANGER IS IMMINENT, WHICH CAN OCCUR WHILE DRIVING AND COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH, OR WHEN GARAGED, COULD BURN THE VEHICLE AND THE RESIDENCE. *JB Look up ODI 10159831 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	137,600 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10379619 · 137,600 mi 1993 FORD TAURUS SHO..ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. *TR Look up ODI 10379619 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

ComponentPeriod

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
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	None	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.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

1998: 2 complaints · 1999: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
1998	0	0	2
1999	0	1	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
1998	8	2	0
1999	21	0	0

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
Component	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Engine And Engine Cooling	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	Vehicle Speed Control	Structure:Frame And Members	Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs	Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control	Electrical System
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	0	0	—	0	1 ODI 554661 AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. *SLC Look up ODI 554661 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 554661 AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. *SLC Look up ODI 554661 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	0	0	0	—	0	0	2 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 ↗ 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 ↗	0
Structure:Frame And Members	0	0	1 ODI 554661 AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. *SLC Look up ODI 554661 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	1 ODI 554661 AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. *SLC Look up ODI 554661 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control	0	0	0	2 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 ↗ 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 ↗	0	0	—	0
Electrical System	0	0	1 ODI 554661 AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. *SLC Look up ODI 554661 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 554661 AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. *SLC Look up ODI 554661 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—

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.

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

13 mentions · 10.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 72,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10222886 · 160,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD TAURUS SHO. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE SUBFRAME BOLT FAILED AND THE VEHICLE DROPPED. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS) IN 1990. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED HIS VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 160,000.

Look up ODI 10222886 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 560420

Look up ODI 560420 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10040512

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

Look up ODI 10040512 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Steering assistance concerns

6 mentions · 5.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 54,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10638211 · 170,000 mi

ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2014 MY GIRLFRIEND AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN SOUTH SHORE DR. IN THE TOWN OF DELAVAN IN WALWORTH COUNTY WISCONSIN AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30AM & 12:30PM. WE WERE TRAVELING EAST TO WEST WHERE WE APPROACHED THE STOP SIGN AT THE CORNER OF COUNTY ROAD O SOUTH AND SOUTH SHORE DR. TENNESSA WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND READY TO TURN LEFT ON TO COUNTY ROAD O SOUTH. WE WERE ABOUT A MILE FROM OUR DESTINATION WHICH WAS MY MOTHERS HOUSE. UPON STOPPING AT THE STOP SIGN I THOUGHT I HEARD A FUNNY NOISE AND FEL…

Look up ODI 10638211 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10218143 · 54,000 mi

CAM SPROCKET FAILURE. THIS LEAD TO THE ENGINE STOPPING AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. *TR

Look up ODI 10218143 at NHTSA ↗

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

Brake response concerns

3 mentions · 2.5% of complaints

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

ODI 8003035

BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED AND IT WILL NOT SPRING BACK, CAUSING BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND ROTORS TO WARP. DELAER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 8003035 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 758544

ONE DAY THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPS TO THE FLOOR WHEN COMING TO A STOP. BRAKES PUMP UP OK. BLEED BRAKES WHEN I GET HOME, THEY'RE SOFTER THAN USUAL BUT STOP FINE. NOTICE SMOKE COMING FROM WINDSHIELD WIPER AREA AT A STOP ABOUT A WEEK LATER. OPEN HOOD, I DON'T SEE ANY VISUAL DAMAGE, SMOKE IS GONE BY THE TIME I CHECK.. 2 DAYS LATER BRAKE PEDAL DROPS TO THE FLOOR, DOESN'T PUMP UP. BLEEDING DOESN'T HELP, PEDAL STAYS SOFT. I NOTICE SOMETHING THAT LOOKS LIKE A SWITCH OR SENSOR THAT SCREWS INTO THE BOTTOM OF THE MASTER CYLINDER. IT'S WET AND WHEN I FE…

Look up ODI 758544 at NHTSA ↗

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

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 558116

WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING VIBRATING AND JERKING, THERE WAS A HOLE BUSTED THROUGH THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION. *MJS

Look up ODI 558116 at NHTSA ↗

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 ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10145536

Look up ODI 10145536 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b