1993 Ford Taurus sho problems
The Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output) is the high-performance variant of the Ford Taurus. Originally intended as a limited-production model, the SHO would be produced for the first three generations of the model line, from the 1989 to the 1999 model years. After an 11-year hiatus, the model was revived for 2010, continuing through the 2019 discontinuation of the Taurus model line.
In contrast with standard versions of the Taurus, the Taurus SHO was not designed with a Mercury Sable counterpart; however, the 2010-2019 SHO served as the basis for the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan (replacing the long-running Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor). The final version is the only Taurus ever offered with the twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine.
The first three generations of the SHO were assembled by Ford at Atlanta Assembly (Hapeville, Georgia); the fourth generation was assembled by Chicago Assembly (Chicago, Illinois).
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Common 1993 Ford Taurus sho problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1993 Ford Taurus SHO, several common problems have been identified:
- Head Gasket Issues: Owners have reported head gasket problems with the 3.0 and 3.8-liter engines. These issues can lead to coolant leaks, overheating, and engine damage. Replacing the head gasket is a costly repair that owners have had to address.
- Transmission Problems: Some owners have experienced transmission issues, including slipping gears, rough shifting, and complete transmission failure. These problems can be expensive to repair and may require a replacement of the transmission.
- Brake System Concerns: Complaints have been made about brake-related problems, such as frequent brake replacements, brake rotor issues, and brake noise. Maintaining the brake system is crucial for safety, and addressing these issues promptly is essential.
- Suspension Noises: Owners have reported mysterious suspension noises that required multiple visits to the repair shop. Identifying the source of these noises and addressing any underlying suspension issues is important for the vehicle's performance and safety.
- Engine Mounts: Some owners have had to replace engine mounts due to wear and tear. Engine mount issues can lead to excessive vibrations, engine movement, and compromised driving comfort. Replacing worn engine mounts is necessary to ensure the engine's stability.
- Other General Maintenance: Owners have mentioned routine maintenance tasks like water pump replacements, radiator hose replacements, taillight bulb changes, brake jobs, battery replacements, tire changes, and oil filter replacements. Regular maintenance is crucial to keep the vehicle running smoothly and prevent major issues.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and thorough inspections to address issues before they escalate. Being aware of these potential problems can help owners of the 1993 Ford Taurus SHO take proactive measures to maintain their vehicles in good condition.
How reliable is the Ford Taurus SHO?
The Ford Taurus is a reliable midsize car with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.
What is the most common problem with Ford Taurus?
The primary problem is transmission failure, which comes with an average repair cost of $1,930. The good news is that these problems don't typically arise until the vehicle has reached higher mileage. In fact, the average mileage according to reports is 93,200. Behind the 2003 Taurus is the 2005 model.
How long can a Ford Taurus SHO last?
According to vehiclefreak.com, a typical Ford Taurus will last around 200,000 miles with proper care. Those with less maintenance might last closer to 180,000 miles, so it's best to care for them well if you want your Taurus to make it as long as possible.
What is special about Taurus SHO?
The power is transmitted to the front wheels by a Mazda-manufactured five-speed manual transaxle. No automatic is offered. This powertrain makes the Taurus SHO the world's most powerful front-drive car. That's a potential prescription for disaster, because the dynamics of motion are not kind to muscular front-drivers.
How reliable is the Ford Taurus SHO?
The Ford Taurus is a reliable midsize car with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.
What is the most common problem with Ford Taurus?
The primary problem is transmission failure, which comes with an average repair cost of $1,930. The good news is that these problems don't typically arise until the vehicle has reached higher mileage. In fact, the average mileage according to reports is 93,200. Behind the 2003 Taurus is the 2005 model.
How long can a Ford Taurus SHO last?
According to vehiclefreak.com, a typical Ford Taurus will last around 200,000 miles with proper care. Those with less maintenance might last closer to 180,000 miles, so it's best to care for them well if you want your Taurus to make it as long as possible.
Why did Ford stop making Taurus SHO?
Having already lost its status as the best-selling car in America when it was surpassed by the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in 1997, by 2005, it had fallen to fourth-place behind the Nissan Altima, which made Ford decide to discontinue the entire Taurus line.
1993 Ford Taurus sho car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Taurus sho problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Ford Taurus sho vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1993 Ford Taurus sho complaints
The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Ford Taurus sho.
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-16
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FALP54P8PA
- Components: STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: 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 FELT SOMETHING UNDER MY FEET BUT DISMISSED IT AS NOTHING BUT AS SOON AS TENNESSA WENT TO MAKE THE TURN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND TOOK OFF TOWARDS THE EAST SIDE OF THE ROAD HEADING TOWARDS THE DITCH AND HITTING A TREE. A PASSERSBY, JOGGER SAW THE ACCIDENT AND CALLED THE POLICE. WE EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM, WE COLLECTED OUR THINGS OUT OF THE CAR AND THE OFFICER GAVE US A RIDE UP THE ROAD TO MY MOTHERS HOME, WE THEN WAITED FOR THE TOWING SERVICE TO GET IT OUT AND TOW IT TO MY MOTHERS HOUSE WHERE IT SITS TODAY. AFTER INVESTIGATING THE CAR AT MY MOTHERS HOUSE I DETERMINED THAT THE FRAME FAILED AT THAT MOMENT CAUSING THE VEHICLES THROTTLE CABLE TO STICK, AND THE POWER STEERING UNIT TO FAIL ALONG WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM TO FAIL. I TOOK PICTURES OF THE MOTOR AND FRONT END OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE, AND A PIECE OF THE VEHICLE THAT ALSO HAD FAILED AND BROKE OFF. THE MOTOR OBVIOUSLY SUNK AS THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MOTOR FACING THE FIREWALL IS ALL TILTED BACK TOWARDS THE FIREWALL SQUEEZING ANY PART THAT MAY BE BETWEEN THE MOTOR AND THE FIREWALL. I HAVE BEEN UNDERNEATH THIS VEHICLE MANY TIMES AND SAW NOTHING TO RAISE A RED FLAG AND NOT TO DRIVE IT. I EVEN HAD A TRANSMISSION REPLACED IN THIS VEHICLE AND MY MECHANIC HAD SEEN NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-03-15
- VIN: 1FAFP56S03A
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. APPOX COST WAS $1750.00. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-29
- VIN: 1FAFP56S03A
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-30
- VIN: 1FALP54PXPA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1993 FORD TAURUS SHO..ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-26
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FALP54P3PA
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE 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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-14
- VIN: 1FACP54Y1PA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: VEHICLE FAILS TO STOP OR SLOW DOWN WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT SPEEDS FROM 5 TO 50 MPH ON WET ROADS OR PAVEMENT WITH LOOSE GRAVEL. ABS ACTIVATES AND VEHICLES MAKES NO ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-31
- VIN: 1FACP54P4PA
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS SHO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO SWITCH THAT COULD BE DISCONNECTED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-30
- VIN: 1FALP54P5PA
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-14
- VIN: 1FALP54P6PA
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-15
- VIN: 1FACP54Y2PA
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-10
- Fire: 1
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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 MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE RECALL. THANKS PETER BURBANK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-09
- VIN: 1FALP54P7PA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-08
- VIN: 1FALP54P8PA
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAL9SXP8PA
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SUSPENSION FAILED. *SLC
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAL9SXP8PA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED BECAUSE OF THE SUBFRAME COMING LOOSE. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAL9SXP8PA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAL9SXP8PA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *SLC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAL9SXP8PA
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SUBFRAME BECAME LOOSE, DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE EVEN THOUGH IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN RECALL 93V106002. *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAL9SXP8PA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE FAILURE. *SLC
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAL9SXP8PA
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. *SLC
1993 Ford Taurus sho recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1993 Ford Taurus sho.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
- Summary: FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
- Consequence: AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Ford Taurus sho problems:
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