1996 Ford Taurus sho problems

Common 1996 Ford Taurus sho problems

The 1996 Ford Taurus SHO, with its 235-horsepower V8 engine, was a powerful and unique vehicle that faced several common problems, primarily related to engine issues and transmission concerns.

Engine Problems:

• Cam Sprocket Slippage: Cam sprocket slippage was another engine problem that disrupted valve timing, causing valves to collide with pistons. This issue led to significant damage and costly repairs, with some owners reporting bills as high as $6,000 to rebuild one side of the Yamaha-made V8 engine.

Transmission Concerns:

• Transmission and Cam Problems: Many owners of the 1996 Taurus SHO expressed concerns about transmission and cam problems, hoping they wouldn't experience these issues in their high-performance vehicles. While not every owner faced these problems, the fear of potential transmission and cam failures was a common concern among GenIII SHO owners.

• No Manual Transmission Option: The 1996 Taurus SHO was not offered with a manual transmission option, which was a disappointment for some enthusiasts who preferred a more engaging driving experience. The lack of a manual transmission was likely due to the absence of a non-slushbox transaxle that could survive behind the Cosworth/Yamaha V8 engine.

In summary, the 1996 Ford Taurus SHO faced engine problems, primarily related to camshaft failures and cam sprocket slippage, which caused significant damage and expensive repairs. Transmission concerns, such as the lack of a manual transmission option, were also a common issue among SHO owners. These problems, combined with the vehicle's unique and radical styling, may have contributed to the Taurus SHO's limited success and relatively low sales compared to its predecessors.

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.

Is a 1996 Ford Taurus a reliable car?

Most reliable car I have ever had.

The Taurus in my opinion was the smartest move for Ford to have built something that reliable. Rating breakdown (out of 5): Comfort 4.0. Interior 4.0.

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 many miles will a Ford Taurus SHO last?

The range for a Ford Taurus is typically 180,000-200,000 miles. Based on those numbers, anything above 150,000 would be considered high mileage for a Ford Taurus. Once the mid-size car hits that number, the value will drop and there is a much higher chance you will run into serious trouble with your system.

Is a 1996 Ford Taurus a reliable car?

Most reliable car I have ever had.

The Taurus in my opinion was the smartest move for Ford to have built something that reliable. Rating breakdown (out of 5): Comfort 4.0. Interior 4.0.

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.