1988 Ford Taurus problems
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Common 1988 Ford Taurus problems
The 1988 Ford Taurus is known to have several common problems, particularly with its transmission. Ford Taurus transmission problems can manifest in various ways, such as shifting delays, grinding or jumping during acceleration, shakiness, and the presence of burning smells or whistling sounds coming from under the hood. These issues can lead to a loss in fuel efficiency or even make the vehicle undrivable if not addressed promptly.
One of the main concerns with the 1988 Ford Taurus transmission is the potential for transmission fluid leaks. Over time, transmission fluid can leak from the vehicle, which may be caused by a damaged transmission pan, faulty transmission cooler lines, worn-out seals, a cracked transmission housing, or an overfilled transmission. Driving with a transmission fluid leak is not recommended, as it can cause reduced performance, overheating, and potentially lead to transmission failure.
Another issue reported by 1988 Ford Taurus owners is transmission slips when going into gear. This problem can be particularly concerning, as it can affect the vehicle's drivability and safety.
In addition to transmission problems, the 1988 Ford Taurus can also experience issues with its vehicle speed control system. One reported problem involves the vehicle accelerating when the brakes are applied, which can be a significant safety concern.
Lastly, the 1988 Ford Taurus can have structure and body problems, such as paint discoloration and peeling off the vehicle. This issue may not directly affect the vehicle's performance but can impact its appearance and overall value.
Regular maintenance is crucial for addressing these issues and keeping the 1988 Ford Taurus in good condition. For example, transmission fluids should be exchanged at regular intervals with Ford-approved products, and the differential and transmission fluids should be inspected routinely according to Ford's recommendations. Additionally, it's essential to address any signs of transmission problems, such as leaks or low fluid levels, promptly to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
What is the most common problem with Ford Taurus?
Some of the top Ford Taurus problems include a cracked windshield, gasket leaks, and engine problems. The Ford Taurus has an average annual repair cost of $697 with a lower frequency of unscheduled repairs, an average of 0.2 times a year, compared to its competitors.
Is a 1998 Ford Taurus a good car?
The Taurus has comfortable seats, a plethora of cupholders and ashtrays, nicely integrated armrests and optional rear-passenger airconditioning controls. Not many people buy midsized sedans for their outstanding handling characteristics, and for the most part the Taurus does not address these people's concerns.
Why did Ford stop making Taurus?
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, sales of the Taurus declined as it lost market share to Japanese mid-size sedans and as Ford shifted resources towards developing SUVs. The Taurus was withdrawn after the 2007 model year, with production ending on October 27, 2006.
How much is a 1988 Ford Taurus?
1988 Ford Taurus Trims
| Trim type | MSRP |
|---|---|
| MT5 | $12,926 |
| LX Wagon | $16,124 |
| LX | $15,392 |
| L Wagon | $13,110 |
1988 Ford Taurus car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Taurus problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Ford Taurus vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Ford Taurus
The NHTSA has received 419 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Ford Taurus. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Ford Taurus vehicles.
2012-04-04
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-07-01
- VIN: 1FABP50U8JA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE RPMS WOULD INCREASE EXCESSIVELY. THE FAILURE WOULD RESET ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 10/10/12 *CN UPDATED 1/23/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED AT STOPS, WITH BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED A SMALL UNUSUAL ENGINE HUM BEGINS. THEN, IT INCREASES RAPIDLY AND LOUDLY. THE BRAKES SEEM TO SINK TO THE FLOOR. UPDATED 02/11/2013 *JS
2012-03-13
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-18
- VIN: 1FABP50U9JG
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK . THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE RPMS DID NOT RETURN TO IDLE. THE CONTACT SAW THAT THE CABLE THAT WAS CONNECTED TO THE THROTTLE AND CRUISE CONTROL WAS OUT OF PLACE AND THE CONTACT RE-ATTACHED THE CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 04/06/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE A TACHOMETER. UPDATED 04/13/12
2006-04-19
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-01
- VIN: 1FABP5548JA
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER'S 1988 FORD TAURUS WAS DELIVERED WITH RUST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR FENDER. *TS THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES, WIPER MOTOR, BODY MOUNTS AND STRUTS. *NM
2006-04-07
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-07
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER AT ANY SPEED AND THE ROTORS BECAME CORRODED AS A RESULT OF SODIUM BUILD UP. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN CONSULTED, AND AGREED TAHT THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL 98V323000 CONCERNING THE SUB FRAME MEMBERS, AND RECALL 91V134000 CONCERNING THE BRAKE ROTORS. HOWEVER, MANUFACTURER AND DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITHOUTA CHARGE TO THE CONTACT. *AK
2004-07-13
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-12
- Fire: 1
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT HEADLIGHT. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. CONSUMER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE POLICE IN POUND. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK,
2004-05-11
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-15
- VIN: 1FABP57U3KA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A FUEL LINE PROBLEM. *AK THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE IDLE, MILEAGE PER HOUR, THE A/C, THICKNESS IN THE FUEL, AND THE IGNITION. (REFER TO: ODI# 10073942) *SC THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER WERE INOPERATIVE. *JB
2004-05-11
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,TIRES,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-15
- VIN: 1FABP57U3KA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S FUEL LINE. *MR CONSUMER WAITING FOR SETTLEMENT ON REPAIRS MADE ON FUEL PUMP, ENGINE MOUNTS, POWER BRAKE BOOSTER, MASTER CYLINDER, AIR CONDITIONER, MANIFOLD, TIRES, AND TRANSMISSION. *LA
2003-08-21
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-26
- VIN: 1FABP52U7JG
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 1988 FORD TAURUS GL 3.0L V-6. HEATER CORE FAILED DURING WINTER MONTH WITH TEMPS IN THE 30-40 DEGREE F RANGE. WINDSHIELD AND ALL OTHER WINDOWS FOGGED OVER AND ELIMINATED VISIBILITY INSTANTLY. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AT NIGHT AT APPROX 9:30 PM. ATTEMPTS AT USING A PAPER TOWEL WHICH WAS HANDY WAS TO NO AVAIL. AS SOON AS THE INTERIOR WINDOW WAS WIPED, IT INSTANTLY REFOGGED. USE OF DEFOGGER WAS FUTILE AND USE OF THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS OF LITTLE TO NO HELP. THE IMMEDIATE NATURE OF THE INCIDENT, FOR AN INEXPERIENCED DRIVER OR A DRIVER UNFAMILIAR WITH THE ROAD IT COULD LEAD TO A TRAGIC ACCIDENT. ANYONE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEED WHEN THIS WOULD OCCUR WOULD VERY LIKELY BECOME DISORIENTED, LOSE CONTROL, AND CRASH WITH LIKELY FATAL RESULTS. THERE ARE VERY LIKELY, NUMEROUS "UNEXPLAINED FATALITIES" WHERE THIS VERY INCIDENT WAS THE CAUSE. AFTER THE CRASH, FINDING THE CAUSE WOULD BE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND, DUE TO THE FATAL ENDING, NO ONE FROM INSIDE THE AUTO TO RELATE WHAT HAPPENED. THE SAME HEATER CORE AND INSTALLATION ARRANGEMENT HAS EXISTED ON THE FORD TAURUS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. I REPORTED THIS SHORTLY AFTER IT OCCURRED BUT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE.*AK
2003-08-07
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-05
- VIN: 1FABP5342JG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE WHICH RESULTED IN A BLOWN ENGINE HEAD GASKET. *PH
2003-07-02
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH DID NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IT WAS HARD TO GET THE VEHICLE TURNED ON, AND WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED, THE DASH LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PLAY WITH THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION TO GET THE DASH LIGHTS TO COME ON. *PH *JB *CB
2003-05-12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-12
- VIN: 1FABP5342JA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN I TRY TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE THE IGNITION SWITCH IS HARD TO TURN ON THEN WHEN IT IS TURNED ON THE DASH DOESN'T LIGHT UP, AND THE WHOLE CAR IS DIGITAL. I HAVE TO PLAY WITH THE SWITCH AND TRY AND TURN THE KEY A LITTLE BACKWARDS TO GET THE DASH TO LIGHT UP. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ALMOST A YEAR (SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR). *NLM
2002-12-29
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP53U8JA
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SUBJECT VEHICLE: 1988 FORD TAURUS, VIN NO. [XXX] THE DRIVERS SIDE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING INSULATION BECOME ABRADED,OR PUNCTURED, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OCCURRED THAT RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE SEAT CUSHION MATERIAL. AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED IN THE SERVICE DEPT. OF TEXAN FORD, INC., 20777 KATY FREEWAY, KATY, TX 77450, PHONE 281-579-9100. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE SERVICE TECH WORKING ON THE CAR. THE FIRE APPEARED TO BE CAUSED BY THE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING ROUTED OVER RATHER THAN UNDER THE FRONT SEAT SUPPORT BRACE, ALLOWING DAMAGE BY SEAT CUSHION SPRING ENDS WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED. THE DEFECTIVE POWER SEAT CONTROL WIRING HARNESS WAS ACQUIRED BY THE OWNER AND IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY ANY INTERESTED PARTIES. THE FORD DEALERSHIP REPORTED NO LIABILITY FOR THE SEAT FIRE AND SAID THAT FORD HAD NOT LIABILITY FOR THE FIRE OR RESULTING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. REFER TO RECALL NUMBER 91V036000 ON THIS VEHICLE. WHEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY,THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MACK HAIK FORD, 10333 KATY FREEWAY, HOUSTON, TX 77024, PHONE 713-932-5065 FOR THE RECALL MAINTENANCE WORK. IT APPEARS THE RECALL WORK WAS NOT CARRIED OUT OR WAS CARRIED OUT INCORRECTLY AT THAT TIME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
2002-08-23
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-19
- VIN: 1FABP57U3KA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: SUB FRAME BOLTS BROKE MOTOR MOUNTS ON ENGINE AND BOOT ON STEERING---BOLTS WERE DEFECT ALL FOUR BOLTS---PUT STRESS/STRAIN ON ENGINE/STEERING
2002-08-08
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP0D2JG2
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES WHEN THE ENGINE IS FIRST STARTED, EITHER HOT OR COLD, THE REVOLUTIONS ARE HIGH AND A WAIT IS REQUIRED TO AVOID HARSH SHIFTS (ALSO WASTES FUEL). SOMETIMES THE REVOLUTIONS NEVER SETTLE DOWN TO AN IDLE SPEED AND BRAKING IS REQUIRED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM GOING OVER THE SPEED LIMIT. WHEN STOPPED THE ENGINE WILL SURGE WITHOUT WARNING AND THE BRAKE MUST BE DEPRESSED AT ALL TIMES AS NOT TO LOSE CONTROL. DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED 3 TIMES. HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *TT
2002-04-11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
- VIN: 1FABP57V3KA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY, CONSUMER HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. ENGINE PULLED AWAY FROM MAIN FRAME DUE TO DEFECTIVE BOLTS. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEERING BOOT HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SUB FRAME FAILURE, OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE INCLUDE: TFI MODULE, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, BLOWER MOTOR WAS OVERHEATING, FUEL PUMP FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. *SLC
2002-03-06
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-15
- VIN: 1FABP52U9JA
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RECALL 98 V 323 000/SUBFRAME CORROSION: WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH SUBFRAME DETACHED FROM BODY MOUNT AND CAUSED LOSS OF STEERING. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *TT
2002-01-28
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-21
- VIN: 1FBP55U5JG2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. DRIVER PUSHED ON ACCELERATOR, BUT AUTOMOBILE CONTINUED TO SHUT DOWN. REACHING SIDE OF ROAD, AND USING BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR, CONSUMER COULD RESTART VEHICLE BY PLACING IT IN NEUTRAL OR PARK. CONSUMER HAS NOT YET HAD AN ACCIDENT. *AK
2002-01-13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP52U7JG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
2001-08-27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP584XJA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
2001-06-20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP52U0JA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER LOST TOTAL ELECTRIC POWER TO SPARK PLUGS WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. MOTOR STALLED AND LOST ALL POWER TO VEHICLE. IGNITION SWITCH HAS MELTED DOWN. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER KEPT PUTTING VEHICLE ON MACHINES, BUT HAS NOT SOLVED PROBLEM. *AK *SLC
2001-04-23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-17
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER CAME TO A START, ENTERED INTO INTERSECTION AND VEHICLE STALLED. ONCE ENGINE COOLS DOWN, IT WILL START BACK UP. CONSUMER IS AWARE OF A CLASS ACTION SUIT. *AK
2001-04-16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
- VIN: 1FABP51D0JA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE AND IT MADE NOISES. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
2001-04-12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
- VIN: 1FABP5745JG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RUBBER MOUNTS DETERIORATED, CAUSING THEM TO CRACK IN HALF, DEALER REPLACED. *SLC
2001-04-09
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-01
- VIN: 1FABP57U8JG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
2001-03-07
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-13
- VIN: 1FABP5242JA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING ERRATIC OPERATION OF IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY. VEHICLE WILL EITHER NOT START OR CUTS OFF DURING OPERATION. *AK DEALER FIRST REPLACED STARTER ASSEMBLY AND THEN LATER DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY. *SLC
1988 Ford Taurus recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1988 Ford Taurus.
1998-12-16
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
- Consequence: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.
1994-11-25
- Manufacturer: MONROE AUTO CORP.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
- Summary: THE ARC WELDS ON THE SWAY BAR BRACKET, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE STRUT RESERVE TUBE, DID NOT FUSE PROPERLY.
- Consequence: OVER TIME, A PORTION OF THE BRACKET CAN TEAR AWAY FROM THE STRUT, FALLING INTO AND PUNCTURING THE TIRE OR CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: MONROE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STRUT FREE OF CHARGE.
1993-06-23
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS AND SABLES BUILT FROM 10-14-85 THROUGH 8-19-88, AND LINCOLN CONTINENTALS BUILT FROM 11-4-87 THROUGH 9-30-88 (EXCEPT 1989 - 1991 2.5L TAURUS AND 1989 - 1992 SHO). THE AFFECTED CARS WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, AND WISCONSIN. THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, MAY BECOME DETACHED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT RETAINING PLATE. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
- Consequence: IF ONE OF THE REAR CORNERS DROPS, ONLY MINOR INDICATIONS OF A MALFUNCTION SUCH AS A CLUNKING NOISE OR SLIGHT CHANGE IN STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT ARE NOTICEABLE. HOWEVER, IF BOTH REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME DROP, STEERING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL A CORROSION-RESISTANT REINFORCING PLATE AND A NEW BOLT ON BOTH REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS. THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY RECALL 98V-323.
1992-05-11
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
- Consequence: THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.
1991-08-06
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
- Summary: FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.
- Consequence: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.
1991-03-04
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING IS ROUTED OVER RATHER THAN UNDER THE FRONT SEAT SUPPORT BRACE, ALLOWING DAMAGE BY SEAT CUSHION SPRING ENDS WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED.
- Consequence: POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING INSULATION MAY BECOME ABRADED,OR PUNCTURED, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR THAT COULD RESULT IN A FIREIN THE SEAT CUSHION MATERIAL.
- Remedy: REVISE ROUTING OF POWER SEAT WIRING TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM SEAT CUSHION SPRING CONTACT.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Ford Taurus problems:
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