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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,834 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1996 Ford Taurus engine problems

engine problem

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1996 Ford Taurus Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #62

Nov 122010

Taurus

  • 106,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 1996 Ford Taurus gl stalled due to a failed camshaft synchronizer that broke. It only has 106,500 miles on it. I understand the 1997's have a recall - why aren't the 1996 Taurus included ?? these should be part of the recall.

- Norfolk, NE, USA

problem #61

Jun 292006

Taurus 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have a 1996 Taurus gl. The car leaks oil, and then it leaked transmission fluid from the pan. The main problem with this car is the oil leak. I spent 500 to get it fixed and the darn thing stopped leaking and now it leaks again. I have a friend that has a 1997 and her car leaks also. Why did Ford make a product that leaks like a siv.

- Monticello, NY, USA

problem #60

Aug 122004

Taurus

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles
While driving, the engine light illuminated. The consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the transmission. The consumer stated the transmission and engine was in the process of failing.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #59

Apr 122003

Taurus 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Defective freeze plugs in 1996 Ford 3.0 vulcan engine in Taurus sedan. On two different occasions freeze plugs corroded through letting hot engine coolant spill on to my hands causing burns. There was a recall issued but I was never notified as the car owner. Cost of repair vehicle was over $500 the engine transmission had to be removed and all freeze plugs were replaced. This cost should have been born by Ford Motor Co. But was an out of pocket expense for me.

- Lexington, SC, USA

problem #58

Sep 042000

Taurus 6-cyl

  • 80,180 miles
Head gasket was never any good. I have spent approximately $2500 on repair cost and survived two winters without heat in the vehicle. Ford company knew about the problem with the vehicle and did nothing. **dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*734332

- Ferriday, LA, USA

problem #57

Aug 182002

Taurus 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
To whom it may concern. I bought a Ford Taurus 1996 from venuns Ford in milwaukee Wisconsin. I have only had this car for seven months and the gas pedal was sticking and taking off very fast and shifting its gears. The motor was rumbling and shaking. I had to repair the axles of the car. I had to take it back every month because of the engine. The water pump over heated and the gas pedal is still sticking and taking off very fast today. Also the dealer is trying to take away the warranty so they wouldn't have to pay for the repairs. I asked the dealer to take a federal investigation but they refused. I asked for an even exchange for a different car but they wanted me to pay for this car and the other if I got one. Urgently respond to my complaint.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #56

Dec 312002

(reported on)

Taurus 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumer complained about engine stalling problems. It only happens when driving at no more than 10 to 15 mph. Dealer was contacted as well as the manufacturer, L and nothing has happened so far. Ts...

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #55

Oct 082002

(reported on)

Taurus

  • miles
This document contains emails from several Taurus sho owners regarding the failure of the engine camshaft sprocket.

- Douglasville, GA, USA

problem #54

Aug 212002

Taurus

  • miles
While driving engine gaskets blewout, causing vehicle to stall. Consumer has had number safety problems with vehicle since purchase. Has had to replace heater core/ radiator and thermostat.

- Goodyear, AZ, USA

problem #53

Jul 102002

Taurus

  • miles
The head gasket leaked and eventually failed, there was rust in the valves causing me to purchase a new engine. I am trying to find out if the Ford Taurus is known for such problems and if there was a recall and if the manufacture covers this.

- Hill Afb, UT, USA

problem #52

May 172002

Taurus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Noticed a knock in the engine and was going to have it checked out when going down interstate 75 at 65 miles and hour the car lost acceleration in heavy Friday afternoon traffic. I was able to get off the expressway and call for help. I had the car towed to a local Ford dealer. They have now had my car for 48 days. I was told that the camshaft on the right side of the engine had malfunctioned and would have to be replaced. I was told the repairs would be between $2,800-$3,300. I authorized the repairs. After finally getting the parts, repairing and putting the engine back together it still did not run properly. They had to pull the engine apart again and now said they would need approximately $2,000 more to repair the valves and head. They replaced the valves and were able to machine the head. They put it back together and returned my car after 35 days and $4,400 in repairs. The next morning on the way to work the check engine light came on and the engine was running very rough. Took back to Ford after 4 more days I was told the other side of the engine was now malfunctioning and it would cost me approximately $2,000-$3,000 more in repairs. After going to the head of service/parts they agreed to cover the last repairs. I was informed that when the repair was complete that it may happen again. If I would have know all this in the beginning I would not have authorized the repairs.

- Cartersville, GA, USA

problem #51

Jun 232002

Taurus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Camshaft snapped, causing loss of vehicle control. Dealer has been notified. Consumer states that the sprocket on the camshaft came loose, causing the cam to quit turning, this caused the valves and pistons to hit each other, the engine died and vehicle lost power brakes and power steering.

- Gillette, WY, USA

problem #50

Sep 042000

Taurus

  • miles
Head gasket was never any good. I have spent approxiamately $2500 on repair costs and survived two winters without heat in the vehicle. Ford company knew about the problem with the vehicle and did nothing.

- Ferriday, LA, USA

problem #49

Aug 152001

Taurus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When driving and just stopping, andwith no warning spindle on camshaft came loose from engine.

- Union Town, OH, USA

problem #48

Jun 112002

(reported on)

Taurus

  • miles
While driving vehicle and without warning engine stalled. Dealer has been notified. Mechanic stated frozen plug needed to be replaced.

- Sewell, NJ, USA

problem #47

Sep 212001

Taurus

  • miles
Based on info read from other Ford Taurus sho owners, camshaft problem is occurring in a high number of these vehicles. The Ford dealership that did my cam replacement showed me the defective cam and the sprocket that was attached to it, that moved freely. It was not supposed to be a moveable part. Most complaint appear to be for the same type of camshaft engine failure. Problem is, I have begun hearing the same clicking noise again. There are 4 camshafts in this engine and only one was replaced for the $2200 fee. If another one goes, I will have a vehicle with payments, that will be of little value without the sho engine, it was purchase for. Your help please.

- Severna Park, MD, USA

problem #46

Sep 102001

Taurus

  • miles
Normal camshaft failure accurring in these model cars.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

problem #45

May 062001

Taurus

  • miles
This is the second time a camshaft sprocket has failed.the first time was under warranty so the engine was replaced at no cost to me.now my warranty is out and the estimated bill is over $3,000.this could be a very dangerous situation because the vehicle loses power all at once.this could cause a serious accident in traffic.I have seen many other complaints on this same problem(at least 20 other incidents).will it take someone being killed before something is done about this problem.

- Wichita, KS, USA

problem #44

Sep 092001

Taurus

  • miles
Camshaft gear separated from camshaft.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #43

Oct 202001

Taurus

  • miles
Motor mount has broken, safety issue?

- Summerville, SC, USA

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