Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 955 of 1,205 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 116 of 1,205 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
418 complaint records1 fire report5 crash reports
"THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, DUE TO A FAULTY SENSOR. *JB THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION FAILED, DUE TO A FAULTY SENSOR. *MR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
403 complaint records29 fire reports
"VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE OVERHEATING AND LOSS OF POWER, RECALL FOR SAME FAILURE, HOWEVER VEHICLE DENIED DUE TO VIN #. YH..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
104 complaint records19 fire reports1 crash report
"ODOMETER IS ERRATIC, ABOVE 50MPH NEEDLE SHOWS ANY READING. DEALER KNOWS ELECTRONIC ANALOGUE CHIP HAS TO BE REPLACED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ99017 opened Aug 1999 | closed Feb 2000 | Suspension | FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING - led to recall 98V094000 There is no summary currently available |
| EA96024 opened Sep 1996 | closed Apr 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES - led to recall 97V019000 There is no summary currently available |
| EA96019 opened Jul 1996 | closed Jan 1998 | Exterior Lighting | HEADLIGHT FAILURE - led to recall 98V009000 EXCESSIVE HEAT IN AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CIRCUIT BREAKER WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THAT CIRCUIT BREAKER TO OPEN FOR TIME PERIODS OF VARYING LENGTH TO COOL OFF.OPENING OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THIS MANNER INTERRUPTS ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW TO THE... |
| PE96033 opened May 1996 | closed Sep 1996 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES - led to recall 97V019000 IN DECEMBER 1995, FORD RECALLED 119,313 VEHICLES IN CANADA TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN CERTAIN 1992-95 TAURUS, SABLE, TEMPO, TOPAZ AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES.FORD IS AWARE OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01V390000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.8L ENGINES AND MUSTANG VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 5.0L ENGINES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BEARING TO SEIZE. | Normally free |
| 98V323000 | Structure | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN,... | Normally free |
| 97V025000 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN,... | Normally free |
| 97V019000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THESE VEHICLES ARE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, IOWA, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA. | Normally free |
| 94V198000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE RETAINER CLIP WHICH HOLDS THE MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM IS MISSING OR NOT COMPLETELY INSTALLED. THE PUSH ROD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001290 2001-12-11 | Electrical | 38,835 | Certain Taurus and Sable vehicles with 3.0 liter and 3.8 liter engines and 1995 model year Mustang vehicles with 3.8 liter and 5.0 liter engines. |
| 1998250 1998-12-22 | Steering | 251,032 | On certain vehicles located in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador, the lower sub frame mount plate nut may corrode and fail due to exposure to road salt. |
| 1997071 1997-04-02 | Electrical | 54,150 | VEHICLES WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES THAT WERE INVOLVED IN SAFETY RECALL 95S22 (95-202) WERE MODIFIED WITH A MAXI-FUSE THAT DOES NOT PROVIDE THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PROTECTION FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. |
| 1997060 1997-03-20 | Engine | 59,966 | DIRECT WATER SPRAY OR LONG TERM WET DRIVING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE WATER TO ACCUMULATE IN THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT. |
| 1995202 1995-11-15 | Electrical | 119,313 | NOTE: 1992-94 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINES; 1994-95 TAURUS/SABLE (EXCEPT SHO) WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINES; 1992-93 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES; 1992-94 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. |
Show 2 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995069 1995-04-11 | Brakes | 1 | THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD RETAINER CLIP MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE SERVICE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS COULD RESULT IN DISENGAGEMENT OF THE BRAKE PUSH ROD AND LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKING. |
| 1995050 1995-03-22 | Emissions | 41 | NOTE: TAURUS FLEX-FUEL VEHICLES (FFV). THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1105 - EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT FUEL VAPOUR VALVES INSTALLED IN THE FUEL TANK. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 02221 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ | |
| 870197 Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *TT | |
| 02208 Oct 2002 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 0214 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT | |
| 01246 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 01M09 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM 01S30 REGARDING ADDITIONAL COVERAGE FOR ENGINE COOLING FAN CIRCUIT BREAKER INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 01124 Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ON SOME VEHICLES, ENGINE OIL MAY CONTINUE TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET AREA AFTER AN ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED. *TT | |
| 14811 Apr 2001 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON ADDITIONAL PARTS REQUIRED WHEN REPLACING TRANSFER CASE ON VEHICLES EQUIPPPED WITH AX4S TRANSAXLE. *TT | |
| 0117 Jan 2001 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING REMANUFACTURED AX4S SHO TRANSAXLES BUILT WITH A UNIQUE TRIPLE CLUTCH PACK ASSEMBLY AND DRIVEN SPROCKET SUPPORT. *TT | |
| 14584 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING FLEX FUEL VECHICLE OIL AND FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS. *JB | |
| 00M09 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINE REPLACEMENTS WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM. *YH | |
| 00M10 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINE REPLACEMENTS WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM. *YH | |
| 00M09 Oct 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING PREMATURE FAILURE OF HEAD GASKETS. *JB | |
| 00M09 Jun 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING CUSTOMERS WITH PRIOR AFTER WARRANTY ADJUSTMENT (AWA) HEAD GASKET REPAIR. *TT | |
| 8316 Mar 2000 | Equipment | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH COMPACT DISC CHANGER MAY EXHIBIT A 6 DISC CD CHANGER THAT IS NOT EJECTING THE MAGAZINE OR IS NOT RESPONDING TO COMMAND FROM THE RADIO. | |
| 00M09 Mar 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE PREMATURE HEAD GASKET(S) FAILURE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN ENGINE COOLANT LEAKAGE, WHICH IF NOT DETECTED, CAN CAUSE ENGINE OVERHEATING. *MJS | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 00M09 Jan 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | IMPORTANT RECALL INFORMATION REGARDING VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE HEAD GASKET. *TT | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 99194 Sep 1999 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 99196 Sep 1999 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 99183 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SERVICE TIP INFORMATION ON REVISED OIL PAN GASKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 99184 Sep 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AX4S TRANSAXLE, MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH 2-3 DOWNSHIFT MAY OCCUR WHEN COASTING AROUND A CORNER AND THEN ACCELERATING. *TT | |
| 6997 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME SERVICE MANUALS MAY LIST THE INCORRECT CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL FOR VEHICLES WITH VARIOUS ENGINE SIZES. *TT | |
| 13180 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL CHART. *MJS | |
| 996735 Aug 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE AX4S TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH 3-2 DOWNSHIFT WHEN COASTING AROUND A CORNER AND THEN STEPPING INTO THE THROTTLE TO ACCELERATE AWAY FROM THE CORNER. *TT | |
| 99152 Jul 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT | |
| 99139 Jun 1999 | Exterior Lighting | CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT | |
| 99129 Jun 1999 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT | |
| 99111 Jun 1999 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION DESIGNED TO AID IN THE DIAGNOSIS, TESTING AND REPAIR OF NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 99816 May 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT | |
| 5897 Mar 1999 | Steering | EXPERIENCING A SQUEAKING AND / OR POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT OUTER TIRE RODS. *TT | |
| 12559 Mar 1999 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH REVERSE CLUTCH THAT COULD BECOME SHEARED OR TORN IN EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. *TT | |
| 12616 Mar 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON TRANSAXLE SERVICE CASE REPLACEMENT WITH OSS (OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED SENSOR) HOLE. *TT | |
| 12570 Mar 1999 | Steering | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT FRONT OUTER TIE RODS SQUEAK AND / OR POP NOISE OVER BUMPS AND / OR TURNING. *TT | |
| 98246 Dec 1998 | Electrical System | FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC | |
| 5290 Dec 1998 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SPEEDOMETER POINTER WIVER CONCERN. *TT | |
| 12209 Dec 1998 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SPEEDOMETER POINTER WAIVER CONCERN. *TT | |
| 98L20 Dec 1998 | Unknown Or Other | SPECIAL FIELD ACTION REGARDING REVISED WARANTY INFORMATION. *TT | |
| 982310 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK | |
| 12967 Nov 1998 | Power Train | VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT SPEEDOMETER POINTER WAVER. *MJS | |
| 985027 Nov 1998 | Power Train | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SPEEDOMETER POINTER WAVER. *TT | |
| 12099 Nov 1998 | Power Train | VEHICLES WITH THE AX4S TRANSAXLE HAVE AN INLINE TRANSMISSION COOLER BYPASS VALVE LOCATED IN THE COOLER LINE NEAR THE RADIATOR COOLER. *MJS | |
| 12178 Nov 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING TSB 98-5A-12 (TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION/TRANSFER CASE-VEHICLES TOWED BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES-RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES) DOES NOT LIST TOWING INFORMATION FOR CERTAIN MODEL VEHICLES. *MJS | |
| 982010 Oct 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING A " BUZZING " OR " RATTLING " NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *YC | |
| 4665 Aug 1998 | Fuel System | SOME FLEX FUEL VEHICLES WITH PREVIOUSLY SERVICED FUEL SENDERS MAY EXHIBIT A FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR THAT STAYS AT APPROXIMATELY << TANK. *TT | |
| 11782 Aug 1998 | Fuel System | SOME FLEX FUEL VEHICLES WITH PREVIOUSLY SERVICED FUEL SENDERS MAY EXHIBIT A FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR THAT STAYS AT APPROXIMATELY << TANK. *TT | |
| 9802169837 May 1998 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AN NO FORWARD OR REVERSE MOVEMENT. *YC | |
| 9802169838 May 1998 | Power Train | TRANSAXLES USE A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID. *YC | |
| 98M01 May 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | PREMATURE FAILURE OF ENGINE HEAD GASKETS MAY OCCUR. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN ENGINE COOLANT LEAKAGE, WHICH, IF NOT DETECTED OR IF IGNORED, WILL CAUSE ENGINE OVERHEATING, OR IN EXTREME CASES, COULD CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE IF OVERHEAT CONDITION IS IGNORED. *AK | |
| 9888 Apr 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC | |
| 9852 Apr 1998 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC | |
| 9873 Apr 1998 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINING / BUZZING NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO. *TT | |
| 9874 Apr 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC |
Showing 60 of 128 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Taurus →