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1993 Ford Taurus Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 1993 Ford Taurus has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Head gasket failure on the 3.8L V6 engine.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 1993 Ford Taurus.

Reported to NHTSA

Head gasket failure on the 3.8L V6 engine

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

38 NHTSA complaints · 2001-07 → 2007-06

“HEAD GASKET FAILED ON 1993 FORD TAURUS GL, 3.8L. THIS DEFECT IS PREVALENT IN THE MAJORITY OF AUTOMOBILES MANUFACTURED WITH THIS ENGINE. *JB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10143589
“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING HEAD GASKET BLEWOUT, CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. CONSUMER WILL HAVE TO PULL OVER TO LET THVEHICLE COOL DOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8018284
“THE HEAD GASKET FAILED TWICE AFTER 2,000 MILES, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*JB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10009917

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight circuit breaker failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

18 NHTSA complaints · 2001-06 → 2013-08

“NHTSA RECALL 98V009000 CONCERNING HEADLIGHT FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHTS CAN FLASH INTERMITTENTLY AS A RESULT OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING. THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS CAN GO OUT FOR BRIEF INTERVALS. THIS RECALL FAILED. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10057537
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED RAPIDLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH FAILED AND THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V009000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10204003
“CONSUMER STATES WHILE 50MPH THE HEAD LIGHTS GOES OFF AND ON WITH OUT WARNING. TS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8021264

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic transmission failure

POWER TRAIN

9 NHTSA complaints · 2001-09 → 2005-01

“VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT A PISTON FAILED WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. *AK *NLM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10026261
“I HAVE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION 3 TIMES IN THIS CAR. I AM 57 AND DO NOT "HOTROD" IT. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #751845
“TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND SLIPPAGE MAKE DRIVING THE CAR ON A HIGHWAY UNPREDICTABLE AND DANGEROUS, WHILE SPEEDING UP ON AN ON-RAMP TO A HIGHWAY, I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A TRACTOR TRAILOR BECAUSE MY CAR COULD NOT SHIFT GEARS CORRECTLY. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #760176

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling or shutting off while driving

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

18 NHTSA complaints · 2001-08 → 2010-03

“CONSUMER STATES THAT ENGINE IS ERRATIC AND FREQUENTLY STALLS SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY, FORD CAN NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *SLC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #566411
“VEHICLE STALLED AT 30 MPH, AND WOULD NOT RESTART FOR A FEW HOURS. DEALER REPLACED CONTROL MODULE. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8008623
“VEHICLE HAS STALLED 4 TIMES AT ANY SPEED. DEALER CANNOT FIND CAUSE. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #899314

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front coil spring fracture

SUSPENSION

17 NHTSA complaints · 2001-07 → 2008-07

“RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON LOCAL ROAD. HAD IT REPAIRED AT LOCAL NEARBY SERVICE STATION. RIGHT TIE ROD WAS RUINED TOO. THIS SPRING HAD BEEN REPLACED BY THE FORD DEALER AS PART OF A SAFETY RECALL IN 1998. *NM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10143278
“WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO STEER, IT SWAYED TO THE RIGHT. RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN. BEFORE BEING TOWED TO DEALER, WHILE PARKED, LEFT COIL SPRING BROKE. THERE IS A RECALL BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED DUE TO VIN. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8015477
“WHILE DRIVING FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE, PUNCTURING FRONT PASSENGER ,CAUSING A COLLISION. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON THE MAKE AND MODEL. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #892812

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Subframe corrosion and separation

STRUCTURE

14 NHTSA complaints · 2001-08 → 2010-12

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH THE FRAME ON THE VEHICLE FRACTURED AND COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING HIM TO TEMPORARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10369643
“SUBFRAME WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION DROPPED OUT WHILE DIVING. STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT. CAR WAS PULLED OFF ROAD WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. RECALL ITEMS WHICH WERE REPLACED IN 1999 HAD FAILED AGAIN. FORD TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR SECOND FAILURE.*AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10148841
“CONSUMER LOST CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THEY INFORMED CONSUMER THAT SUBFRAME BODY MOUNT HAD DISCONNECTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8015819

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wiring harness and engine compartment fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2001-07 → 2007-06

“WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE, CAUSING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. ALSO, POWER DOOR LOCKS BECAME INOPERABLE. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #899471
“WHILE BEING PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 6-8 HOURS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED.*AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10115711
“I RECENTLY READ AN ARTICLE ABOUT SPONTANEOUS FIRES IN FORD MODELS ON CNN. I USED TO HAVE A FORD TAURUS WHICH CAUGHT ON FIRE. LUCKILY WE PUT IT OUT BEFORE IT GOT VERY LARGE BUT THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS BURNT AND IT WAS UNREPAIRABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10125574

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Speed control and unintended acceleration

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

8 NHTSA complaints · 2002-04 → 2008-10

“WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE ACCELERATES. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK IN THE LAST 5 MONTHS THE CONSUMER HAS HAD 2 NEAR ACCIDENT IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10073898
“WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE BEGAN TO REV UP TO FULL RPMS. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL VEHICLE OVER.*AK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8012024
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THROUGH THE TOLL PLAZA, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT EXITED OFF THE INTERSTATE AND APPROACHED A TRAFFIC LIGHT THIRTY SECONDS LATER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10244315

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

765 crashes 1990–2024

How the 765 occupant deaths break down

517

driver deaths

243

passenger deaths

5

not recorded by seat

765

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 1992 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

68

complaints mentioning a crash

52

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 1993 Ford Taurus reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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