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1999 Ford Taurus Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 1999 Ford Taurus has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Front coil spring fracture puncturing tire.” 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 1999 Ford Taurus.

Reported to NHTSA

Front coil spring fracture puncturing tire

SUSPENSION

33 NHTSA complaints · 2005-08 → 2015-04

“ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVE AND THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED MY TIRE. NOW JUST THIS MORNING AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED MY TIRE. I KNOW THERE IS A RECALL FROM FORD O4S17 FRONT COIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10504795
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE COIL SPRING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10450460
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE FLATTENED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED A HOLE THROUGH THE TIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10267378

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake line corrosion causing loss of braking

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

23 NHTSA complaints · 2005-09 → 2013-08

“ON DEC. 14, 2005, WITH 60,001 MILES, THE VEHICLES SERVICE (HYDRAULIC) BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED. FULLERTON FORD OF SOMERVILLE, NJ EVALUATED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT A BADLY RUSTED STEEL BRAKE FLUID TUBE (WHICH FEEDS FLUID TO THE REAR BRAKES) HAD RUPTURED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10145455
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT'S WIFE ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT PLACED BRAKE FLUID INTO THE BRAKE RESERVOIR AND DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, IN WHICH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10228169
“TOTAL BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT MEDIUM SPEED, AND PRESSED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AT THE CURVE. TO MY HORROR THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN ALL THE WAY WITHOUT SLOWING THE CAR AT ALL. THERE WAS NO BRAKE WARNING LIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10159043

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt retractor failure to extend or retract

SEAT BELTS

17 NHTSA complaints · 2005-08 → 2019-07

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V250000 (SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10447435
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. THE SEAT BELTS WILL NOT PULL OUT TO BE USED, THEREFORE SHE CANNOT RESTRAIN ANYONE IN THE REAR SEATS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10200457
“I WOULD SAY 7 TIMES OUT OF 10 WHILE DRIVING IN MY CAR THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RANDOMLY POPS UNBUCKLED OR IF I REACH FOR SOMETHING IT UNBUCKLES. IT IS A LITTLE SCARY TO BE HONEST. SOMETIMES WHEN I BREAK THE SLIGHTEST PRESSURE CAUSE IT TO FAIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11234319

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering rack and pinion leak or failure

STEERING

11 NHTSA complaints · 2005-08 → 2015-10

“I'LL COPY ANOTHERS POST TO REFLECT EXACTLY THE WAY I FEEL AND MY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS STEERING ISSUE... RACK AND PINION SEAL LEAKS FLUID INTO THE RIGHT HAND BOOT AND THEN THE GROUND, CAUSING THE POWER STEERING NOT TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AND FAILURE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10779486
“ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, I HEARD NOISE IN THE RIGHT FRONT OF MY 1999 FORD TAURUS AS I TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT. AS I LEFT THE PARKING LOT, THE STEERING SEEMED "STIFF" AND ON HARD TURNS THERE WAS NOISE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10134093
“I WAS TOLD BY THE FORD SERVICE PERSONNEL THAT MY CAR HAS A BAD STEERING RACK WHICH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $750. MY CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE MECHANIC BECAUSE MY STEERING BECAME LABORED AND DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. I WAS TOLD IT IS A HAZARD TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10157734

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic transmission failure requiring rebuild

POWER TRAIN

11 NHTSA complaints · 2005-09 → 2013-03

“TRANSMISSION FAILURE. NO WARNING. DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH AND IT WAS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WENT INTO NEUTRAL. THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL HAD TO STOP ALL NORTH BOUND TRAFFIC ON I5 IN LOS ANGELES SO THE TOW TRUCK CAN MOVE THE CAR WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY TO SAFETY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10419527
“GOT A TRANSMISSION LEAK, THE TRANSMISSION PAN SEALS WERE REPLACED AS THEY WERE WET AND TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED AND REFILLED. NEXT DAY THE CAR WAS STILL LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID BROUGHT IT BACK TO SHOP WHERE THE SEALS IN THE TRANSMISSION PUMP WERE SHREDDED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10504933
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. AT 43,400 MILES, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AT THE COST OF $1,400. WITHIN A YEAR, IT HAD TO BE REBUILT A SECOND TIME AT NO CHARGE. ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2008, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT FOR THE THIRD TIME AT 53,600 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10243348

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Coolant system corrosion leading to head gasket failure

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

10 NHTSA complaints · 2005-08 → 2010-06

“I HAVE A 1999 FORD TAURUS WAGON AND THE COOLING SYSTEM HAS BEEN A THORN IN MY SIDE FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS. FIRST 1K WAS LEAKING COOLANT AND WHEN I BROUGHT INTO THE DEALERSHIP,WAS TOLD THE FREEZE PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS THE COOLANT WAS ACIDIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10221143
“FORD COOLANT CORROSION IS COSTING US TOOOOO MUCH. ENGINE WAS RUNNING HOT. STARTED WITH THERMOSTAT, THEN DEGAS BOTTLE CAP (FULL OF RUST), THEN WATER PUMP (FINS CORRODED AND GONE), THEN RADIATOR FLUSHED-FULL OF RUST, NOW HEAD GASKET IS GONE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10205172
“I NOTICED PROBLEMS WITH MY AIR AND HEAT IN MY 1999 FORD TAURUS. WHEN I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, I WAS TOLD THAT A FREEZE PLUG ON MY ENGINE HAD RUSTED THROUGH, AND ANTIFREEZE WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10133572

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration while braking or idling

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

15 NHTSA complaints · 2005-12 → 2017-11

“DRIVING DOWN THE STREET IN WHICH I LIVE GOING 30 MPH, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY. MY 11 YEAR OLD WAS IN THE BACK SEAT. SUDDENLY THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AFTER I TAPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10155936
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10483636
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHILE STOPPED AND WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10451436

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)

812 crashes 1990–2024

How the 812 occupant deaths break down

572

driver deaths

240

passenger deaths

812

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 1998 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.

65

complaints mentioning a crash

20

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 1999 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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