What are the most common Ford Taurus problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990 Ford Taurus has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Ignition Switch Internal Short / Fire Risk (Recall 96V-071), AXOD-E / AX4S 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle Failure, 3.8L Essex V6 Head Gasket Failure. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Taurus reliable?
The 1990 Ford Taurus has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Ignition Switch Internal Short / Fire Risk (Recall 96V-071) and AXOD-E / AX4S 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle Failure and 3.8L Essex V6 Head Gasket Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Taurus problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Taurus issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Ignition Switch Internal Short / Fire Risk (Recall 96V-071), typically costs $0-$200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1990-1993 Ford Taurus Ignition Switch Internal Short / Fire Risk (Recall 96V-071)?
1990-1993 Taurus (as part of a broad 1988-1993 Ford/Lincoln/Mercury population) were included in the April 1996 recall of ~7.9 million vehicles for an ignition switch defect (NHTSA 96V-071). A plastic barrier between the battery and ground terminals inside the switch can deterior… Repairs typically run $0-$200. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1999 Ford Taurus AXOD-E / AX4S 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle Failure?
The electronically controlled AXOD-E 4-speed automatic (renamed AX4S in 1993) has a poor reliability record on early-1990s Taurus/Sable, primarily due to inadequate internal lubrication: the final-drive assembly received only a constant ~5-7 psi, starving the geartrain so it over… Repairs typically run $1,800-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1995 Ford Taurus 3.8L Essex V6 Head Gasket Failure?
The 3.8L 'Essex' V6 (an optional engine in 1990-1995 Taurus/Sable, distinct from the base 3.0 Vulcan) is notorious for premature head gasket failure. The aluminum heads expand and contract at a different rate than the cast-iron block, and the original composite head gasket cannot… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1999 Ford Taurus 3.0L Vulcan Lower Intake Manifold Gasket / Coolant Tube Leak?
The base 3.0L Vulcan V6 develops coolant leaks at the lower intake manifold gasket area and at a steel coolant crossover tube that is pressed into the aluminum manifold. The gasket hardens with age and the steel-into-aluminum tube joint corrodes and loosens, letting coolant seep… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: medium.
