1996 Ford Taurus SHO
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 24
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1996
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 24 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 4 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 14 |
| 1994 | 11 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 24 |
| 1997 | 22 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 21 |
Known problem areas
Only 24 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
21 of 24 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
The camshaft in my car failed and caused engine failure. It was a 1996 Ford Taurus SHO. It caused a complete power loss around a corner and I was almost involed in a head on collision. This has been happening to many sho owners.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-24
While traveling at the posted highway speed limit, the engine lost all power. Upon leaving the freeway and rolling to a stop. Vehicle was restarted but could only attain speeds of 5MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-03
Cam shaft failure on 3.4L V8 sho engine. Vehicle had ticking noise, then vehicle lost power and major engine failure. Upon inspection, cam is stripped and will need replacement. Estimated repair cost over $4,000 usd or replacement engine.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-11-20
Power train
2 of 24 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing torque converter and automatic transmission.
Visibility
1 of 24 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.
Tires
1 of 24 total reports mentions: tires.
Latches/locks/linkages
1 of 24 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2016-05-26Service brakes, hydraulic16E026000 Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598,...
Remedy: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Ford Taurus SHO — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16E026000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
FAQ
- Is the 1996 Ford Taurus SHO reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford Taurus SHO?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 88% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Ford Taurus SHO have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.