1986 Ford Taurus
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 101 |
| 1987 | 255 |
| 1988 | 333 |
| 1989 | 562 |
| 1990 | 381 |
| 1991 | 649 |
| 1992 | 681 |
| 1993 | 1557 |
| 1994 | 923 |
| 1995 | 1205 |
| 1996 | 825 |
| 1997 | 770 |
| 1998 | 545 |
| 1999 | 874 |
| 2000 | 1195 |
| 2001 | 1037 |
| 2002 | 1426 |
| 2003 | 1223 |
| 2004 | 375 |
| 2005 | 774 |
| 2006 | 318 |
| 2007 | 149 |
| 2008 | 175 |
| 2009 | 64 |
| 2010 | 202 |
| 2011 | 187 |
| 2012 | 78 |
| 2013 | 579 |
| 2014 | 227 |
| 2015 | 253 |
| 2016 | 75 |
| 2017 | 43 |
| 2018 | 45 |
| 2019 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
13% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. NAR 07/02/2003. *MR THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY INTENTIONALLY SOLD DEFECTIVE VEHICLES TO CUSTOMERS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040615
11% of complaints: structure — 11 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: seat belts — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE RIGHT QUARTER WINDOWS MAY CONTAIN GLASS WHICH WAS IMPROPERLY TEMPERED. THIS GLASS MAY YIELD PIECES LARGER THAN THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED BY FMVSS 205, GLAZING MATERIAL.
Remedy: REPLACE THE QUARTER WINDOWS CONTAINING DATE CODE 5 AF.
Campaign 86V039000 — check if this car was fixed
ROAD SALT INDUCED EROSION OF THE WIPER MOTOR CONDUCTOR STRIPS COULD CAUSE LOCALIZED THERMAL STRESS WITHIN THE GLASS.
Remedy: APPLY SEALANT TO CONDUCTOR STRIPS AND PROTECTIVE TAPE TO LOWER BACKLITES.
Campaign 87V017000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING BINDING
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Campaign 87V139000 — check if this car was fixed
HIGH BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT
STALLING
HEAD REST DROPS
FRONT SEAT BRACKET
EXHAUST GAS INTRUSION
FRONT SEAT BRACKET
SAFETY BELT FAILURE
SAFETY BELT FAILURE
SPEED CONTROL FAILURE
THROTTLE STICKING
BRAKE DISC HUB FAILURE
THROTTLE STICKING
BRAKE DISC HUB SEPARATIONS
DOOR HANDLES BREAKAGE
STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATION
FIRES IN IGNITION SWITCH
FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.
Campaign 91V134000 — check if this car was fixed
STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATION
CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPART
Remedy: REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.
Campaign 92V065000 — check if this car was fixed
SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL
SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS AND SABLES BUILT FROM 10-14-85 THROUGH 8-19-88, AND LINCOLN CONTINENTALS BUILT FROM 11-4-87 THROUGH 9-30-88 (EXCEPT 1989 - 1991 2.5L TAURUS AND 1989 - 1992 SHO). THE AFFEC
Remedy: INSTALL A CORROSION-RESISTANT REINFORCING PLATE AND A NEW BOLT ON BOTH REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS. THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY RECALL 98V-323.
Campaign 93V106000 — check if this car was fixed
POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKS
THE ARC WELDS ON THE SWAY BAR BRACKET, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE STRUT RESERVE TUBE, DID NOT FUSE PROPERLY.
Remedy: MONROE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STRUT FREE OF CHARGE.
Campaign 94E036000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR LOWER SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.
Campaign 98V323000 — check if this car was fixed
No summary on file.
Remedy: IGNITION LOCK SWITCH CYLINDER WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 85V172000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Ford Taurus — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V172000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 86V039000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V017000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V134000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V065000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V106000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94E036000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V323000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1986 Ford Taurus reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1986 Ford Taurus is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Ford Taurus?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Ford Taurus have?
9 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.