1988 Ford Taurus
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 | 104 |
| 1987 | 259 |
| 1988 | 341 |
| 1989 | 570 |
| 1990 | 392 |
| 1991 | 659 |
| 1992 | 694 |
| 1993 | 1565 |
| 1994 | 931 |
| 1995 | 1208 |
| 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 | 204 |
| 2011 | 187 |
| 2012 | 78 |
| 2013 | 583 |
| 2014 | 228 |
| 2015 | 267 |
| 2016 | 79 |
| 2017 | 44 |
| 2018 | 47 |
| 2019 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
29% of complaints: electrical system — 99 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19940526
21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 73 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE RPMS WOULD INCREASE EXCESSIVELY. THE FAILURE WOULD RESET ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120404
15% of complaints: structure — 52 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and door.
12% of complaints: power train — 41 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
CRASH FIRE10% of complaints: seat belts — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
SEAT BELT NOT SECURED W/BOLTS AT FACTORY, CAUSING SEAT BELT TO FAIL DURING AN ACCDIENT, RESULTING IN INJURY. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19941212
SAFETY TIMELINE
HEAD REST DROPS
PWR SEAT MALFUNC - FIRE
POWER SEAT MALFUNC/FIRE
SPEED CONTROL FAILURE
THROTTLE STICKING
BRAKE DISC HUB FAILURE
THROTTLE STICKING
BRAKE DISC HUB SEPARATIONS
DOOR HANDLES BREAKAGE
THE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING IS ROUTED OVER RATHER THAN UNDER THE FRONT SEAT SUPPORT BRACE, ALLOWING DAMAGE BY SEAT CUSHION SPRING ENDS WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED.
Remedy: REVISE ROUTING OF POWER SEAT WIRING TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM SEAT CUSHION SPRING CONTACT.
Campaign 91V036000 — check if this car was fixed
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
ENGINE MOUNT FAILURE
POWER STEERING LEAKS/FIRES
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
BROKEN TIE RODS
UNDERBODY FUEL LINE FAILS
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
STEERING LCK-UP/IMPEDIMENT
POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKS
BROKEN TIE RODS
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
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Ford Taurus — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (99 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (73 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (52 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V036000 (seats) 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 1988 Ford Taurus reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Ford Taurus is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Ford Taurus?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Ford Taurus have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.