1989 Ford Taurus recalls & complaints

Component: SEATS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING INSULATION MAY BECOME ABRADED,OR PUNCTURED, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR THAT COULD RESULT IN A FIREIN THE SEAT CUSHION MATERIAL.
Remedy: REVISE ROUTING OF POWER SEAT WIRING TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM SEAT CUSHION SPRING CONTACT.
Notes: SYSTEM: POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
Consequence: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.
Notes: NOTE: THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES RECALL CAMPAIGN 93V-106. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JANUARY 18, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
Summary: THE ARC WELDS ON THE SWAY BAR BRACKET, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE STRUT RESERVE TUBE, DID NOT FUSE PROPERLY.
Consequence: OVER TIME, A PORTION OF THE BRACKET CAN TEAR AWAY FROM THE STRUT, FALLING INTO AND PUNCTURING THE TIRE OR CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: MONROE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STRUT FREE OF CHARGE.
Notes: EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET SHOCK ABSORBERS FOR 1986 - 1994 FORD TAURUS AND MERCURY SABLE PASSENGER CARS; PART 71780, 81780. IF THE VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, PLEASE CONTACT MONROE AT 1-800-521-6754. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Component: WHEELS
Summary: 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 COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
Consequence: THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.
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.
Notes: SYSTEM: STRUCTURE: STORAGE COMPARTMENTS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS (STATION WAGONS).NOTE: FORD WILL HAVE SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES OF THE NEW LATCH ASSEMBLIES AVAILABLETO BEGIN THE REPLACEMENT RECALL IN JULY, 1992. UNTIL THE LATCH ASSEMBLY ISREPLACED, FORD RECOMMENDS OWNERS LOCK THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT WHEN NOT IN USE.ALSO, FORD ADVISES THAT THE LATCH STRIKER CAN BE REMOVED TO DISABLE THE CURRENTLATCH UNTIL REVISED LATCH ASSEMBLIES ARE AVAILABLE.

Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES ARE DEFECTIVE IN THREE WAYS. FIRST, A FASTENED SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. THIS RESULTS FROM INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE BUCKLE EJECTOR FINGER AND THE BUCKLE TONGUE WINDOW. THE SECOND DEFECT IS THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT LATCH. THE THIRD POSSIBLE DEFECT IS THAT THE TONGUE MAY BE RETAINED BY THE BUCKLE, BUT IT MAY NOT BE LATCHED SUFFICIENTLY TO PROVIDE OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
Consequence: AN INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED OR UNLATCHED SAFETY BELTINCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT. IF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH, IT WILL NOT ALLOW THEOCCUPANT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
Remedy: FORD WILL REPLACE THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH END RELEASE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES DESIGNED TO PREVENT LATCH PROBLEMS.
Notes: SYSTEM: SAFETY BELT BUCKLE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS AND UTILITY VEHICLES.NOTE: ONLY THE END RELEASE BUCKLES ON "RIGID" MOUNTINGS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO THISMALFUNCTION, THE WEB-MOUNTED FRONT CENTER END RELEASE BUCKLES AND THEWEB-MOUNTED REAR FACING THIRD SEAT END RELEASE BUCKLES IN TAURUS OR SABLEVEHICLES WILL NOT BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE WEB-MOUNTED FRONT CENTER BUCKLES INEXPLORER VEHICLES WILL NOT BE REPLACED.

Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. FORD IS INITIATING AN OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM THAT WILL PROVIDE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, 12 YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILEAGE, FOR ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES WITH FUNCTIONAL CONCERNS.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THE OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, FOR 12 YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILEAGE.
Notes: NOTE: FORD HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
Summary: 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.
Consequence: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.
Notes: SYSTEM: BRAKES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES SOLD OR REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CT, IL, IN, ME, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, AND WI.

03/15/2017 · Suspension
THE BALL END BROKE OFF THE TIE ROD.

08/17/2010 · Seat belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HE ATTEMPTED TO SECURE THE SEATBELT, THE ENTIRE SEATBELT BECAME DETACHED FROM THE ANCHORAGE CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 215,000.

04/22/2010 · Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, HE NOTICED THAT WHEN HE TRIED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, HE WAS UNABLE TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL USING THE BRAKE PEDAL. HE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN USING THE BRAKES BUT HAD TO DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL BY PUSHING THE OFF BUTTON ON THE STEERI…

03/03/2010 · Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1989 FORD TAURUS GLS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TRIED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UP TO 85 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF AS THE SPEED INCREASED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL…

01/19/2010 · Vehicle Speed Control · crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE DRIVER ACCIDENTLY STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND UNEXPECTEDLY, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER STATED THAT…

07/07/2008 · Suspension
HAVING TO MANY PROBLEMS WITH TIRE, HEATING, BRAKES, SUSPENSION I CHANGE THIS PARTS LIKE 3 TIMES. *TR

07/18/2007 · Brakes
THIS WAS ON A 1989 FORD TAURUS L . AFTER REAR BRAKE REPAIRS THE BRAKE LINE FROM THE PROPORTIONING VALVE TO THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE HOSE SPRUNG A LEAK AND ALL BRAKING WAS LOST. DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE THIS BRAKE LINE LIKELY BROKE DUE TO YEARS OF CORROSION FROM ROAD SALTS AND OTHER SOURCES DURING BAD WEATHER. DUE TO SO MUCH POSSIBLE DAMAGE FROM CORROSION I…

08/05/2006 · Electrical system · fire
SUNDAY AT 11:45 AM, I LEFT MY HOUSE TO GO TO WORK AT WAL-MART. AT ABOUT 4:30 PM, A CUSTOMER AT WAL-MART CAME IN THE STORE AND TOLD US THAT A CAR WAS ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. I WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE WHO CAR IT WAS. IT WAS MINE. IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE DASH. THE WHOLE DASH IS GONE. THE FIRE STARTED BY ELECTRICAL IN THE DASH. I HAVE THE REPORT FR…