1998 Ford Taurus SHO Problems
- Complaints
- 10filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 82,878miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.4L 8-cyl FWD · 15 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Ford Taurus SHO (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 1998 Ford Taurus SHO. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 5 complaints (50% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (4) and suspension (2). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 82,878 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling5 50%
- Suspension2 20%
- Brakes1 10%
- Seat belts1 10%
- Body and structure1 10%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “No failure, the car is a 1998 Ford Taurus Sho. The owner previous of me spent $13000 replacing the engine due to a camshaft sprocket failure in an interference engine. I would like information as to what the NHTSA is going to do about this. I have many sources from a car club with over 400 documented camshaft failures in these cars. That is not even close to the number that have actually had this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100833, filed 2004-12, 80,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The contact owns a 1998 Ford Taurus Sho. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and trying to accelerate, the vehicle would not accelerate. The overdrive button had constantly been going on and off. The vehicle had not been inspected nor had the vehicle been repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 135,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10379323, filed 2011-01, 135,000 milesSuspension: “My 1998 Ford taurus experienced a problem exactly as the recall states for the 1999 Ford taurus re: the spring coil breaking and puncturing the tire. This resulted in a flat tire, coil, spring, and mount repair, as well as a tow and rental car. I was fortunate enough to have it happen in my driveway instead of on the interstate possibly resulting in death of my child and self. It caused and immediate blow out of my front driver side tire. I am very angry that I have been watching for reports on possible investigations on the year and problem and have found none!!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10105839, filed 2005-01Brakes: “Brake line corrosion and separation causing failure of the brakes. Resulting in also front sway and link bar damage. No brakes. Front sway bars break when vehicle is turned a certain degree. Front middle of hood on all taurus seem to lose the paint do to rock or debris being able to bounce on the bumper and hit center. I have seen at least 50 taurus's missing paint in the same area. Service engine soon light remains on after four trips to a certified Ford dealer. Water holding in engine compartment will crack under extreme outdoor temperatures causing the car to overheat.”
NHTSA complaint #10135744, filed 2005-09Mileage when problems were reported
25% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 80,000 and 85,757 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1998 Ford Taurus SHO version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taurus SHO FWD | 3.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Ford Taurus SHO in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1998 Ford Taurus SHO.
Other model years of the Ford Taurus SHO
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 21 | 78,228 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 10 | 82,878 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 30 | 86,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 24 | 93,642 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 9 | 114,575 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 11 | 110,000 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1993 | 14 | 107,314 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Taurus SHO model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Ford Taurus SHO have?
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 1998 Ford Taurus SHO as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Ford Taurus SHO is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 5 complaints (50% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 4.
Has the 1998 Ford Taurus SHO been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Ford Taurus SHO get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Ford Taurus SHO (Taurus SHO, 3.4L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Ford Taurus SHO reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 82,878 miles and the middle half falls between 80,000 and 85,757 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.