1986 Ford Taurus Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 18%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the electrical system of the 1986 Ford Taurus, 18% of the 101 complaints for this model year. 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Intermittent problem with vehicle stalling while driving. Vehicle would restart within 20 minutes or more. Vehicle been to dealer and independent repairs shop on several occasions, and they were unable to duplicate the problem. Feel free to provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #872879, filed 2000-10“4th failure/burn of ignition box in steering column. Nhtsa recalled 1988 and newer vehicles, but this is my 4th burn. Ford refuses assistance because parts are not recalled, only cars, and this car was not included in the original recall.”
NHTSA complaint #709211, filed 1999-07“Consumer stated that while driving the alternator failed causing the battery to be drained. As a result, the vehicle repeatedly backfired almost causing a fire. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8023039, filed 2002-11“Ingintion switch is burned out at 2 contact points and connector switch melted, rest of the system is discolored from being exposed to extreme heat. Owner suspects that a fire could occur shortly. Ths car was not considered for ignition recall.”
NHTSA complaint #804740, filed 1996-11“Vehicle was parked and all of a sudden the vehicle caught on fire under the dash on the passenger's side. The fire went from the dash to under the hood.”
NHTSA complaint #809314, filed 1997-04Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 7 | 13% |
| 2017 | 11 | 25% |
| 2016 | 6 | 7% |
| 2015 | 31 | 11% |
| 2014 | 29 | 13% |
| 2013 | 59 | 10% |
| 2012 | 16 | 20% |
| 2011 | 47 | 25% |
| 2010 | 19 | 9% |
| 2009 | 4 | 6% |
| 2008 | 13 | 7% |
| 2007 | 29 | 19% |
| 2006 | 25 | 8% |
| 2005 | 28 | 4% |
| 2004 | 26 | 7% |
| 2003 | 97 | 8% |
| 2002 | 42 | 3% |
| 2001 | 37 | 4% |
| 2000 | 62 | 5% |
| 1999 | 51 | 6% |
| 1998 | 34 | 6% |
| 1997 | 62 | 8% |
| 1996 | 57 | 7% |
| 1995 | 95 | 8% |
| 1994 | 81 | 9% |
| 1993 | 156 | 10% |
| 1992 | 70 | 10% |
| 1991 | 44 | 7% |
| 1990 | 41 | 11% |
| 1989 | 118 | 21% |
| 1988 | 94 | 28% |
| 1987 | 69 | 27% |
| 1986 | 18 | 18% |
Other parts of the 1986 Ford Taurus
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 Ford Taurus
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology