1986 Ford Taurus Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 19%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 19 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1986 Ford Taurus, 19% of the 101 complaints for this model year.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Transmission gears would stick. The motor would lift in the air. Would hear loud noises whenever turning steering wheel. Took to repair shop & was informed motor mounts were bad & were about to fall off. They would need replacing. Also informed the stabilizer sway bar was going bad.”
NHTSA complaint #836968, filed 1999-04“Transmission has been rebuilt, and without prior warning vehicle is cutting off/stalling and vibrating. Vehicle won't go over 20 MPH and there is a kicking sound coming from the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #834210, filed 1999-01Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 7 | 13% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 18 | 6% |
| 2014 | 12 | 5% |
| 2013 | 44 | 8% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 18 | 10% |
| 2010 | 36 | 18% |
| 2009 | 5 | 8% |
| 2008 | 44 | 25% |
| 2007 | 16 | 11% |
| 2006 | 32 | 10% |
| 2005 | 123 | 16% |
| 2004 | 72 | 19% |
| 2003 | 316 | 26% |
| 2002 | 39 | 3% |
| 2001 | 58 | 6% |
| 2000 | 99 | 8% |
| 1999 | 91 | 10% |
| 1998 | 69 | 13% |
| 1997 | 214 | 28% |
| 1996 | 182 | 22% |
| 1995 | 394 | 33% |
| 1994 | 269 | 29% |
| 1993 | 174 | 11% |
| 1992 | 105 | 15% |
| 1991 | 260 | 40% |
| 1990 | 42 | 11% |
| 1989 | 52 | 9% |
| 1988 | 37 | 11% |
| 1987 | 29 | 11% |
| 1986 | 19 | 19% |
Other parts of the 1986 Ford Taurus
22 complaintsElectrical system
18 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 30, 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