1987 Ford Taurus Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 16%of 255 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,673miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1987 Ford Taurus, 16% of the 255 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,673 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 9 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When coming to a stop vehicle shutsdown. Took vehicle to dealer. Consumer states vehicle is now having transmission problems, the fuel line injection system was replaced, various electrical componets including the ignition system and windshield wiper was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8010914, filed 2002-06“Took vehicle into the shop for a recall service, and when consumer came back to pick up vehicle, he noticed a leakage coming from the radiator. Dealer refused to fix the problem because consumer had the vehicle in for the rear motor mounts to be fixed. But, fluid was leaking all over the place.”
NHTSA complaint #835058, filed 1999-02“Vehicle has had continued trouble with high idle and continued idle after no acceleration applied to pedal,several component replacements in the throttle,fuel, exhaust and ignition systems however continues to experience same failures, possibly related to engine or idle speed control unit. Mjs”
NHTSA complaint #545896, filed 1999-06“The brakes would fail to stop vehicle after being applied. When waiting at stop light & would start to go, vehicle would stall out for no reason. Also, windshield wipers would intermittently work when in use. Would cause poor visibility to the driver at time of need.”
NHTSA complaint #847312, filed 1999-09“When driving it felt as if there was no power steering, also motor vibrated. Had trouble steering and driving, and rear ended a truck. Front end damage, motor was tilted and still vibrated. Radiator exploded. Dealer not aware of problem. Vehicle totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #834372, filed 1999-02Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 11% |
| 2018 | 4 | 8% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 6 | 3% |
| 2013 | 7 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 9 | 5% |
| 2010 | 11 | 5% |
| 2009 | 18 | 28% |
| 2008 | 11 | 6% |
| 2007 | 22 | 15% |
| 2006 | 19 | 6% |
| 2005 | 40 | 5% |
| 2004 | 19 | 5% |
| 2003 | 67 | 5% |
| 2002 | 53 | 4% |
| 2001 | 60 | 6% |
| 2000 | 103 | 9% |
| 1999 | 81 | 9% |
| 1998 | 62 | 11% |
| 1997 | 145 | 19% |
| 1996 | 214 | 26% |
| 1995 | 352 | 29% |
| 1994 | 289 | 31% |
| 1993 | 638 | 41% |
| 1992 | 217 | 32% |
| 1991 | 116 | 18% |
| 1990 | 78 | 20% |
| 1989 | 97 | 17% |
| 1988 | 67 | 20% |
| 1987 | 40 | 16% |
| 1986 | 22 | 22% |
Other parts of the 1987 Ford Taurus
69 complaintsBody and structure
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsSeat belts
23 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsSeats
14 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1987 Ford Taurus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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