1987 Ford Taurus Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 8%of 255 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 21 complaints about the fuel system of the 1987 Ford Taurus, 8% of the 255 complaints for this model year. 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“Noticed the car smoking while driving and then the car caught fire under the hood. Front tires bumped against a sidewalk and shortly after that consumer noticed smoke coming from the hood, fire fighters brought to consumer's attention there was evidence of a fuel leak, consumer found on the internet recall 87v139, however never received any notice regarding recall.”
NHTSA complaint #801762, filed 1996-09“While driving experienced erratic fuel gauge readings. Fuel gauge registered irregular variations which fluctuated from full to half full. The inaccuracy of fuel gauge has resulted in unexpectedly running out of fuel. Must use trip gauge to counteract fuel gauge inaccuracy.”
NHTSA complaint #812084, filed 1997-05“When driving at 10 MPH and without prior warning heard knocking noise coming from the vehicle and the vehicle was jerking and vibrating. Consumer lost power, and the fuel pump went out and the vehicle died while the consumer was driving.”
NHTSA complaint #833647, filed 1999-01“While driving experienced erratic fuel gauge readings. Gauge registereded irregular variations which fluctuated from full to half full, the inaccuracy of fuel gauge has resulted in unexpectedly running out fue. , must use trip gauge to counteract fuel gauge inaccuracy.”
NHTSA complaint #812085, filed 1997-05Related recalls
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.Covers: Ford Taurus 1986–1987, Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988 +18 more
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 3 | 7% |
| 2016 | 7 | 8% |
| 2015 | 73 | 26% |
| 2014 | 71 | 31% |
| 2013 | 107 | 18% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 11 | 5% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 8 | 5% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2006 | 18 | 6% |
| 2005 | 41 | 5% |
| 2004 | 16 | 4% |
| 2003 | 24 | 2% |
| 2002 | 27 | 2% |
| 2001 | 23 | 2% |
| 2000 | 66 | 6% |
| 1999 | 35 | 4% |
| 1998 | 13 | 2% |
| 1997 | 33 | 4% |
| 1996 | 19 | 2% |
| 1995 | 53 | 4% |
| 1994 | 50 | 5% |
| 1993 | 48 | 3% |
| 1992 | 19 | 3% |
| 1991 | 10 | 2% |
| 1990 | 11 | 3% |
| 1989 | 28 | 5% |
| 1988 | 16 | 5% |
| 1987 | 21 | 8% |
| 1986 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1987 Ford Taurus
69 complaintsEngine cooling
40 complaintsBody and structure
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsSeat belts
23 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 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