1988 Ford Taurus Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 333 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 199,134miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the seats of the 1988 Ford Taurus, 4% of the 333 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 199,134 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Springs from the rear seat broke through the cushion & entered the electrical wiring harness. Had noticed smoke coming from under the css. Had turned vehicle off & took child out of seat. The next day, took vehicle to dealer & had it checked. A fire had occurred under the seat where the css was located.”
NHTSA complaint #841625, filed 1999-07“Front power seat on driver's side left bracket that holds seat to the floor of vehicle broke at weld, allowing front of seat to rise and tilt backwards.”
NHTSA complaint #812953, filed 1997-06“Power seat switch wiring shorted out, resulting in a fire prior to/after recall repairs, owner disconnected passengers seat due to smoke/fire (91v-036).”
NHTSA complaint #959272, filed 1995-01Related recalls
- 91V036000Mar 4, 1991The power seat switch wiring is routed over rather than under the front seat support brace, allowing damage by seat cushion spring ends when seat is occupied.Covers: Ford Taurus 1988–1989, Mercury Sable 1988–1989
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 6 | 3% |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 4 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 0% |
| 2002 | 3 | 0% |
| 2001 | 5 | 0% |
| 2000 | 8 | 1% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 7 | 1% |
| 1997 | 3 | 0% |
| 1996 | 5 | 1% |
| 1995 | 3 | 0% |
| 1994 | 4 | 0% |
| 1993 | 12 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 0% |
| 1991 | 3 | 0% |
| 1990 | 1 | 0% |
| 1989 | 8 | 1% |
| 1988 | 12 | 4% |
| 1987 | 14 | 5% |
| 1986 | 6 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford Taurus
94 complaintsEngine cooling
67 complaintsBody and structure
51 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
37 complaintsSeat belts
33 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsEquipment
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 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