1988 Ford Taurus Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 51about this part
- Share
- 15%of 333 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 51 complaints about the body and structure of the 1988 Ford Taurus, 15% of the 333 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Consumer's 1988 Ford Taurus was delivered with rust on the passenger side rear fender. The vehicle also had problem with the brakes, wiper motor, body mounts and struts.”
NHTSA complaint #10156242, filed 2006-04, 75,000 miles“Recall on rear subframe mounts. My car has a problem with the front subframe mounts which are identical to the rear subframe mounts. I would like to know why the front mounts are not covered under the same recall.”
NHTSA complaint #712602, filed 1999-09“The engine cradle support bushings have corroded, now the a piece of the steel frame is hanging down, my exhaust may have been damaged as well as the rack & pinion. I lost all steering when this incident occured. One wheel is turned inward and the other is straight, this could have been a serious/deadly accident. The car is undrivable at this time.I have contacted 3 dealers as well as customer service 800 for Ford and NHTSA and am not getting this resolved, I'm being told I have no open recalls on my vehicle.I don't see how this is possible. …”
NHTSA complaint #735056, filed 2000-10“The consumer has been experiencing problems with body mounts. While consumer was driving heard a loud clunk noise. Following this, the steering wheel locked up, and the consumer was unable to maneuver the steering wheel. The manufacturer has been contacted. The defects mentioned have been described in recall numbers 93v106001, 93v106000, and 92v065000.”
NHTSA complaint #830622, filed 1998-11“Consumer reeived recall letter concerning rear body mounts. Took the vehicle into the dealer for repairs. Consumer stated that there was no evidence that dealer replaced the rear mount bolts or installed a reinforcement plate or nut plate . Recall 93v106001. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #846988, filed 1999-09Related recalls
- 98V323000Dec 16, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa…Covers: Ford Taurus 1986–1995, Mercury Sable 1986–1995, Lincoln Continental 1988–1994
- 93V106000Jun 23, 1993Vehicle description: taurus and sables built from 10-14-85 through 8-19-88, and lincoln continentals built from 11-4-87 through 9-30-88 (except 1989 - 1991…Covers: Ford Taurus 1986–1988, Mercury Sable 1986–1988, Lincoln Continental 1988
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 11 | 21% |
| 2017 | 7 | 16% |
| 2016 | 6 | 7% |
| 2015 | 5 | 2% |
| 2014 | 4 | 2% |
| 2013 | 12 | 2% |
| 2012 | 16 | 20% |
| 2011 | 12 | 6% |
| 2010 | 11 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2006 | 15 | 5% |
| 2005 | 22 | 3% |
| 2004 | 17 | 5% |
| 2003 | 111 | 9% |
| 2002 | 54 | 4% |
| 2001 | 38 | 4% |
| 2000 | 33 | 3% |
| 1999 | 19 | 2% |
| 1998 | 22 | 4% |
| 1997 | 25 | 3% |
| 1996 | 40 | 5% |
| 1995 | 55 | 5% |
| 1994 | 64 | 7% |
| 1993 | 69 | 4% |
| 1992 | 67 | 10% |
| 1991 | 62 | 10% |
| 1990 | 68 | 18% |
| 1989 | 66 | 12% |
| 1988 | 51 | 15% |
| 1987 | 34 | 13% |
| 1986 | 17 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford Taurus
94 complaintsEngine cooling
67 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
37 complaintsSeat belts
33 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsSeats
12 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 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