1988 Ford Taurus Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 5%of 333 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 16 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1988 Ford Taurus, 5% of the 333 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Consumer was turning when rpms went high, suddendly vehicle started to pick up speed,consumer went to apply brakes, and brakes went to floor, no brakes, causing the consumer to run into a motel. Intermittent problem. Mechanic claims proportional valve got stuck, causing the sudden acceleration.”
NHTSA complaint #820576, filed 1998-02“Consumer states when the engine is first started, either hot or cold, the revolutions are high and a wait is required to avoid harsh shifts (also wastes fuel). Sometimes the revolutions never settle down to an idle speed and braking is required to keep the vehicle from going over the speed limit. When stopped the engine will surge without warning and the brake must be depressed at all times as not to lose control. Dealer has diagnosed 3 times. However problem still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #567040, filed 2002-08“Was drving home & noticed that vehicle was not picking up speed. Applied more pressure to accelerator pedal & still nothing happened. There was no warning for lack of speed. Vehicle would not even shift. Will be taking vehicle to dealership to have it checked.”
NHTSA complaint #836702, filed 1999-04“When driving with the cruise control activated and pressing the release button on the steering wheel, cruise control will not disengage,will return to set speed or higher until brakes are applied. Cause unknown. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #834840, filed 1999-02“While driving gas pedal traveled to the floor, nearly causing a collision. Vehicle had to be put in neutral to stop. Cause unknown. Also engine oil pump prematurely wears. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #834999, filed 1999-02Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 10 | 4% |
| 2014 | 8 | 3% |
| 2013 | 18 | 3% |
| 2012 | 4 | 5% |
| 2011 | 14 | 7% |
| 2010 | 24 | 12% |
| 2009 | 10 | 16% |
| 2008 | 32 | 18% |
| 2007 | 55 | 37% |
| 2006 | 176 | 55% |
| 2005 | 529 | 68% |
| 2004 | 164 | 44% |
| 2003 | 88 | 7% |
| 2002 | 76 | 5% |
| 2001 | 99 | 10% |
| 2000 | 87 | 7% |
| 1999 | 109 | 12% |
| 1998 | 111 | 20% |
| 1997 | 58 | 8% |
| 1996 | 42 | 5% |
| 1995 | 85 | 7% |
| 1994 | 61 | 7% |
| 1993 | 57 | 4% |
| 1992 | 49 | 7% |
| 1991 | 26 | 4% |
| 1990 | 30 | 8% |
| 1989 | 23 | 4% |
| 1988 | 16 | 5% |
| 1987 | 15 | 6% |
| 1986 | 5 | 5% |
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 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 31, 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