1989 Ford Taurus Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 6%of 562 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the brakes of the 1989 Ford Taurus, 6% of the 562 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 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.
“This was on a 1989 Ford Taurus l . After rear brake repairs the brake line from the proportioning valve to the right rear brake hose sprung a leak and all braking was lost. Due to the age of the vehicle this brake line likely broke due to years of corrosion from road salts and other sources during bad weather. Due to so much possible damage from corrosion I have decided to junk the car. But it was likely that other Ford Taurus owners may have the same problem with serious consequences.”
NHTSA complaint #10196769, filed 2007-07, 150,000 miles“We have had this car repaired repeatedly for a lurching/jerking problem. Motor mounts replaced, new clutch, new transmission, new brakes, new tires, it is still doing this. If the engine is shut off, sometimes you can get the car to temporarily stop the jerking. We are again, taking it in for repairs. Have you any knowledge of this problem? It is a safety issue at this point. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #725974, filed 2000-07“I bought my 1989 Ford Taurus in june of 2001. In the paperwork from the original owners was info. On a recall/extended warranty dated 4/98 regarding problems with seatbelt buckles. I recently had difficulties with my seatbelt buckles and took it to a Ford dealership and was consequently told it was way passed the warranty date even before I purchased the vehicle. So my complaint is how do I get them fixed since this can become a serious matter if I or anyone else gets stuck in the car, or has further difficulties even fastening the seatbelt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10030328, filed 2003-07“Disc separated from hub. This is the failure noted on recall 91v134. I was not informed of the recall due to missouri not being included in the states for that recall. The recall mentions corrosion due to salts which would certainly apply to the st. Louis area. Why would we not be included in the recall? It seems to me that Ford bargained away our safty and NHTSA bought it. I believe that the area covered by this recall should be enlarged or not be limited at all. I've had this same failure with my 1989 sable. …”
NHTSA complaint #706983, filed 1999-05“Vehicle will stall suddenly without prior warning, usually stalls on highway. Vehicle has been towed to dealer 6 times . Dealer cannot not determine defect because by time vehicle arrives at dealers vehicle will restart. The intake gasket was leaking and was replaced. The motor mount was replaced. All heater and coolant hoses were replaced. Serpntine belt was cracked. Front brake pads and rotors replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #873725, filed 2000-10Related recalls
- 91V134000Aug 6, 1991Front disc brake rotors of the subject vehicles may experience severe corrosion if operated in areas where calcium chloride and sodium chloride are used…Covers: Ford Taurus 1986–1991, Mercury Sable 1986–1991, Lincoln Continental 1988–1991
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 10 | 4% |
| 2013 | 8 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 5% |
| 2011 | 13 | 7% |
| 2010 | 33 | 16% |
| 2009 | 5 | 8% |
| 2008 | 15 | 9% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2006 | 26 | 8% |
| 2005 | 36 | 5% |
| 2004 | 26 | 7% |
| 2003 | 44 | 4% |
| 2002 | 46 | 3% |
| 2001 | 97 | 9% |
| 2000 | 108 | 9% |
| 1999 | 107 | 12% |
| 1998 | 81 | 15% |
| 1997 | 73 | 9% |
| 1996 | 71 | 9% |
| 1995 | 86 | 7% |
| 1994 | 56 | 6% |
| 1993 | 110 | 7% |
| 1992 | 67 | 10% |
| 1991 | 74 | 11% |
| 1990 | 26 | 7% |
| 1989 | 35 | 6% |
| 1988 | 22 | 7% |
| 1987 | 19 | 7% |
| 1986 | 8 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Taurus
142 complaintsElectrical system
118 complaintsEngine cooling
97 complaintsBody and structure
66 complaintsSteering
53 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
52 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsTires
11 complaintsWheels
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 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