1989 Ford Taurus Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 562 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1989 Ford Taurus, 1% of the 562 complaints for this model year.
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.
“While driving at night, after 20 minutes of drive time, the headlights begin to switch on and off randomly. This has caused the driver to pull off the road and after about 15 minutes of turning headlights off, proceed again for a short period of time with headlights before they again begin to switch on and off. This is a a very serious safety item and will result in a fatality if not fixed by the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #700515, filed 1998-11“The turn signal switch broke, causing the steering to lock up where the consumer could not make a left hand turn. Consumer found the turn signal automatic shut off device was broke off and jammed inside where burrs on steering column would usually trip device.”
NHTSA complaint #801461, filed 1996-08“A piece of the multi-function switch fell into the steering mechanism, causing the steering wheel to lock up while consumer was making a left hand turn.”
NHTSA complaint #862808, filed 2000-05“Directional signal and windshield wiper switch are located together (multi-functional switch) resulting in accidental engagement of wipers while turn signal is activated.”
NHTSA complaint #605500, filed 1997-10Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 9% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 13 | 6% |
| 2013 | 9 | 2% |
| 2012 | 12 | 15% |
| 2011 | 14 | 7% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 2% |
| 2003 | 46 | 4% |
| 2002 | 24 | 2% |
| 2001 | 29 | 3% |
| 2000 | 87 | 7% |
| 1999 | 18 | 2% |
| 1998 | 14 | 3% |
| 1997 | 15 | 2% |
| 1996 | 27 | 3% |
| 1995 | 25 | 2% |
| 1994 | 50 | 5% |
| 1993 | 140 | 9% |
| 1992 | 13 | 2% |
| 1991 | 6 | 1% |
| 1990 | 6 | 2% |
| 1989 | 8 | 1% |
| 1988 | 6 | 2% |
| 1987 | 6 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Taurus
142 complaintsElectrical system
118 complaintsEngine cooling
97 complaintsBody and structure
66 complaintsSteering
53 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
52 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsTires
11 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