1989 Ford Taurus Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 52about this part
- Share
- 9%of 562 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 52 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1989 Ford Taurus, 9% of the 562 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have a 1989 Taurus w/od transmission that shifts hard and rough, also the front and rear rattles and sounds like it is going to fall off. We were not aware of the recalls for this on our vehicle. The paint is blistering with orange rust coming through, and the stearing (power w/tilt) has a jerk in it. Can you or will you help me with these defects?”
NHTSA complaint #10086192, filed 2004-08, 95,000 miles“Jim dandy transmission replaced the transmission. Now I have major problem with the power stearing leaking where there was no leaks and the power stearing worked fine before they worked on my Taurus they are located on callen street in vacaville ca. Phone 449-8282. I feel that they are responsible for the conditiion that the power stearing is in now. To remove the transmission they drop the front a frame moter and all so they had to deal with the power steering to do this type of repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #757573, filed 2002-01“The wiring is overheating and is creating a foul smell in my car and the plug for the wire is melting. Worried that this failure will cause a fire in the drivers compartment. Problem starts when the heater blower is being used. Safeguard needs to be put in place to assure drivers that they will not go up in flames. I also own a 87 Ford Taurus and it has the same problem. This needs to be corrected asap. My transmission has gone bad on both my cars costing me a fee of $2600.00. …”
NHTSA complaint #702168, filed 1999-01“The vehicle had oil-like odor caused by the overheated transmission fluid. The vehicle also lurchs when in gear and when stopped. The dealer could not find the cause. Finally,the overdrive mode failed and the transmission could not engage at all. The manufacturer was aware of the transmission defect,and the consumer says it should be replaced at no cost to the consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #561829, filed 2001-07“Whenever vehicle accelerates, transmission would grab. This causes automatic transmission gears to not shift properly. When vehicle is started, would not shift into gears at all. Had vehicle towed to transmission shop & was informed by mechanic transmission was shot & needed replacing it.”
NHTSA complaint #836173, filed 1999-03Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 7 | 13% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 18 | 6% |
| 2014 | 12 | 5% |
| 2013 | 44 | 8% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 18 | 10% |
| 2010 | 36 | 18% |
| 2009 | 5 | 8% |
| 2008 | 44 | 25% |
| 2007 | 16 | 11% |
| 2006 | 32 | 10% |
| 2005 | 123 | 16% |
| 2004 | 72 | 19% |
| 2003 | 316 | 26% |
| 2002 | 39 | 3% |
| 2001 | 58 | 6% |
| 2000 | 99 | 8% |
| 1999 | 91 | 10% |
| 1998 | 69 | 13% |
| 1997 | 214 | 28% |
| 1996 | 182 | 22% |
| 1995 | 394 | 33% |
| 1994 | 269 | 29% |
| 1993 | 174 | 11% |
| 1992 | 105 | 15% |
| 1991 | 260 | 40% |
| 1990 | 42 | 11% |
| 1989 | 52 | 9% |
| 1988 | 37 | 11% |
| 1987 | 29 | 11% |
| 1986 | 19 | 19% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Taurus
142 complaintsElectrical system
118 complaintsEngine cooling
97 complaintsBody and structure
66 complaintsSteering
53 complaintsBrakes
35 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