1989 Ford Taurus Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 4%of 562 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1989 Ford Taurus, 4% of the 562 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,000 miles. 6 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.
“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“The contact owns a 1989 Ford Taurus. While driving at approximately 65 MPH with the cruise control engaged, he noticed that when he tried to pass another vehicle, he was unable to deactivate the cruise control using the brake pedal. He attempted to slow down using the brakes but had to deactivate the cruise control by pushing the off button on the steering wheel. The vehicle had not inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 96,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10326978, filed 2010-04, 96,000 miles“The contact owned a 1989 Ford Taurus gls. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle accelerated without warning. The contact tried to depress the brakes and the vehicle continued to accelerate up to 85 MPH. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle for an hour and a half as the speed increased. The contact continued to depress the brakes and shift into neutral gear in order to stop the vehicle.the vehicle was towed by the dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle and they never were unable to diagnose the failure. The contact experienced the duplicate failure 2 years later. …”
NHTSA complaint #10316194, filed 2010-03, 10,000 miles“The contact owns a 1989 Ford Taurus. While driving approximately 30 to 35 MPH on normal road conditions, the driver accidently stepped on the accelerator pedal while applying pressure to the brake pedal and unexpectedly, there was an increase in acceleration. The vehicle failed to slow down and crashed into the proceeding vehicle. The driver stated that the failure was contributed to both the brake and the accelerator pedals being positioned too close together. The police was called to the scene. There were no personal injuries. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. …”
NHTSA complaint #10300317, filed 2010-01, 150,000 miles“When vehicle is at a stop sign/light, engine would start to race, as if it was going to take off. Would have keep foot on brakes, and turn vehicle off. Restarted vehicle & problem would occur again. Took to dealer & problem was not located. Has happened twice before. Had to disconnect the cruise control just in case it was part of problem.”
NHTSA complaint #841632, filed 1999-07Vehicle 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 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 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