1990 Ford Taurus Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 11%of 381 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Ford Taurus, 11% of the 381 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When the paint began to peel, I chose not to repaint the vehicle due to cost. When the transmission failed, I chose not to repair it due to the cost to repair. When the cruise control stopped working, I chose not to repair due to the cost to repair. If I get the transmission fixed, I intend to have the airbag fixed as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10071100, filed 2004-01, 100,000 miles“I have a 1990 Taurus lx wagon that has one of the faulty axod transmissions. Last year this transmission failed, and I refused to repair it. After resent research,it appears many people have had problems with this and only a few have received any restitution from Ford (1993-95 tuarus/sable owners).”
NHTSA complaint #10043494, filed 2003-10, 136,000 miles“We replaced the transmission in august of 2000 and now we are having to replace it again Ford takes no responsibility and denies there being a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #744989, filed 2001-05“While driving at 65 MPH the transmission went out without prior warning, and the steering wheel locked up, causing the consumer to lose a little steering. Brought vehicle to repair shop to have the transmission repaired. Dealer put the vehicle up on the computer, and still can't determine the problem that has returned.”
NHTSA complaint #833634, filed 1999-01“Was driving vehicle & started to make right turn, vehicle would shake. Also made clicking noise. Husband checked under vehicle & noticed transmission mounts were broken. Would need to have them replaced. At dealership, mechanic indecated struts were gone &also needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #869243, filed 2000-08Transmission 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 1990 Ford Taurus
78 complaintsBody and structure
68 complaintsSteering
51 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsSeat belts
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsEquipment
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Ford Taurus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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