1990 Ford Taurus Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 6%of 381 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 210,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the visibility of the 1990 Ford Taurus, 6% of the 381 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 210,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Heater core leaks. This part has been replaced twice in 5 years of time. It is a cheaply made part and probably the most profitable Ford makes. Labor is 10 hours to replace the part. Applies to all Taurus'.”
NHTSA complaint #10023388, filed 2003-06, 210,000 miles“Since mid 1997, the windshield wipers fail regularly. They usually work, but occationally, they will stop, or slow down to an unusable speed. Sometimes this can be fixed by turning them off and then on again. Sometimes this does not fix the problem. I notified Ford of the problem, and they said they will not pay to fix the problem, as it is not a safety issue. I belive it is a safety issue, since the windshield wipers can stop unexpectedly while driving in stormy weather. This causes sudden loss of visibility.”
NHTSA complaint #711494, filed 1999-09“I have owned this vehicle since jan 1994; it had 78,000 miles on it when I bought it. In the last year I have experienced multiple problems with no resolution. Front center seat belt buckle button remains depressed and will not return to the top position making it unuseable as a restraint. Tailgate latch has broken off deep inside the door and will no longer latch. Catalytic converter ram's horn burned out in november of this year; started engine and barely avoided serious engine fire as result of converter failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #715527, filed 1999-12“When you turn the wipers off, with the ignition on or off, they stick straight up instead of down under hood. Several dealers told me there has been no recall because it is not a safety hazard. I beg to differ it blocks vision and is no doubt a hazzard. Several techs denied ever hearing of problem, some admitted it was a design flaw. I have seen four other cars with wipers up, three have been tauruses, so I know there is a problem.I have read several news paper articles on Ford and GM wiper problems so I feel a recall is warranted and I should get my $168 back. …”
NHTSA complaint #712966, filed 1999-10“I am not sure what happened to my comment so I will state them again. The windsheild wipers cut on and off while in operation. You must continue to tap the turn signal or turn the control to keep them running. What I find disturbing is that I have had to drive two other Ford trucks a 1993 f-150 and a 1991 Ford ranger and they both do the same thing. I bought the car from my dad and he tells me it has always done it. The other two where bought used but have always done it. If you need the VIN of the Taurus or f-150 I can get them. Thank you for taking this information”
NHTSA complaint #701139, filed 1998-12Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 2 | 4% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 6 | 3% |
| 2013 | 7 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 3% |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% |
| 2005 | 12 | 2% |
| 2004 | 12 | 3% |
| 2003 | 196 | 16% |
| 2002 | 100 | 7% |
| 2001 | 39 | 4% |
| 2000 | 45 | 4% |
| 1999 | 59 | 7% |
| 1998 | 17 | 3% |
| 1997 | 57 | 7% |
| 1996 | 55 | 7% |
| 1995 | 38 | 3% |
| 1994 | 30 | 3% |
| 1993 | 157 | 10% |
| 1992 | 43 | 6% |
| 1991 | 19 | 3% |
| 1990 | 24 | 6% |
| 1989 | 14 | 2% |
| 1988 | 11 | 3% |
| 1987 | 10 | 4% |
| 1986 | 6 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1990 Ford Taurus
78 complaintsBody and structure
68 complaintsSteering
51 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
42 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsSeat belts
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 28, 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