1991 Ford Taurus Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 260about this part
- Share
- 40%of 649 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,717miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 260 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1991 Ford Taurus, 40% of the 649 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,717 miles. 4 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.
“My Ford Taurus 1991 station wagon lunged forward uncontrollably after backing up, braking, then starting to go forward. It went against a wall, the brake didn't work, the front of the car was crashed, I had to put it into park to stop it. Please let me know if any other car same make and model has had the same problem. My mechanic tested it and it did this another 3 times.”
NHTSA complaint #10086334, filed 2004-08, 102,000 miles“My transmission went out even after driving my car with the up most care...and I am not the only one who has complained of this...the Taurus is infamous for there transmission failures.”
NHTSA complaint #10014047, filed 2003-04, 125,000 miles“My 1991 Ford Taurus wagon has always had major transaxle problems! On two separate occasions the transmission pan bolts loossened on their own. This has caused premature transmission damage, and now the wagon runs misserably! Though we tightened up the bolts (for the third time) enough damage occured to the transmission and now the whole transmission needs replacement. I put a new one in when I bought it. I will never buy another Ford again, and several people who I am aquainted with will know my little Ford ordeal as well (I'll make it a point that they know). …”
NHTSA complaint #10043131, filed 2003-10, 30,000 miles“Transmission jumped into neutral while going up hills. Once while going up a hill, transmission went into reverse, and vehicle went backwards, nearly hitting another car.”
NHTSA complaint #10057676, filed 2004-03, 139,000 miles“Total repairs 3400.00 at a time when money is very scarce as I am retired and on a very limited income. I expected to maintain small repairs, but with taking care of the vehicle and the low mileage, I believe the axels/ brakes and transmission are very premature and maybe the A/C. At 37168 miles, the car should be running like new.”
NHTSA complaint #749067, filed 2001-07Transmission 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 1991 Ford Taurus
116 complaintsSteering
76 complaintsBrakes
74 complaintsBody and structure
62 complaintsAir bags
55 complaintsElectrical system
44 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsEquipment
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsTires
16 complaintsFuel system
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1991 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