1992 Ford Taurus Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 105about this part
- Share
- 15%of 681 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,993miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 105 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1992 Ford Taurus, 15% of the 681 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,993 miles. 2 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.
“Ford Taurus axod-e transmission failed in the middle of an intersection with whole family in the car. It took almost 2 hours to finally have the car safely moved out of harms way.”
NHTSA complaint #10020730, filed 2003-05, 91,986 miles“After starting from a stop engine started making noises at low speeds. I took the car to my mechanic and he told me the engine was no good, that bearings were gone . I needed a new or rebuilt engine and that this was common on the 3.8l engine. This engine only had 46,404 original miles on it. I contacted Ford and they said there was nothing they would do.”
NHTSA complaint #748681, filed 2001-07“1st time an $8 front seal, on transmission went out at 58,511 miles,and cost a total of $418.47 plus charges for a rental car for 3 days. We were 245 miles from home. 2nd time transmission went out at 95,509 miles. We were able to get back home. Repair was $1272.63. It was repaired with upgraded parts. Failed again at 108,400 miles. Repaired under warranty. Present mileage 131,930. So far ok.”
NHTSA complaint #747600, filed 2001-06“Very dissatisfied with my car, never buy another Ford, always a problem, can't depend on it for any length of time, now has 3 sparks plugs frozen in it because of it blowing a head gasket and I didn't know this until tune up time, just disgusted with the whole ordeal.”
NHTSA complaint #739209, filed 2001-01“I did highway driving for 3 hours. I went to exit, slowed down, the car's engine jumped as I drove down the exit ramp. At the end of the ramp, the car continued to sputter and finally the transmission gave. The car acted like it was in neutral.”
NHTSA complaint #701911, filed 1999-01Transmission 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 1992 Ford Taurus
217 complaintsElectrical system
70 complaintsBrakes
67 complaintsBody and structure
67 complaintsSteering
56 complaintsAir bags
49 complaintsVehicle speed control
49 complaintsSuspension
48 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
43 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsSeat belts
21 complaintsEquipment
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1992 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