1996 Ford Taurus Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 3%of 825 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Ford Taurus, 3% of the 825 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,500 miles. 1 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.
“Consumer stated headlight lenses produced a thick film. As a result, the of the visibility of the driver becomes impaired. Dealer stated that it was normal procedure. Head light lens are no longer clear.”
NHTSA complaint #10090169, filed 2004-10, 75,000 miles“The scratches on the front headlight lens were causing a distraction to the consumer's view. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10081817, filed 2004-07, 14,000 miles“This failure is a safety hazard. While driving the power steering stops working at random, the electric windows quit working, and the seat belt light comes on! They all appear to be related to this mlp/tr switch. I searched the internet and found 4 other occurrences that were reported. When I call the local Ford service garage, the service manager knew exactly what my problem was and sold me the sensor switch. He was aware that the power steering stops working when these symptoms occur. I experienced the power steering failing on a turn and had much trouble controlling the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #762249, filed 2002-05“The headlights stay on when everything is off, bright light indicator stays on. This is the second time this has happened. The previous time the lights would go off when the emergency brake was applied, emergeny brake unaffective this time. It appears to be the daytime running lights even though the bright light indicator is on.”
NHTSA complaint #780451, filed 1998-09“Seal on both headlight lens have failed resulting in cloudy lenses . Lens are not removable requireing replacing each unit at a price of $214. Per unit. In discussing with service people at Ford garage they say this is occuring quite frequently. This is ridiculous having to replace the whole unit to enable cleaning of a headlight lens. This restricts the visibility due to diminished lumens available . This is a serious saftey hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #753952, filed 2001-10Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 9% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 13 | 6% |
| 2013 | 9 | 2% |
| 2012 | 12 | 15% |
| 2011 | 14 | 7% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 2% |
| 2003 | 46 | 4% |
| 2002 | 24 | 2% |
| 2001 | 29 | 3% |
| 2000 | 87 | 7% |
| 1999 | 18 | 2% |
| 1998 | 14 | 3% |
| 1997 | 15 | 2% |
| 1996 | 27 | 3% |
| 1995 | 25 | 2% |
| 1994 | 50 | 5% |
| 1993 | 140 | 9% |
| 1992 | 13 | 2% |
| 1991 | 6 | 1% |
| 1990 | 6 | 2% |
| 1989 | 8 | 1% |
| 1988 | 6 | 2% |
| 1987 | 6 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Taurus
214 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
182 complaintsSteering
101 complaintsBrakes
71 complaintsSuspension
60 complaintsElectrical system
57 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
55 complaintsAir bags
45 complaintsVehicle speed control
42 complaintsBody and structure
40 complaintsTires
28 complaintsOther or unknown
27 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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