1998 Ford Taurus Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 3%of 545 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 121,828miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Ford Taurus, 3% of the 545 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 121,828 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Gear shifter does not line up correctly when in any gear. Ajar door light and inside dome light stay on and the driverside door will not lock when this happens. Also, when getting in or out of the car each passanger gets shocked if you touch one another or the doors. This has been happening for about 3 months now. This happens on a regular bases.”
NHTSA complaint #10005388, filed 2003-02, 103,000 miles“Both headlight lenses are clouded, discolored and have moisture on the inside. The headlight system is supposed to be a sealed unit. The consumer indicated that this problem causes poor visibility while driving at night.”
NHTSA complaint #10119813, filed 2005-05, 167,959 miles“The contact stated while driving 60 MPH on the highway, the third brake light lens located on the hatch of the vehicle, separated and fell into oncoming traffic without warning. No injuries were sustained, and the police were not alerted. The dealer and manufacturer were alerted.”
NHTSA complaint #10171222, filed 2006-10, 21,000 miles“The headlights on the 1998 Ford Taurus are extremely insufficient regarding the quantity and quality of illumination. This is a result of poor headlight reflector design. Other Taurus owners I have talked with expressed the same grave concern about the headlights. I've driven a 2000 Ford focus, which did not exhibit the same problem. My previous car, a 1996 Ford contour, had excellent headlights. The lights on the Taurus are easily over driven at any speed over 35 m.p.h. At night. This results in a dangerous situation for the Taurus driver and passengers. Can you investigate this problem? …”
NHTSA complaint #741876, filed 2001-03“Car came equiped with daytime running lights from factory. At this time the headlights will not go off unless I disconnect the battery. This problem has not effected the back lights in any way. They are controlled with the light switch, but not the head lights. Please advise.”
NHTSA complaint #736525, filed 2000-11Related recalls
- 98V028000Feb 10, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The text and/or graphics for the vehicle headlamp aiming instructions provided in the owner guides are not…Covers: Ford Taurus 1997–1998, Mercury Sable 1997–1998, Ford Contour 1998 +4 more
Exterior 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 1998 Ford Taurus
111 complaintsBrakes
81 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
69 complaintsEngine cooling
62 complaintsSuspension
59 complaintsSteering
40 complaintsAir bags
39 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsSeat belts
28 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsInterior lighting
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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