1998 Ford Taurus: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Ford Taurus: 2 recalls, 545 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #98V028000 · 1998 · 571,800 vehicles
What's wrong: The text and/or graphics for the vehicle headlamp aiming instructions provided in the owner guides are not sufficiently clear. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: If the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers May be confused by the aiming instructions provided in the owner guides causing the headlamps to be improperly aimed.
The fix: Owner guides containing revised aiming instructions will be mailed to owners of these vehicles.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #98V198000 · 1998 · 7,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The front seat belt buckle attaching stud May have been improperly heat treated. This heat treatment May have resulted in cracks developing in the stud.
Why it matters: If the stud is cracked, in the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant May not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle mounting bracket and stud assembly.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 14 mention a fire, 64 injuries and 4 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (111): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (28), stalls / loses power (8).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (74): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (20), noise or vibration (18).
- Transmission & drivetrain (69): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (31), noise or vibration (9), stalls / loses power (7).
- Engine & cooling (62): the most common themes are noise or vibration (14), fire / smoke (9).
The 1998 Ford Taurus has 545 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 30 Taurus model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 563). Complaints peaked in 2000 (91 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 87,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (770 complaints, 3 recalls), 1999 (874 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Ford Taurus.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Ford Taurus have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Ford Taurus, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Ford Taurus problems?
Owners have filed 545 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (111), brakes (hydraulic) (74), transmission & drivetrain (69).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Ford Taurus get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Ford Taurus repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.