Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Brakes always felt weak since purchase of car in July 2004, car collided at low speed with a car in front of it when brake pedal was pressed to the floor, as the driver in front of my car was not paying attention to traffic and was driving a van that could not be seen around, and proceeded to lock his brakes to avoid rear-ending the car in front of him. Faulty anti-skid valve caused back wheel brakes to be inoperable, allowing no fluid through. Break lines were rusted through and leaked fluid once the valve had been replaced. Brake calipers were also ceased and had to be replaced. Master cylinder and break booster also faulty. Problem is now better but after approx $1500 problem is still not right- car refuses to stop moving when car had not been run for a day or more. It must be shifted into neutral to stop the car. Problem goes away after engine warms up. …
Tl* - the contact called regarding the 1995 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the front steering was pulling to the right. The steering wheel also vibrated. The vehicle was diagnosed as needing a realignment. The contact stated that the vehicle did not need an alignment before he took the vehicle to dealer for maintenance. The contact stated that the brakes and the bushings were replaced. The current and failure mileage were both 41,658 miles.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and there was no brake pressure. This occurred with no warning. The transmission was put into low gear and the engine was turned off. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, where it was determined the proportioning valve failed causing a rupture in the brake line and loss of brake fluid. The valve and brake line are being replaced.
Taking exit in left lane, vehicle going down ramp, brakes (ABS) failed to stop, went into intersection, hit 2 other parked vehicles, air bags deployed. Consumer states possible acceleration jam or cruis control, vehicle picked up speed and would not slow down and hit a road side concrete block and two parjed cars consumer suffered injuries.
Consumer was driving, approaching a traffic light with foot on brake, depressed brakes about 1/2 block from light when realized that car was not stopping. Pushed the brakes to the floor and they locked up. Hit vehicle in front and driver's air bag failed to deploy.
While driving car in high speed lane in az, came upon another car, left front wheel of other car started swaying, Ford driver hit brakes (ABS), they locked up, front of Taurus hit rear of other car at 65 MPH, driver's air bags did not deploy on impact. *a
1. Radiator - failed due to design defect in plastic to aluminum core joint, causing loss of coolant, replacement failed within one day. Replacement for that one lasted only about 20,000 additional miles, so a total of three identical radiator failures with loss of coolant in about 25,000 miles on the same car. Same problem on son's 1995 Taurus sedan with same engine. Original radiator failed, replacement failed within 1,000 miles of installation. This experience seems to indicate a fundamental design defect in the Taurus radiator. 2. Brake failure. Defect in design of rear calipers used with ABS system on the Taurus results in rainwater intrusion causing rusting of caliper pins that then impedes proper retraction of the brake pads. Excessive pad wear results in metal to metal contact between the caliper piston and the pad backing plate with greatly reduced braking efficiency.
Consumer stated before buying vehicle noticed that air bag light was coming on. After buying vehicle dealer refused to fix it. Consumer states motor mount is broken so shifting,starting, stopping or any other movement in the car would lift the engine in an upward motion, the front marker light needed to be replaced on the driver's side, air bag equipment malfunctioned due to the module sensor was defective, the brakes needed to have the master cylinder replaced, radiator needed to be replaced, serpentine belt was replaced, timing gear gasket, hood latch was broken hood would not stay down while driving down road, also security system needed to be reset.
This afternoon I was in my 1995 Ford Taurus wagon in heavy highway traffic when the accelerator locked and the the car sped down the highway at dangerous speeds. After determining that the brakes would not slow the car I was able to safely pull the car to the side of the road after switching into neutral. This is the second time this has occurred in the past 12 months. Last November when this happened the first time the repair shop determined that the problem was with the cruise control however they could not recreate the problem.
When driivng at any speed and applying the brakes, the brakes are going half way to the floorboard. Also, motor mounts went out/ air conditioning unit failed, and was blowing hot air, and transmission had to be replaced due to vehicle stalling, cutting off and shifting hard. Vehicle has been into the shop for repair service three times and, the dealer can't determine the causes of the problem.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
The retainer clip which holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm is missing or not completely installed. The push rod can separate from the brake pedal arm.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install the retainer clip.
Brake complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 86 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Ford Taurus, 7% of the model year's 1,205 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (37 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Taurus brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 94V-198 (pedals and linkages, Oct 11, 1994). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Ford Taurus brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 115,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.