Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while traveling 65 MPH, flames emitted from the hood, covering the windshield. The coolant warning light illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic who confirmed hat the radiator and electronic wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired and the VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 19,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65 MPH a noise was heard and the vehicle was pulled over. A fire was observed coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was contacted who extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a service station. The contact was unsure whether the cause of the fire was electrical or fuel ignited, nor what component was involved.
I am the owner of a 1995 Ford Taurus with around 64000 miles. I was driving the vehicle on the date of 11/27/05 when black smoke started coming out from under the hood, I was one light from the westbrook fire department so managed to get to the firehouse and off the road to prevent any other damage to others around me. I ended up losing my brakes from the fire and every wire and anything plastic under the hood had been destroyed. The vehicle is a total lose. It seems the fire had been caused by an electrical problem and started towards the front of the vehicle. I checked on the internet and found that Ford had issued a recall for a problem with the cooling fan causing an under-hood fire. I contacted Ford on 11/28/05 to verify if my vehicle was affected by this recall and was told yes, but I had never been notified. …
Dt: the contact owns a 1995, Ford Taurus. While driving the vehicle was operating properly. Contact could not tell how fast he was going because the speedometer was not working. When getting off at the exit the vehicle was beginning to slow down. He thought the car was overheating. While trying to get off of the road saw smoke appearing from the right tire on the front. Someone came up to him and he turned the car off and jumped out of the car he looked under the car and saw fire coming from the gas tank. The air intake and battery melted. All electrical components still worked because it did not get into the fire wall. The fire department had enough time to salvage most of the vehicle. It was unknown where the fire started. The dome light would not go off the vehicle. Also, the passenger side door light would not go off. …
2 wires connected to the brake light switch, on the brake pedal, shorted together. At this point the wire insulation and sheathing began to melt and burn filling the passenger compartment with smoke. The only way I could stop it was to disconnect the car battery. The 15 amp fuse for the brake lights did not blow!! I have saved the 2 inch section of wiring that was burned and melted.
When attempting to make left turns the steering wheel, power windows and door locks, breaks, ignition, and gear lever locks up. After manipulating the key in ignition for several minutes it will release and vehicle can be shifted to park and all other components unlock. If collision had resulted in a fire the occupants would have been trapped inside.
Electrical system wiring: driving approximately 15-20mph when the check engine light came on. Pulled over to the side road and raised hood . Smoke and sparks was coming from underneath the dash. In less than two minutes the vehicle was engulfed in flames . Was told that the fire was due to faulty wiring.
While driving at 55 MPH vehicle suddenly started to lose power. Driver noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Driver pulled over, raised hood, and noticed that wires in harness behind engine were on fire. Please provide any further infomation. Dealer has been contacted.
While driving on highway, vehicle started smoking/lost power, and fire came from front hood. Fire department and police department came. Vehicle towed and insurance co. Totalled car. Reported opinions electrical fire. Provide further information.
While at a stop light noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Opened hood and engine was on fire. Fire was put out by fire department. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide futher information.
Electrical complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1995 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 95 complaints about the electrical system of the 1995 Ford Taurus, 8% of the model year's 1,205 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Taurus electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1995 Ford Taurus, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Ford Taurus electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 19 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system 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.