Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 1 MPH, the vehicle accelerated violently and crashed into a pole without any warning. The contact sustained chest and head injuries and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Updated 3/13/13 updated 03/19/13 updated 03/20/13 the consumer stated the brakes didn't work, and she hit several curbs and two tires burst on the passenger side. She hit a lamp post and some shrubs, as well as an atm machine. Updated 04/10/13
While applying the brake pedal vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated and took off. Vehicle was forced onto a curb, and flattened the right front tire before the engine cut off . No injury was reported. The consumer stated that she suffered back problems due to the accident.
While stopped in a line of traffic, my 96 Ford Taurus began to accelerate to appr. 40-50 m.p.h I left rubber, thankfully I did have my foot on the brake which helped to some degree. About three weeks earlier something similar had happened but at far less a speed appr. 5 MPH.
Purchased my 1996 Ford Taurus wagon in nov. 2001. It accelerates at high speeds with cruise going down hill. The gas pedal often gets hung up which leaves me tapping it my foot to get it to go, so that I do not have an accident. The whole car rides very roughly. It also hangs up in passing gear almost every time. And also how do I find out where to check to see if all the recalls were taken care of. Be careful for what u buy.
While attempting to park the driver placed car in reverse, the motor revved then it was place in drive and it took off. Traveled for 2.2 miles before catapulting in the air and impacting a utility pole only after crashing through an iron I beam gate. Braking would not even slow vehicle down. Blew both passenger tires prior to the collision. Estimated speed reached 50-70mph according to witnesses and driver.
Vehicle was idling near garage. Had opened door when vehicle leaped forward. Had taken to dealer & nothing found by mechanic. The 2nd time, everything was in gear (parked) & owner in front of vehicle when it leaped forward & broke garage door. Vehicle pushed owner through the door.
Car was put into drive from park while on a slight downgrade and the car took off into a house. The car was in the garage (not the dealer mentioned in the previous section) a week prior to incident with the same complaint and they said they could not find anything wrong.
While driving out of a tow booth vehicle suddenly accelerated and lurched at high speed. Consumer was able to gain control, and pulled the vehicle over. Dealer was notified, but was unable to find the cause of the problem.
My car broke down 10/21/2000. I lost all power on the freeway driving with my 2 year old son. I took my car to 3 Ford dealerships and none of the mechanics could figure out what was wrong. Finally I found an independent machine shop who was competent enough to not only diagnose and fix my car properly, but they had to piece my engine (including the axles) together after a Ford dealership refused to put my car back together. I had no vehicle for 7 months and had to pay $3171 for the repairs not to mention 4 tow trucks. Shortly after having my car fixed I noticed it would idle high when sitting at stop signs or lights. Eventually my check engine light appeared and recently discovered it is either the throttle position sensor or throttle body. Regarding the cam sprocket failure, I know of at least 69 people who have had the exact same problems with their Taurus sho models. …
To whom it May concern. I bought a Ford Taurus 1996 from venuns Ford in milwaukee wisconsin. I have only had this car for seven months and the gas pedal was sticking and taking off very fast and shifting its gears. The motor was rumbling and shaking. I had to repair the axles of the car. I had to take it back every month because of the engine. The water pump over heated and the gas pedal is still sticking and taking off very fast today. Also the dealer is trying to take away the warranty so they wouldn't have to pay for the repairs. I asked the dealer to take a federal investigation but they refused. I asked for an even exchange for a different car but they wanted me to pay for this car and the other if I got one. Urgently respond to my complaint.
Acceleration complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1996 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1996 Ford Taurus, 5% of the model year's 825 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Taurus acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 1996 Ford Taurus, though it has 6 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 1996 Ford Taurus acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 14 injuries to speed control & acceleration 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.