Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
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 was driving approximately 30 MPH when the vehicle was involved in a crash. During the crash all of the air bags deployed but during deployment, the passenger side air bag detached from the dashboard. A police report was filed but no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a parking lot where the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 150,000.
Was rear ended in a five car accident,I had the middle car . I was slammed into the back of another car which in turn hit the vehicle in front of him. My air bags did not deploy, I know that I hit the car in front of me hard enough to deploy the bags because the front of my car was in his trunk. I caused major damage to his car. The police would not let me have my car because my airbags did not deploy.
Airbag warning light came on for 2 days. Went out before scheduled service at dealer. No diagnostic code was returned. Dealer advised to return car immediately if light went on again. Approximately a week later light went on again, car was returned to dealer with light on and an "unknown code" was returned by diagnostic unit. Approx 3 weeks later, without warning, passenger side front airbag deployed spontaneously. Car filled with powder making visibility impossible, and the force of the airbag deployment shattered and pushed out the passenger side of the windshield, scattering shards of glass all over the front seat.
Consumer slowed down to make a left turn when she hit another vehicle on the side head-on. The passenger's side air bag deployed, injuring the passenger. Passenger and driver were taken to the hospital. Driver's side air bag deployed, and the driver suffered a broken wrist. The passenger is 67years of age. Had almost every bone in face broken, except for lower jaw bone. The air bag cover was dented due to impact of passenger's face.
When the consumer applied the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. The consumer collided with another driver. Both frontal air bags did deploy, but the air bags deployed in the upright position and hit the windshield and caused the windshield to shatter. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. Please fill in additional information.
While driving out of the neighborhood to a service road, made a left hand turn and tire rod broke, vehicle veered off to the right and hit a concrete power line. Upon impact, airbags didn't deploy on either side. Contacted the local mechanic, and was told that the vehicle had been in an accident before. Contacted the dealer.
Vehicle involved in a crash at 50 MPH with 2 vehicles. First vehicle hit in rear almost head on with major damage to driver's side front/middle, proceeded to hit second vehicle in same place. Neither air bag deployed on either impact. My vehicle came to a complete hault after hitting second vehicle.
Vehicle was involved in a 25-30 MPH frontal collision in which driver and passenger air bags deployed, causing occupant of passenger seat to receive injuires to eyes and face. Air bag deployed and blow up failing to hold air keeping the passenger safe.
Consumer was traveling about 30mph on highway and noticed that airbag light was blinking, and without prior warning both airbags went off. He was forced into concrete barriers on road. Vehicle had smoke inside, and was totaled. There were no injuries.
When driving at 40 MPH consumer was involved in a head-on collision. Upon impact frontal driver's air bag, and driver's side air bag did not deploy. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer unable to determine cause. Please provide any further details.
Airbag complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1996 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Ford Taurus, 5% of the model year's 825 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Taurus airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags 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 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 32 crashes, 1 fire and 39 injuries to air bags 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.