Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
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 contact owns a 1996 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, there was a loud noise coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the motor carriage had corroded and stated that the vehicle needed a new under frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.
I currently own a 1996 Ford Taurus. By a fluke, I was recently notified by a mechanic that the sub-frame on the passenger side was corroded beyond repair. I was also told that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. There is no other rust on the vehicle, which would indicate a manufacturers defect. I have contacted Ford customer service and they are unwilling to deal with the problem even though I have checked the internet and found several examples of the same problem. This is a huge safety issue. This is the main support, which holds up the engine and transmission. If it were to suddenly drop, steering would become impossible. I have to believe that there are many people out there driving with this same problem and do not realize it, just as I didn't. I am asking that you check into this further and to protect our citizens. Thank you, james mehring.
The motor cradle in my mother-in-law's 1996 Taurus rusted through and broke as she was making a turn. This caused the motor to partially drop making steering almost impossible. I did some research and found that there was a recall for this problem for the 1995 Taurus in dec. Of 1998. My question is if this problem was not discovered until 1998 then why would the 1996 Taurus not be included in this recall? I would like to see credible documentation that Ford substantially fixed a problem with the motor cradles in the 1996 Taurus two years before they knew there was a problem prompting the 1998 recall. Short of that, I would like NHTSA to explain why this problem should not be fixed by Ford.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Ford Taurus. While the contact was driving approximately 60 MPH the engine shut off without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician stated that water leaked onto the front passenger side floor area. The water was coming from the front windshield and the engine. The failure occurred during rainy weather conditions. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure continued to occur. The contact stated that the manufacturer should be responsible for the repair cost. The failure mileage was 138,000.
When traveling at high speeds (70 plus MPH) in crosswind conditions there is a loud "moaning" and/or "whistling" sound that is present in the area of the drivers side door where the door assembly meets the frame and window assembly. The sound is so loud that I have to turn off the radio because there is too much noise in the interior of the car to talk or hear normally. I have informed the local Ford dealer and he told me that he has the same problem with his personal Ford vehicle. Ford can't seem to fix the problem nor do they seem too concerned about it. They (Ford)just sort of put me off and more or less indicate that because they can not seem to correct the pronlem that I"ll just have to live with it. The problem is ongoing and occurs frequently when I take trips where I am doing high speed driving in crosswind conditions.
I noticed a clicking in front end when turning,stopping and accelerating wich very quickly graduated to a loud popping sound.after taking it in to the garage they found that the half shaft and tie rod were damaged on front passenger side.after replacing the parts it was still popping.they put it on a hoist and realized that the frame was completely rotted away at the front passenger side of vehicle.this was imediately declared to be the cause of the damage to the half shaft and tie rod.after taking it to another mechanic to repair the damage to the frame, he noticed that the floor was near completely rotted out as well.I have a friend that has the same car (model and year) and he is having the exact same problems with his car.
The 1996 Taurus that I drive had a thud/clanking noise under the floor boards on the right side. Replaced brakes, and while the car was jacked up I found extreme rust through on the passenger's rear on the subframe carriage and carriage bolt. This car was no longer being driven. This vehicle only has 115,000 miles on it. This should not be rotted out. The dealer informed me that any repairs we not covered by any warranty or recall, and that they have letters from Ford about this problem. This was only covered through the 1995 model year.
1996 Ford Taurus problems with back gate replacement panels. Consumer states that she cannot lock the door with a key it must be locked by hand she believes there should be a recall for this electrical problem. Problems with the door ajar/relay. The repair shop stated there was no power to the ground motor and the suspected problem was more with the electrical system. The rear tailgate would not open.
While driving vehicle and when there is a quick change in the road surface, the struts make a clunking noise. Vehicle has been in shop (5) or (6) times for this problem since July of 96. The struts and sway bar were replaced a couple of months ago. Also, new subframe insulators were put in a few weeks ago. Vehicle is still making a clunking noise.
During normal operation of the vehicle, a loud "thud" noise was coming from front. Independent mechanic examined vehicle and found that front right cradle mount was broken. Consumer was informed that vehicle was not included in campaign number 98V323000.
Body complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1996 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the body & structure of the 1996 Ford Taurus, 5% of the model year's 825 complaints. The component named most often is body › door (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Taurus body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure 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 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 113,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to body & structure 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.