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 1996 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Recently I've noticed numerous electrical problems. First I noticed my check engine light would come on and stay on. I had the car serviced but the light came back on. I had it checked out and it was said to have been a problem with an oxygen sensor (bank 1). It was reset, but the light came back on. I had it checked out again, and this time the codes said there was a problem with two(2) oxygen sensors(bank 1 & bank 2), but the EGR check came up incomplete. Then the panel light instructing me that a door was ajar started coming on, but all doors were shut. Then it would go off all of a sudden. Now the light comes on and stays on, and all of the doors are shut.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. It cranks, but the ignition does not turn over until she depresses the accelerator pedal. The vehicle would stall at least ten to twelve times before it would start. She took the vehicle to a mechanic and was informed that the fuel injectors and brake switch interlock were the causes of the failure. The vehicle is also stuck in park and will not move. In order to start the vehicle, she has to turn the ignition off and shift into neutral. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 05/05/09.
My 96 Ford Taurus gl has the following electrical problems, radio goes out, seat belt light flashes and clicks, intermittent wipers fail, power windows fail, finally power steering locks up,and when running for a while transmission would slip, causing safety concerns. If put in park everything goes back working as normal. Took to shop and they say it's the transmission range sensor and that several 96 Taurus' they have worked on have had the same problem....I am wondering why this has not been a recall part if that is the case...something is definitely wrong!
While traveling at 65mph, vehicle started to lose power, engine check light came on, then engine quit. Consumer had to get to shoulder by using hazard lights. While consumer was on shoulder engine caught fire. Consumer says temparature gauge went to 3 quarters intermittently.
While driving engine check light illuminated. When consumer pulled over an under the hood fire started. Fire department came and put the fire out. Cause was determined to be an electrical short. Ford has been contacted.
Engine will not shut off when taking the key out of the ignition. Consumer disconnected the coil wire and some fuses to get the engine to shut off. Dealer determined that ignition actuator switch had to be replaced.
Consumer noticed smoke coming from underneath passenger's side. Within minutes later, vehicle was up in flames. Insurance company claimed fire started due to electrical wiring. Vehicle was a total loss.
When I bought this car it had a spare tire on it, which had a hole in it that I was not informed of. The electrical things inside the car do not work, such as the windows, A/C and radio buttons. The A/C and radio cut on and off by themselves. The windsheid wipers are somehow connected to the starter so everytime I start the car thw wipers come on and stay on for about 10 seconds. Also, I had the car diagnosed by a mechanic and he says that this car has been sitting under water.
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 about 55 MPH engine without prior warning stalled/ just stopped working.consumer steered off the road, and dealer did not know what could have cause the problem. The day before this failure, the heating system stopped working. The following day, the vehicle stall. The dealer says the coolant system was the cause, and that the engine need to be replaced.
Electrical complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1996 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Ford Taurus, 7% of the model year's 825 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Taurus electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 5 fires and 1 injury 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.