Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Ford coolant corrosion is costing us tooooo much. Engine was running hot. Started with thermostat, then degas bottle cap (full of rust), then water pump (fins corroded and gone), then radiator flushed-full of rust, now head gasket is gone. Flushing system didn't help. Heater core has problems too--no heat to defrost windows which is hazardous to driving car.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Taurus. The air conditioner blower motor has a shortage and the passenger side floor was always wet due to a leak. The dealer has not diagnosed the failure and the manufacturer has not been notified. The failure mileage was 199,000.
Coolant system needed to be flushed out on a yearly basis. If not flushed, would have sludge build up in the heater core. As a result, heater core would become plugged and would not operate properly.
Re: 1999 Ford Taurus: VIN # [redacted] my wife and I purchased a 1999 Ford Taurus from north point Ford in north little rock, arkansas, on feb. 16, 2001. Since November 2002, we have had the car at two Ford dealerships and three independent repair shops trying to get the heater fixed. So far it has cost us $1,324.21. During the most recent repair, north point Ford took apart the entire coolant system, flushed each component and found rust in the engine block, which they said was the source of the problem. At present, the heater is working, but we feel we are due reimbursement for the repairs. The car was still under the manufacturer's warranty when we bought it with 29,891 miles. (the contract states 28,890 as the dealer denied our request to list the correct mileage.) we purchased an extended "bumper to bumper" warranty at a cost of $1,733 at north point Ford. …
Dt: the contact stated that on December 1, 2004 front left coil spring broke that punctured the tire. Also, the key will not come out of the ignition. Once in awhile one could turn the steering wheel just right and the key will come out. The contact had to pry open the hood or it will not open. Contact has not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The blower motor will not work, and that was what fogged up the windows. Had to dash off in order to get to the blower. July 1, 2005 the door sensor will ding even when shut the door, and it will stay on until it runs down the battery.
Airbag system is inoperative. Has not worked since purchase of vehicle. Alarm for airbag continues to go off. Did not have bulb in airbag light. Dealer contacted. Consumer also stated that fuse box, air conditioner manifold also failed.
Air conditioner failed to perform when turnen on. Hot air blew out. Ac is used only half the year as we live in ny where the heat is used more than ac. $500. To repair. I believe the original ac compressor hose was defective.
The heater core leaked previously and was replaced in 08/02. The heater core leaked again and caused fumes to enter passenger cabin. Ph
Heater core was previously leaking and was replaced in 08/02. Heater core is now leaking again causing fumes to enter passenger cabin.
Heater core had to be replaced. Dealer stated that it became clogged because of sludge buildup.
AC & Heater complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 1999 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 1999 Ford Taurus, 2% of the model year's 874 complaints. The component named most often is defroster/defogger/hvac system › heater core (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Taurus ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 1999 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 1999 Ford Taurus ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to a/c & heater 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.