1999 Ford Taurus Headlight Problems

24 owners have reported lights problems with the 1999 Ford Taurus to NHTSA — 3% of all 874 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 55,000 miles. That ranks #8 of 25 Taurus model years for headlight complaints (a typical year has 9). No headlight recall has been issued for this model year.

24complaints
55ktypical miles
0related recalls
0crashes
1fires
1injuries

Which parts fail

  • Headlights
    10
  • Hazard flashing warning lights › Switch
    1

Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    222%
  • 25k–50k
    111%
  • 50k–75k
    333%
  • 75k–100k
    00%
  • 100k–150k
    222%
  • 150k+
    111%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The headlights have had condensation inside for several months. With torrential rains two weeks ago, the passenger side headlight took on an inch and a half of water inside the cover, and the driver side had increased condensation to obscure the whole cover. The car is commonly parked outside my apartment (urban area) when not in use. Dates are approximate, and I've put the car in the aaa shop to get the headlights replaced (big expense, as the car's old enough to vote!)

65,000 miles · Nov 2020

Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Taurus. The contact noticed smoke rising from under the hood. He activated the headlights so that he could see more clearly. When he dimmed the headlights, the vehicle stopped smoking. The contact stated that the headlights flickered when he purchased the vehicle. The current mileage was 112,000 and failure mileage was 100,000. Remailed evoq 10/15/07

Headlights · 100,000 miles · Aug 2007 · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the day time running headlights remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

150,000 miles · Oct 2015

Dt: the contact has a 1999 Ford Taurus and has had consistent problems with the car since it was bought new. She has been complaining for the last 48,000 miles for the same things. Most recently last week she took vehicle to the dealer for a leak in the master cylinder, which they repaired. . They cleaned the hubs. She had to push the brakes all the way to get the car to stop. They replaced brake booster, machined rotors, and put new brake pads on. At 1,700 miles had to take vehicle to dealer for a noise she from the brakes. They cleaned the hubs. At 22,466 brakes and serpentine belt were checked. They put a new serpentine belt on at 22,500 miles. Also, had multiple electrical problems with the car. 4 multifunction switches were replaced. In addition, a head lamp control switch was replaced at 17,000 mile, and a new radio put in. The A/C had alo bee worked on twice.

1,000 miles · Aug 2005

Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Taurus sport. The contact stated that the vehicle's headlights blink intermittently, day and night. She could drive 20 miles and the headlights would blink for approximately three to four minutes before dimming. The Ford dealer kept the vehicle for five days and was unable to determine the cause of failure. She stated that the failure is embarrassing because it gives mixed signals to oncoming traffic. The current mileage is 29,000 and failure mileage was 15,000. Updated 02-01-08.

Headlights · 15,000 miles · Nov 2002

Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the headlights were dim and the visibility was impaired every time they were turned on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 09e012000 (exterior lightning) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.

Oct 2014

The multifunction switch in the steering columns of the 1997-1999 Ford Taurus' have been failing. This switch controls both turn signals and hazaard lights. To date we have had no injury or incident due to this failure but have seen around 15 to 20 vehicles within our fleet fail over the past 2 years when testing the hazaard lights before going out on the road. Parts were replaced by our contracted repair facility and the parts disposed of.

Hazard flashing warning lights › Switch · 54,000 miles · Jun 2004

Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Taurus. The contact took the vehicle in for inspection and was told that she had to have the headlights replaced. The headlights had oxidized and prevented the proper amount of light from shining through. The purchase date of the vehicle was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 120,000. Updated 06/13/07

Headlights · 120,000 miles · May 2007

I bought a hitch cover light ,that permanently block's the view of the vital visual safety inspection trailer hitch receiver , installed locking pin , emergency tow chain's, and 7 prong. Elect. And ball mount stability. This universal vehicle product is called: white night reverse light system. Patent name: supplemental reverse light issued July 27,2000 viewable at www.cruiserstainless.com . Bought for $75.00 . The problem with this is: they have additional attachment features for this large hitch receiver cover not covered by the patent. This product permanently blocks the vital view of the hich pin, emergency tow chain and structural stability of the OEM standardized - best selling aftermarket trailer hitch receiver. My accident would have been prevented if this product that blocked the hitch receiver view during towing did not take place. The owner of this product is roger byers. …

Apr 2001 · 1 injury

I just purchased this vehicle from a car dealer. Since I purchase my bolts to the back brakes came out. Front end is making noises especially when turning the wheel. Back window is ready to break off missing passenger side hinge to hold the window in place. Brakes squeal. Electrical system is not working properly for example the power doors do not unlock, the power seat does not adjust when you push the button, the trunk can not be opened with the key, the doors have to be unlock manually.

Aug 2009

Headlight complaints in other Taurus years

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’192730362824873024468461412141291341411
Headlight complaints per model year, Ford Taurus.

Frequently asked questions

How common are headlight problems on the 1999 Ford Taurus?

NHTSA has 24 complaints about the lights of the 1999 Ford Taurus, 3% of the model year's 874 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (10 mentions).

Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Taurus headlight problems?

No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to lights 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.