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1998 Ford Taurus Sho problems

The most common problem on the 1998 Ford Taurus Sho is engine and cooling. Its complaint count is close to a typical Taurus Sho model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
17
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
18mpg

The worst 1998 Ford Taurus Sho problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    5
  • Transmission
    4
  • Suspension
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    5
  • Transmission
    4
  • Suspension
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Ford Taurus Sho 17

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 17 bulletins for the 1998 Ford Taurus Sho

1998 Ford Taurus Sho fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.4L 8‑cylFWD152318

What 1998 Ford Taurus Sho owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 27, 2011 · Transmission · 135,000 miles · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford taurus sho. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and trying to accelerate, the vehicle would not accelerate. The overdrive button had constantly been going on and off. The vehicle had not been inspected nor had the vehicle been repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 135,000.

Filed Jun 7, 2007 · Seat belts · FL

I own a 1998 ford taurus station wagon. The rear seat belts lap and both shoulders have gotten jammed in the side compartments twice and were unusable. I had it reapaired once at no cost at a local repair shop. Both rear door panels are coming apart also. This is not normal wear and tear. I take good care of my vehicles and have never owned a car where door started to separate. I brought the issue up to ford dealership and they said they would repair it for $300.00 and up each seatbelt. I explained it was a saftey issue and they simply said it was no longer under warranty. I have contacted ford directly and received the same response. I happened to come across your website and decided to contact you. I hope you can help me get this repair done. I can not afford another car at this time and I can not transport more then 1 person in the rear seat, only in the middle. Thank you.

Filed Sep 7, 2005 · Body, Brakes · VA · crash

Brake line corrosion and separation causing failure of the brakes. Resulting in also front sway and link bar damage. No brakes. Front sway bars break when vehicle is turned a certain degree. Front middle of hood on all taurus seem to lose the paint do to rock or debris being able to bounce on the bumper and hit center. I have seen at least 50 taurus's missing paint in the same area. Service engine soon light remains on after four trips to a certified ford dealer. Water holding in engine compartment will crack under extreme outdoor temperatures causing the car to overheat.

Filed Jan 6, 2005 · Suspension · IL

My 1998 ford taurus experienced a problem exactly as the recall states for the 1999 ford taurus re: the spring coil breaking and puncturing the tire. This resulted in a flat tire, coil, spring, and mount repair, as well as a tow and rental car. I was fortunate enough to have it happen in my driveway instead of on the interstate possibly resulting in death of my child and self. It caused and immediate blow out of my front driver side tire. I am very angry that I have been watching for reports on possible investigations on the year and problem and have found none!!!! Amazing that it happens in 1999 makes, but not 1998. I would like to see something done about this matter as I know it has happened to other 1998s. Thank you for your time and anticipated cooperation.

Filed Dec 1, 2004 · Engine · 80,000 miles · IN

No failure, the car is a 1998 ford taurus sho. The owner previous of me spent $13000 replacing the engine due to a camshaft sprocket failure in an interference engine. I would like information as to what the federal safety agency is going to do about this. I have many sources from a car club with over 400 documented camshaft failures in these cars. That is not even close to the number that have actually had this problem. Hopefully something can be done soon about this problem instead of people who work everyday and their engine blows up and they have to dish out 15000 dollars which ford denies there is a problem. All you have to do is search the web for ford taurus v8 sho camshaft failures and you will have a very long list.

Filed Oct 13, 2003 · Engine · 49,980 miles · MI

Possible cam failure resulting in total engine lost if not for all four camshafts welded this day for the cost of $600.

Filed Mar 20, 2003 · Engine · 85,757 miles · NC

Cam sprocket failure on ford taurus v8 sho.

Filed Mar 13, 2003 · Engine · WI

There were two copies of consumers report (bound in folders). Responded to report of defective engine camshafts in 1998 ford taurus sho vehicles. Sent a voq to the consumer for future use. *ak

Filed Dec 4, 2000 · Transmission · PA

Speedometer shut down at highway speed.

Filed Dec 4, 2000 · Transmission · PA

Speedometer shuts down at highway speed. Took to dealer and they can't duplicate problem.

Compare the 1998 Ford Taurus Sho

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999

Questions about the 1998 Ford Taurus Sho

Is the 1998 Ford Taurus Sho reliable?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 1998 Ford Taurus Sho, close to a typical Taurus Sho model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Ford Taurus Sho?

Engine and cooling, with 5 complaints. Next is transmission (4).

How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Taurus Sho have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Ford Taurus Sho have bad engine?

The Ford Taurus Sho model years with the most engine complaints are 1997 (24 complaints), 1996 (20 complaints) and 1999 (11 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1998 Ford Taurus Sho get?

Official estimates for the 1998 Ford Taurus Sho range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.4L 8-cyl, FWD) gets 15 city and 23 highway.

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