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1996 Ford Taurus electrical problems

57 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
57
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
85,000
crashes
2
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Ignition
    15
  • Wiring
    5
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    5
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    4
  • Wiring: interior/under dash
    3
  • Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
    3
  • Wiring: front underhood
    3
  • Ignition: switch
    3

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Taurus electrical problems in other years

1990199520002005201020152019

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Ford Taurus electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 11

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1996 Ford Taurus owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 23, 2009 · Brakes, Electrical · 120,000 miles · NC

Tl*the 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.

Filed Nov 15, 2008 · Electrical · MN

96' ford taurus has a leak in the passenger seat, this leak causes either a short in the blower motor or the blower motor resistor. Blower motor works sometimes or doesn't, usually after it rains and the corresponding leak causes a short. This is very dangerous up north when the defrosting of the windshield is a necessity.

Filed Jun 16, 2008 · Body, Electrical · OR

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. *kb 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.

Filed Mar 17, 2007 · Electrical · VA

When in gear my 1996 taurus's power windows and radio will not operate. They will operate in neutral or park. When in gear the seat belt light flashes on. The steering becomes tight when this happens, almost as if there is no power steering. When the ignition module died, the other problems stopped for the most part. I notice other similar complaints.

Filed Mar 1, 2007 · Electrical, Seat belts · 155,752 miles · IL

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!

Filed Jun 27, 2005 · Electrical, Tires · GA

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.

Filed Mar 11, 2005 · Electrical, Steering · MO

Progressive system failures; initally raido goes out, seat belt light flashes and clicks, intermittent wipers fail. Finally power steering locks up, causing safety concerns. If put in park electrical systems resume operation. Transmission range sensor replaced, automotive shop has seen 3 other '96 taurus' with same issue.

Filed Jan 13, 2005 · Electrical · 85,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Sep 10, 2004 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

While driving 45 MPH vehicle stalled. Vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the fuel pump and fuse needed to be replaced, and replaced it. However, the problem recurred, and mechanic could not duplicate the problem.

Filed Dec 22, 2003 · Electrical · 58,360 miles · CA

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.

Questions about the 1996 Ford Taurus electrical

Does the 1996 Ford Taurus have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 57 complaints about the electrical of the 1996 Ford Taurus, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Ford Taurus electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Ford Taurus electrical?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Ford Taurus have the most electrical problems?

The Ford Taurus model years with the most electrical complaints are 1993 (157 complaints), 2003 (97 complaints) and 1995 (95 complaints).

Other 1996 Ford Taurus problems

Engine 216Transmission 183Steering 101Brakes 72Suspension 60Visibility 55Airbags 45Acceleration 42Body 40Lights 30Tires 28Seat belts 25Fuel system 19Locks 14Seats 5Wheels 4

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