The 1990 Ford Taurus has 5 recalls, the most serious being cracked wheels that can split apart without warning, causing sudden loss of control; this defect appears across both police package and standard vehicles.
The front seatbelt buckles also have two related faults: a fastened buckle may refuse to release when the button is pressed, and in some cases the buckle may not fully latch at all, leaving the belt unable to restrain an occupant in a sudden stop or crash. There is also an emissions concern where carbon monoxide exhaust levels can exceed regulatory limits. On the electrical side, a faulty transistor in the automatic headlight system can cause the headlamps to shut off while driving at night or stay on after the vehicle is parked.
At a glance
What can fail
Your vehicle's exhaust system may release carbon monoxide at levels higher than emissions standards allow.
What the fix does
The catalytic converter will be replaced to reduce emissions to compliant levels.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Safety belt buckles may fail to unlatch when the release button is pressed due to interference between internal parts, may fail to latch, or may latch insufficiently to protect occupants.
What the fix does
Ford will replace the defective buckles with new end release safety belt buckles designed to prevent these latch problems.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Wheels may develop cracks in the center hub between the lug holes and rim attachment. Heavy use can spread these cracks, potentially causing the rim to separate from the hub.
What the fix does
Replace wheels with a revised design that addresses the cracking issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Wheels may develop cracks in the raised center portion that can grow larger over time.
What the fix does
Replace wheels with redesigned wheels that eliminate this cracking issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty transistor in the autolamp light sensor module may cause the module to malfunction, affecting automatic headlight operation.
What the fix does
The light sensor modules will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
