The 1996 Ford Taurus has 8 recalls, the most serious being multiple fire risks from fuel leaks, plus a transmission park mechanism that may not hold the vehicle in place when parked.
Two recalls involve the fuel pressure regulator, where a damaged diaphragm can rupture and allow liquid fuel to escape into the intake manifold or out through the air cleaner and exhaust, creating a fire risk near any ignition source. A separate fuel system recall affects vehicles that were previously serviced with an incorrect 18-gallon fuel tank: a shipping plug on that tank can come loose and allow fuel to leak, again posing a fire risk. The flexible fuel version of this model has its own fuel concern, where a wiring harness connector seal can swell and push apart, cutting power to the fuel pump and leaving the engine without fuel pressure.
On the drivetrain side, two overlapping recalls cover the transmission park mechanism failing to fully engage when the shift lever is placed in park, meaning the vehicle can roll freely if the driver does not also set the parking brake. The brake warning light rounds out the list: the fluid level indicator switch can malfunction, causing the warning lamp to stay on constantly or fail to light when brake fluid actually drops to a low level.
At a glance
What can fail
Your vehicle has an 18-gallon fuel tank instead of the correct 16-gallon tank. The larger tank has an extra valve opening that lacks a required shipping plug.
What the fix does
Your dealer will replace the fuel tank with the correct 16-gallon tank.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
A seal in the fuel pump wiring connector can swell when exposed to unleaded fuel, causing the connector to separate and stop fuel pump operation. Fuel tank vapor control valves may also fail to operate properly, allowing excess vapor emissions.
What the fix does
The wiring connector seal and fuel tank vapor vent valve assembly will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic transmission's park mechanism may fail to lock the vehicle in place even when the shift lever is moved firmly to Park. The vehicle could roll freely like it's in Neutral, potentially causing a crash if left unattended without the parking brake set.
What the fix does
The park mechanism will be inspected, and if needed, a new park pawl shaft will be installed in the transmission.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pressure regulator's diaphragm can rupture, potentially causing fuel to leak or damage the engine. Leaked fuel near an ignition source could ignite.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your vehicle and replace the fuel pressure regulator if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail has a damaged vacuum diaphragm that occurred during manufacturing, which can cause fuel pressure to operate improperly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel pressure regulator and replace any units made during the suspect production period.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During transmission assembly, the park pawl shaft may have been positioned incorrectly when its retaining roll pin was installed. This could cause the pin to crush or create a burr on the shaft, potentially compromising the park mechanism.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft roll pin. If damaged, they'll replace both the pin and shaft. Owners will be reminded to use the parking brake along with shifting to Park.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake system fluid level indicator may malfunction, causing the warning lamp to stay on continuously or fail to turn on when brake fluid drops to a low level.
What the fix does
The brake system fluid level indicator lamp switch will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake fluid level indicator lamp switch may malfunction, preventing the warning light from working properly when brake fluid runs low.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake fluid level indicator lamp switch with a properly functioning unit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
