1992 Ford Taurus

1992 Ford Taurus

The 1992 Ford Taurus is a mid-size sedan that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 3.0-liter V6 that produced 140 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 3.8-liter V6 that produced 160 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.8-liter V6 that produced 200 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0-liter V6 was available with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.8-liter V6 engines were available with a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission.

The Taurus was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordable price. However, it was also criticized for its uninspiring performance, lack of handling, and poor fuel economy.

Engine

• 3.0-Liter V6

  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the intake manifold gasket, causing overheating and loss of coolant.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
    • Recalls: N/A
  • Timing belt failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt breaks, causing the engine to stall and possibly resulting in catastrophic engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the timing belt and tensioner.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $900+
    • Recalls: N/A

• 3.8-Liter V6

  • Valve cover gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets, causing an oil leak and reduced oil levels.
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: N/A

Transmission

• Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Shift solenoid failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission experiences harsh shifts or may not shift gears properly.
    • Solution: Replace the shift solenoid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
    • Recalls: N/A

• Five-Speed Manual Transmission

  • Clutch failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The clutch slips or fails to engage, causing difficulty shifting gears.
    • Solution: Replace the clutch.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
    • Recalls: N/A

Suspension

• Front struts failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The front struts wear out, causing a rough ride and reduced handling.
  • Solution: Replace the front struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Rear shocks failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear shocks wear out, causing a bouncy ride and reduced handling.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: N/A

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator fails to charge the battery, causing the battery to drain and the vehicle to stall.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The starter fails to engage the engine, preventing the vehicle from starting.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: N/A

Exterior

• Headlight switch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The headlight switch fails, causing the headlights to not work.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: N/A

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard develops cracks over time, affecting the vehicle’s appearance.
  • Solution: N/A (cannot be fixed)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: N/A
  • Recalls: N/A
• Center console lid failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The center console lid breaks or becomes loose, allowing items to fall out.
  • Solution: Replace the center console lid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+
  • Recalls: N/A

Summary

The 1992 Ford Taurus has a few common issues that can range in severity and cost of repair. The most serious and expensive issue is the engine timing belt failure, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed promptly. The other issues, such as intake manifold gasket failure, valve cover gasket failure, and shift solenoid failure, are less severe but can still be costly to repair. Overall, the 1992 Ford Taurus is a reliable vehicle with a few potential issues that should be considered before purchasing or owning one.