1996 Ford Taurus GL
1FALP52U5TA117891
Vehicle history report for the 1996 Ford Taurus GL (VIN 1FALP52U5TA117891). Green, sedan/saloon, 3.0L 6-cyl, gasoline. 161,470 mi reported. Registered in Ga. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 1996 Ford Taurus worth?
What comparable 1996 Ford Taurus vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
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See this car's exact value →Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 1FALP52U5TA117891
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 1996 Ford Taurus.
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Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 967 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Ford Taurus, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 3 involved a crash 🚑 2 reported injuries
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 967
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1996 Ford Taurus.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
I RECENTLY BROUGHT THE CAR FOR 4,00 AND SOME CHANGE A BOUT A YEAR AGO TWO DAYS AFTER I BROUGHT IT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND EVERY NOW AND THEN WHILE DRIVING IT WOULD CUT OFF I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE PLACE I BROUGHT IT FROM AND TOLD THEM THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK IN I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE IT SO I GOT SOME ONE TO FOLLOW ME AND TAKE ME BACK HOME …
NHTSA ODI #10823233STRUCTURE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR CARRIAGE HAD CORRODED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW UNDER FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFA…
NHTSA ODI #10690224VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED VIOLENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A POLE WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST AND HEAD INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. …
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10494584SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE CONTACT, WHO WAS SEATING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, HIT HER HEAD ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,890.
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10486575STRUCTURE,ENGINE
THE MOTOR CRADLE IN MY MOTHER-IN-LAW'S 1996 TAURUS RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE AS SHE WAS MAKING A TURN. THIS CAUSED THE MOTOR TO PARTIALLY DROP MAKING STEERING ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR THE 1995 TAURUS IN DEC. OF 1998. MY QUESTION IS IF THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT DISCOVERED UNTIL 1998 THEN WHY WO…
NHTSA ODI #10463264SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
MY SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. BRAKE LINES TO THE REAR OF THE CAR RUPTURED AND DRAINED SYSTEM OF BRAKE FLUID AND CAR HAD NO BRAKES AT ALL. IT ROLLED INTO AN INTERSECTION AND THANKFULLY HE WASN'T HURT. APPARENTLY THIS IS FAIRLY COMMON WITH OLDER CARS. BOTH LINES BEING REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10419301VISIBILITY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD FROM AN UNKNOWN ENTRY SOURCE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, THE FAILURE WAS COMMON. THE DEALER ADVISED HAVING THE MOLDING AND SEALANT FOR THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A COMPLAINT ON TH…
NHTSA ODI #10398597AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. DURING THE CRASH ALL OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BUT DURING DEPLOYMENT, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DETACHED FROM THE DASHBOARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED BUT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PARKING LOT WHERE THE F…
Crash · NHTSA ODI #10386441+ 959 more complaints on record.
