Model year guide

1998 Ford Taurus

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Ford Taurus is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 41 on record.

1998 Ford Taurus — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 Ford Taurus at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints587
Combined20 mpg
Typical price$1,050

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1998 Ford Taurus recalls 4

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #98V028000 · 10/02/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Fix: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.

Seat Belts:front:anchorage NHTSA Campaign #98V198000 · 25/08/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEAT TRACKS. THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHING STUD MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS HEAT TREATMENT MAY HAVE RESULTED IN CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE STUD.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MOUNTING BRACKET AND STUD ASSEMBLY.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1998 Ford Taurus common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 587 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Engine
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.

1998 Ford Taurus MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,175

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1998 Ford Taurus worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$1,050
High
$1,895

From 20 comparable 1998 Ford Taurus listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Ford Taurus costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,875
Fuel only$15,875
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1998 Ford Taurus trims & engines on record

Trims
SE · LX
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 145 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 200 hp

1998 Ford Taurus vehicles on record

Other Ford Taurus model years

1998 Ford Taurus — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Ford Taurus have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 1998 Ford Taurus. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Ford Taurus?

Based on 587 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control, service brakes, structure.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Ford Taurus get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1998 Ford Taurus at about 20 mpg combined (17 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 1998 Ford Taurus worth?

Comparable 1998 Ford Taurus listings run roughly $500–$1,895, typically around $1,050 (from 20 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.