8th Oct 2004, 06:34
I have read all of the above comments regarding the 1999 Taurus with great interest. I'm especially amazed that someone else had an issue with the cruise control not working from the beginning (0 miles)! A simple cable adjustment by the dealer fixed this problem. Perhaps our cars were next to each other on the assembly line?
It appears I have been fortunate not to have had to replace any steering components, and this car currently has over 114,000 miles (knock on wood). I have only had these minor issues, until recently:
1) Replace front rotors (around 50k). No prior turning, and already they had insufficient material for resurfacing. This was quite disappointing, but rotors aren't extremely expensive, especially compared to some other cars.
2) Windshield wipers have a mind of their own (started around 60k). Supposedly replacing the multifunction switch with a new revised unit will solve this.
2) "Eternal" Dome Light (started around 65k). I pulled the bulb, but after reading comments on the Internet, I tried the WD-40 trick. So far, the "Door Ajar" indicator has not come back on (I wanted to wait a few days before deciding it was "safe" to replace the bulb).
3) Sludge & sediment in coolant system, no heat, etc (around 90k). There was a TSB about this for 1996-up Taurus/Sable. We keep up on maintenance, and it's a mystery why this happens, but I had the heater core, reservoir, thermostat, hoses all replaced, the system chemically flushed, all to the tune of $1100. This is the most major expense I've had to incur so far, so I suppose that's not too bad.
Other items that I took care of myself after the warranty period were replacement of the alternator, serpentine belt, and the DPFE sensor.
The engine (3.0L Vulcan) has been prone to minor detonation since the very beginning; however, overall performance is acceptable and the car still consistently achieves over 30 mpg on the highway. It is a very roomy, comfortable, and smooth riding car. Overall, I am very satisfied with this vehicle and would definitely consider another new Taurus.
9th Oct 2004, 06:37
I find this page very interesting... everybody who says they have a 1999 Ford Taurus seems to have major problems... I purchased my 1999 Ford Taurus SE brand new in 1999 and this is the Year 2004 and I haven't had any problems with the Vehicle at ALL!...the only things I have ever had to replace are common wear and tear parts that would usually go on a car, such as brake pads, wiper blades, oil filter, air filter... that kind of thing... Oh ya...I had to replace the front ball joints once, and that is because the place I live had "Terrible" roads that would tear the front end out of any car.
4th Jan 2005, 12:42
I am the original owner of a 1999 Ford Taurus SE and have had many problems with it. First of all the brakes need to be replaced on a yearly basis. I have replaced every part associated with the source of heat and the costly repairs have left me with very little heat even after a long period of driving. I have transmission slipping and banging also. The alternator had to be replaced twice. Most recently I am experiencing a grinding, rubbing sort of noise when I turn my wheels on the passenger side which will have to be investigated. I spent $ 200.00 to get a seal put on as I was leaking all my motor oil and was told this is very common. None of my automatic door locks currently work, (and the key entry is very difficult) after countless times with the door buttons opening and closing on their own while driving on the highway they died forever! The constant clicking noise drove me crazy!!! My wipers run when they wish to without turning them on and they can take forever to turn them off! My interior carpet in the front tore away from the hump area... The car just seems to have so many problems I am sorry I bought it.
21st Mar 2005, 18:41
I've noticed a lot of comments about the steering rack having to be replaced on the 99 taurus. I think its safe to say this is a common problem. I saw 2 in a row right next to each other both with new racks. Mine is one of the 2 that I bought used. I'm now about at 100,000. Has anyone with this car noticed a "chirping" sound coming from somewhere in the engine. I know its not anything with the serpentine belt cause it still did it with the belt off the car. This sound comes and goes and seems to do it under dry conditions as far as I can tell. It sometimes is louder than others. Other than this, it hasn't been a bad car, nice and smooth ride.
23rd May 2005, 00:08
First, just let me say thanks to everyone for their valuable comments. I own a 1999 Ford Taurus station wagon. I have driven it about 50,000 miles without any major problems, except for the antenna mast and the wipers coming on by themselves. Does anyone know how much these fixes cost or if it could be done by oneself? I understand from a tech bulletin that the multifunction switch has to be replaced to fix the wiper problem. I know a lot of us out there are having this problem, I would appreciate any comments. Thanks.
Mike.
27th Sep 2005, 10:41
I own a '99 Ford Taurus for the past seven years. It has 130,000 miles on the odometer. However, we are having numerous problems and would really like some advise.
1. My headlamps keep flicker in the day and I have to turn them completely on to avoid been pulled over my the cops.
2. My steering is locking up and I have to put the car in neutral and then shift it to drive.
3. My alternator went and I had to replace that
4. I get heat for 10 seconds and then there's cold air blowing in the car.
I NEED HELP FAST.
Any suggestion on how to fix this car and a minimum cost, or do it myself will be appreciated.
27th Nov 2005, 20:53
I also have a 99 Taurus with heater problems. The heater works for 10 seconds and then blows cold air. I can turn it off for several minutes and turn the heat back on with the same results - 10 seconds heat then cold air. Mechanics cannot trace the problem. Any suggestions?
3rd Dec 2005, 09:36
Crooksville, Ohio – We have a 99 Ford Taurus and have been somewhat pleased with it. We do have the same problem with the Windshield wipers coming on by themselves. What is the cost for the fix? Have replaced heater core, thermostat and flushed out system, still not much heat.. any ideas? Noticed that the Taurus has a heater core bypass hose which believed to be why not getting heat into the passenger area. Car is green.. we call it our turtle.
3rd Dec 2005, 15:29
To the Ohio folks from December 3rd: My parents have had a '97 Mercury Sable (same car as your Taurus, I believe essentially), and they had a similar problem with the heat. No heat from the heater, temperature gauge near cold even after running for hours. They had it pressure flushed 4 times. The 4th time was the charm. It apparently had never had the coolant changed--lack of maintenance by the previous owner--and something must have gotten clogged up and restricted the coolant flow. The first three flushes it would work for a little while and then go back to the same thing. After the 4th flush, it has been fine for over a year now and no further problems.
31st Aug 2004, 11:30
I am an owner and find these comments helpful.