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1996 Ford Taurus

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1996 Taurus.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic 4-spd

The 1996 Ford Taurus is a passenger car equipped with a 4.5‑quart, 10W‑30 API‑rated engine mated to a four‑speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy is rated at 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined mpg. Owner‑reported complaints total 967, with the leading issue area being engine and engine cooling, and the model year carries nine recalls. Compared with the Taurus line’s peak of 1,822 complaints in 1993 and a low of 11 in 2019, the 1996 model sits in the middle of the reliability spectrum, indicating it is notably better than the worst years but still above the modern baseline.

Model year201920182017201620152014201320121996

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type10W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque85-105 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy18/26/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 58R SOHC · 540 SOHC CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 58R SOHC · 540 SOHC CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP205-65R15OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6-JJ inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length197.6 in
Overall width72.8 in
Overall height55.1 in
Wheelbase108.7 in
Curb weight3300 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 61.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)64/36

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined18 / 26 / 21 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume102 cu ft
Cargo volume16 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Taurus of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.0–10.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.00 sec — 1996 SHO Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
1996SHO Sedan 3.4L V88.00 sec16.20 sec235 hpFWD
1996LX Sedan 3.0L V68.70 sec16.50 sec145 hpFWD
1996LX Wagon 3.0L V68.90 sec16.70 sec145 hpFWD
1996LX Sedan 3.0L V69.40 sec16.90 sec145 hpFWD
1996GL Sedan 3.0L V610.00 sec17.50 sec145 hpFWD
1995SHO Sedan 3.2L V67.70 sec15.80 sec220 hpFWD
1997SHO Sedan 3.4L V87.50 sec15.70 sec235 hpFWD
1997LX Sedan 3.0L V68.20 sec16.20 sec145 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.5 qt of 10W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-105 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil10W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.5 qt
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.5 qt
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.5 qt

Engine torques

Clutch Pressure Plate Bolts12.0-24.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts30-44 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)29.0-40.0 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts7.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts13-16 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14-20 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts30-44 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine BoltsUpper: 13-

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts85-105 ft-lbs
Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts23.0-36.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub180-200 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub221 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)900 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)25 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)900 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)25 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity2.00-2.15 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeOil must meet ford specification WSHM1C231B
Oil Capacity6.50-7.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number58R SOHC
Standard BCI Cranking Performance540 SOHC cca
Optional BCI Group Number36R DOHC, Opt. and Canada

Service checks

Pressure Test13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature193-200 °F
Pressure Test13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature193-200 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)35-45
RPM30-45 @ Idle rpm

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket23-28 ft-lbs / 65-87 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle65-87 ft-lbs / 85-105 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.040; Rear: 0.118 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.030
Brake ApplicationWITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0004 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in / 0.0024 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages
128-31 ft. lbs.28–31 ft. lbs
285-90 degrees.85–90 degrees
3Loosen one turn.
428-31 ft. lbs.28–31 ft. lbs
585-90 degrees.85–90 degrees
685-90 degrees.85–90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages
130 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
2Turn 90 degrees.90 degrees
3Loosen 1 turn.
430 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
590 degrees.90 degrees
690 degrees.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages
152-66 ft. lbs.52–66 ft. lbs
2Loosen 1 turn.
334-41 ft. lbs.34–41 ft. lbs
463-73
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages
152-66 ft. lbs.52–66 ft. lbs
2Loosen 1 turn.
334-41 ft. lbs.34–41 ft. lbs
463-73
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages
159 ft. lbs.59 ft. lbs
2mum of one full turn
333-41 ft. lbs.33–41 ft. lbs
463-73
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 2 stages
120-23 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
2turn 85-95
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 2 stages
135-40 ft. lbs.35–40 ft. lbs
256-60

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 5,000 miTire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 5,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 10,000 miTire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miEngine Coolant System (leak inspection)
Every 20,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Exhaust System Heat Shield (inspect) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · PCV Valve (replace)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 1996 Ford Taurus saw a reduction in total complaints to 967, down from 1,360 in 1995. Across the early-to-mid 1990s, the model experienced a steady increase in technical service bulletins (TSBs), which peaked specifically in 1996 with 313 entries. For this target year, primary complaint areas included Engine & Engine Cooling (187) and Power Train (153), with an additional 72 crash and 14 fire complaints recorded. While recalls remained stable at 9—matching the 1995 level—the surge in TSBs relative to previous years implies a high volume of documented technical issues. The data shows zero investigations for 1996, and it does not specify the root causes for the reported complaints. Given the record-high number of TSBs and significant engine and powertrain complaints, this is not a recommended year to buy.

9
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
313
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
967
Owner complaints
72 involved a crash · 14 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’90’91’92’93’94’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 967 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine & Engine Cooling187
Power Train153
Steering80
Service Brakes, Hydraulic53
Suspension52
Visibility44
Air Bags43
Electrical System38

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 8 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

09E012000Exterior LightingReported 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… Remedy: 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…

06E026000Exterior LightingReported 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… Remedy: 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.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 313 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
0416012005-11-14Engine And Engine CoolingWDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR…
186142005-05-01Engine And Engine CoolingSURGE, IDLE ROLL, ROUGH IDLE ONLY WHEN THE ENGINE COOLING FANS ARE OPERATING. *TT
0314042004-08-23Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC…
173582004-08-01Power TrainGROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED ON AN…
031812003-09-15Electrical SystemREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Taurus. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 58R batteryVehicles taking 4.5 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 1996 Taurus take?

4.5 qt of 10W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 1996 Taurus have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Taurus get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined mpg.