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1998 Ford Taurus

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1998 Taurus.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic 4-spd

The 1998 Ford Taurus is a passenger car equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission and maintenance specifications calling for 5.5 quarts of 5W-20 API oil, delivering EPA-rated fuel economy of 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. Reliability data records 587 owner complaints—primarily clustered around vehicle speed control issues—alongside five recalls, positioning this model year as a moderate concern within the lineage. When viewed against the full 1990–2019 production span, during which complaint volume peaked at 1,822 for the 1993 model and bottomed at 11 for the 2019 model, the 1998 edition sits roughly in the middle of the reliability spectrum, suggesting neither the worst nor the most trouble-free ownership experience of the generation.

Model year2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 1998

Quick specs

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

Engine oil capacity5.5 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque85-105 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy16/25/19 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

Transmission

Automatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	197.6 in
Overall width	72.8 in
Overall height	55.1 in
Wheelbase	108.7 in
Curb weight	3327 lb
Track (front / rear)	61.4 / 61.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	64/36

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	16 / 25 / 19 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume	102 cu ft
Cargo volume	16 cu ft
Recommended fuel	Regular 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.

6.6–10.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.60 sec — 1991 SHO Sedan

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
1997	SHO Sedan 3.4L V8	7.50 sec	15.70 sec	235 hp	FWD
1997	LX Sedan 3.0L V6	8.20 sec	16.20 sec	145 hp	FWD
1996	SHO Sedan 3.4L V8	8.00 sec	16.20 sec	235 hp	FWD
1996	LX Sedan 3.0L V6	8.70 sec	16.50 sec	145 hp	FWD
1996	LX Wagon 3.0L V6	8.90 sec	16.70 sec	145 hp	FWD
1996	LX Sedan 3.0L V6	9.40 sec	16.90 sec	145 hp	FWD
1996	GL Sedan 3.0L V6	10.00 sec	17.50 sec	145 hp	FWD
2000	SE Sedan 3.0L V6	8.10 sec	16.10 sec	145 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

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

This engine holds 5.5 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-105 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 18.0 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 Fluid	DOT 3
Engine Coolant	ETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	5.5 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	6.5 qt
Power Steering Fluid	ATF

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	30-44 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	7.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	13-16 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	14-20 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	30-44 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	Upper: 13-
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	13-16 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	85-105 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	180-200 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	221 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order	1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
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
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Motorcraft
Spark Plug Gap	0.042-0.046 in

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	2.13 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	6.60 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	58R SOHC
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	540 SOHC cca
Optional BCI Group Number	36R DOHC, Opt. and Canada

Service checks

Pressure Test	13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	193-200 °F
Pressure Test	13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	193-200 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	30.0-45.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance	11-18 DOHC ohms

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket	23-28 ft-lbs / 65-87 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	65-87 ft-lbs / 85-105 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.040; Rear: 0.118 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness	0.030
Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0004 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.002 in / 0.0024 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages

1	28-31 ft. lbs.	28–31 ft. lbs
2	85-90 degrees.	85–90 degrees
3	Loosen one turn.
4	28-31 ft. lbs.	28–31 ft. lbs
5	85-90 degrees.	85–90 degrees
6	85-90 degrees.	85–90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	Turn 90 degrees.	90 degrees
3	Loosen 1 turn.
4	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
5	90 degrees.	90 degrees
6	90 degrees.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	59 ft. lbs.	59 ft. lbs
2	mum of one full turn
3	33-41 ft. lbs.	33–41 ft. lbs
4	63-73

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	37 ft. lbs.	37 ft. lbs
2	Loosen bolts 1 turn.
3	22 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
4	90 degrees.	90 degrees
5	90 degrees.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

1	37 ft. lbs.	37 ft. lbs
2	Loosen bolts 1 turn.
3	22 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
4	90 degrees.	90 degrees
5	90 degrees.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	20-23 ft. lbs.	20–23 ft. lbs
2	turn 85-95

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 mi	Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 5,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 10,000 mi	Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 mi	Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection)
Every 30,000 mi	Brake Line (inspect) · Brake 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 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · PCV Valve (replace)
Every 100,000 mi	Engine Valves (inspect valve lash) · Spark 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.

Across the broader Taurus generation, federal complaints peaked early at 1,822 in 1993 before entering a steady decline, while technical service bulletins (TSBs) surged to a high of 313 by 1996. The 1998 model year represents the bottom of this downward arc, registering just 587 complaints, zero investigations, and 5 recalls before a sharp resurgence in defects triggered 954 complaints and 2 investigations in 1999. Within the 1998 data, Vehicle Speed Control is the dominant concern with 94 reports, outpacing Engine & Engine Cooling, Service Brakes, and Power Train issues that cumulatively resulted in 63 crash and 21 fire complaints. Because 1998 marks the statistical low point of the generation's initial quality crisis before the subsequent 1999-2002 complaint spike, it stands out as a relatively good year to purchase a used Taurus, provided the speed control and braking systems have been thoroughly inspected and serviced.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

229

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

587

Owner complaints

63 involved a crash · 21 a fire

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 587 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Vehicle Speed Control94

Engine & Engine Cooling54

Service Brakes, Hydraulic54

Power Train53

Suspension51

Steering29

Air Bags29

Electrical System26

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 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 229 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
041601	2005-11-14	Engine And Engine Cooling	WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR…
18614	2005-05-01	Engine And Engine Cooling	SURGE, IDLE ROLL, ROUGH IDLE ONLY WHEN THE ENGINE COOLING FANS ARE OPERATING. *TT
042107	2004-12-13	Power Train	GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
031404	2004-08-23	Engine And Engine Cooling	ENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC…
17358	2004-08-01	Power Train	GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED ON AN…

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 battery Vehicles taking 5.5 qt

Reference guides

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

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 1998 Taurus take?

5.5 qt of 5W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 1998 Taurus have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Taurus get?

EPA figures are 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg.