The 1986 Ford Taurus marked the beginning of a new era for Ford—sleek, aerodynamic, and surprisingly innovative for its time. It was one of the most modern sedans to come out of Detroit in the ‘80s and became a bestseller practically overnight. But today, finding one that still runs—or can run—is a challenge all its own.

If you’re working on restoring or maintaining one of these ‘80s icons, there are a few parts that are going to need your attention early. This guide covers the most failure-prone 1986 Ford Taurus parts, which upgrades are worth it, and how to avoid some of the restoration headaches we’ve seen in the garage over the years.

Launched in December 1985, the ‘86 Taurus ditched the traditional boxy American styling for a streamlined, Euro-inspired shape. It came in both sedan and wagon variants and was packed with features like fuel injection, optional digital dashboards, and even anti-lock brakes in later trims. Under the hood, you’d usually find either a 2.5L four-cylinder or a 3.0L Vulcan V6—both solid, but now long past their prime.

Did you know? The Taurus was Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 1986, and it helped Ford avoid financial disaster.

Fast forward to today, and these cars are becoming rare enough to turn heads at local meets—and collectible enough to be worth bringing back to life.

Like any aging daily driver, the Taurus suffers from wear in all the usual places. But there are some parts that fail faster than others. If you’re taking on a full or partial rebuild, here’s where to start.

Cooling System
Overheating was one of the most common complaints on early Taurus models. Even when they were new, the system was known to run hot.
Plan to inspect or replace:

• Radiator (prone to internal clogging) 
• Water pump 
• Thermostat 
• Cooling fan relay (electrical gremlins are common) 
• Overflow tank and hoses

Ignition and Electrical
If the car won’t start or randomly stalls, don’t blame the carburetor—it doesn’t have one. These were early EFI cars, and the wiring is now nearly 40 years old.
Parts to check:

• Ignition control module (failure is common) 
• Coil pack 
• Battery terminals and ground straps 
• ECU (yes, these go bad) 

Fuel pump relay and wiring harness

Suspension and Steering
Expect a lot of rubber parts to be shot. The bushings, strut mounts, and sway bar links tend to dry out and split.
Parts you’ll likely need:

• Front and rear struts 
• Strut mounts 
• Sway bar end links 
• Inner/outer tie rods 
• Control arm bushings

Brake System
You may still find some ‘86 Tauruses running around with all-original hardware—don’t trust it.
Recommended replacements:

• Front pads, rotors, and calipers 
• Rear drums or rotors (depending on trim) 
• Master cylinder 
• Flexible brake hoses 

Brake booster (vacuum failure is common)

Transmission and Drivetrain
If you’re lucky, you’ve got a manual. If you’ve got the 3-speed or 4-speed automatic, be warned—they’re known for early failure.
What to inspect:

• Transmission fluid and filter 
• Shift linkage bushings 
• CV axles 
• Engine/trans mounts

Interior and Dash Issues

This was the digital dash era. Cool at the time, but these systems tend to glitch out after 30+ years.
Trouble spots:

• Instrument cluster backlighting 
• HVAC controls and blend doors 
• Power window motors 
• Headliner sag (basically guaranteed) 

Dash pad cracking (vinyl wasn’t made to last this long)

Check the VIN and trim codes before you start ordering parts—there were more engine/transmission combos than you’d expect.
Original Taurus wheels had a weird offset. Be careful when swapping to modern rims—they often rub or don’t clear properly.
If you find NOS taillight lenses, buy them. They crack and fade easily, and reproductions are almost impossible to find.

Unlike Mustangs or F-150s, there’s not a massive aftermarket for Taurus parts. That’s where Classic Parts Pro comes in. We’re working to track down hard-to-source 1986 Ford Taurus parts from small-batch suppliers and vintage vendors who still have stock in the back corner of the warehouse.

Can’t find a part? Reach out to the team. We’re always looking to connect with collectors, drivers, and DIYers who are keeping these cars on the road.

The 1986 Ford Taurus might not be the first car that comes to mind for a restoration project—but maybe that’s what makes it so fun. It’s an underdog, a head-turner, and a conversation starter. If you’re taking one on, you’re doing something most folks wouldn’t—and that’s exactly the kind of car culture we want to support at Classic Parts Pro.