Five problems related to wiring have been reported for the 1996 Ford Taurus. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Cable appears to be appoximately too long under dash causing sharp bend as it goes through firewall and excessive binding, and eventual failure of cable which causes car to jump out of gear.
Air bag system failed due to wiring harness wearing through insulation and shorting to the ground in the area of left wheel well.
While vehicle was parked noticed flames coming from inside of the vehicle, and there was a fire on the driver's side under the steering wheel.
Freeze plugs burst, causing engine to die. Also, blown head gasket.
A wire connected to the starter was rubbing against some part of the car causing a short, a few days later the vehicle would not start again so a fuse was replaced, this happened a few more times and finally the dealer found a break in the line which had been worn by rubbing on a break cable.