tbird100636

Well, I wouldn't narrow the problem down to your summation, but I will say the Taurus/Sable has had some problems. Over in America, we've had Tauruses and Sables since 1986. Generally, the newer the model year, the better the car is. The only years of exception are the first couple years of a redesign, like 1992, 1996 or 2000 because there is so many changes. I will make this reply brief for now by listing some MAJOR problems.
--1988-95 vehicles with 3.8L engine-head gasket failures. Only 94-95 models had a brief recall.
--AXOD/AXOD-E/AX4S transmissions had an issue with the forward clutch piston up to around 1996. The park rod can also break on AXOD trans if abused. The AXOD was used from 1986-90, was then modified for electronic controls and redesignated the AXOD-E from 1991-92, was then slightly modified and renamed the AX4S from 1993-around 2003 when it was discontinued from use in the Taurus/Sable. My uncle once had a 91 Sable w/ a 3.0L Vulcan, and it had the AXOD-E trans. It eventually needed an overhaul, at 100000 miles.
--The AX4N, which is a totally different trans. than the AX4S, was introduced in 1994, and is used to this day. It was renamed the 4F50N in 2000. From its introduction to 1998, this trans also had an issue with forward clutch pistons failing.
--Front subframe fasteners rotting out on 1986-98? models. A recall was issued for this.
--1992-95 models seem to have a problem with exhaust systems rotting out even though they have always been made out of stainless steel. It usually is the muffler that has the problem, either it leaks or just gets noisy.
Those are the most major problems. I can't think of any more at this time but I might think of one more I have forgotten. I will also chime in on some minor problems soon.