2002 Ford Taurus

High concern

Owners filed 1,426 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension › front › springs › coil springs. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

1,228 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 80,473 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs367
412
Suspension › Front278
100
Suspension136
200
Suspension › Rear82
100
Vehicle Speed Control56
1106
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs55
000
Visibility › Windshield29
000
Structure25
000
Electrical System25
030
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor20
110

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads16E026000
Filed Apr 1, 201649,635 vehiclesRobert Bosch Llc

Defect. Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.

Risk. A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch04V106000
Filed Mar 2, 2004938,789 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS MALFUNCTIONING COULD RENDER THE STOP LAMPS INOPERABLE OR CAUSE THEM TO STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION TO A FOLLOWING DRIVER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Risk. IN ADDITION, IF THE SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING FAIL IN THE OPEN POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ACTUATE AND THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF "PARK" IF THEY FAIL IN THE CLOSED POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL REMAIN ON, WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW THE SPEED CONTROL TO BE ACTIVATED. THIS COULD ALSO CAUSE THE BATTERY TO DISCHARGE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED STOP LAMP SWITCH AND WIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Visibility › Windshield03V087000
Filed Mar 10, 200367,894 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELDS MAY POTENTIALLY EXHIBIT INCREASED WIND NOISE, WATER LEAKAGE, AND SQUEAKS AND RATTLES.

Risk. POTENTIAL LOSS OF WINDSHIELD RETENTION MAY ALSO REDUCE OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WINDSHIELDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD/MERCURY AT 1-800-392-3673.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages02V266000
Filed Oct 2, 2002369,614 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PADELS ARE BEING RECALLED IN ORDER TO ADJUST THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO A MINIMUM OF 50 MM OF LATERAL SEPARATION. SIMULTANEOUS APPLICATION OF BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING AN "UNINTENDED VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE" OR A PERCEIVED "UNABLE TO STOP" CONDITION.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED AS TO THE PROPER WAY TO SET THE POSITION OF THE PEDALS AND TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE SPACING BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS MEASURED. IF THE SPACING IS FOUND TO BE LESS THAN 50 MM, THE DEALER WILL ADJUST THE PEDALS TO INCREASE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THEM TO GREATER THAN 50 MM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 10, 2026IL

Cylinder two misfire. Replaced coil pack, wires and all spark plugs. Problem reoccurring.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Dec 10, 2025NJ

Backing out of parking space resulting to damage to both vehicles . Brake\gas pedals. Position of driver ( body turned) relative to pedals while backing car can allow drivers foot to be in contact with both pedals. Increased pressure on the brake can allow increased pressure on the gas pedal allowing the vehicle to continue in a reversed direction . Can strike a person or object resulting in injury or damage. Subject car is a station wagon and appears to have lower seating \configuration than a sedan .

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 11, 2020MI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH WHILE DRIVING HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO BRAKE MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUBURN AUTOMOTIVE (500 S. OPDYKE RD, WATERFORD, MI 48328, (248) 332-9300) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *BF

Suspension
Filed Jun 15, 202060,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACT NOR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Jul 18, 2019129,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD WAS LOOSENING ON THE UPPER PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS COMING OUT OF THE MOLDING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 1, 2019AZ

TAKATA RECALL: I BOUGHT A CAR FROM A MAN LESS THAN 5 MONTHS AGO AND I SLOWLY STARTED TO NOTICE SOME THINGS. I STARTED OUT WITH 3 WINDOWS WORKING INSTEAD OF FOUR WHICH I WAS NOT TOLD. MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DOESN'T EVEN WORK AND IT STOPPED ABOUT A MOTH AGO. A WEEK BEFORE THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON, MY BROTHER WAS ACTUALLLY THE ONE DRIVING WHEN THAT HAPPENED. ALSO, I FOUND OUT THAT I HAD THE WRONG BATTERY IN THE CAR SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT OTHER DAMAGE THAT HAS DONE. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Sep 28, 2018126,139 milesCA

ON 14 OCT 2017, THE SUBJECT VEHICLE HAD JUST BEEN SERVICED. ON THE DRIVE HOME, THE THROTTLE CABLE BECAME STUCK CAUSING THE CAR TO NOT STOP ACCELERATING. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY AND STOPPED THE CAR BY CRASHING INTO A DUMPSTER/FENCE AT A SERVICE STATION.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Aug 6, 2018110,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE DOORS WERE NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. *DT *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 4, 201862,000 milesOH

FRONT PASSENGER COIL SPRING BROKE CAUSING A BLOWOUT ON THE TIRE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 17, 2018236,000 milesKS

DRIVING AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 25 MPH ,MY CAR SUDDENLY REVVED UP AND SPED UP WITHOUT MY PRESSING THE GAS. I NEARLY REAR-ENDED A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I PRESSED ON MY BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD BUT IT DID NOT HELP MUCH .I DOWNSHIFTED TO 3RD GEAR BUT STILL NOT MUCH HELP. FINALLY IT RETURNED TO NORMAL SPEED. I WAS TOO SCARED AND DID NOT SEE HOW HIGH THE RPMS WENT.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 1, 2018146,000 milesCA

MY 2002 FORD TAURUS SUDDENLY WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. MY BACK DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WON'T WORK. I LOOK IT UP AND SAW A RECALL BUT WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THERE WASN'T A RECALL ON MY CAR. PLEASE HELP

Suspension
Filed Oct 15, 2017100,000 milesIL

THE CAR HAS EXPERIENCED 2 FAILURES OF THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT SPRING RESULTING IN DESTRUCTION OF THE TIRE. FIRST AT 75,000 MILES SECOND AT 100000 MI. BOTH TIRES FLATTENED AT BETWEEN 30 & 50 MPH

Suspension
Filed Sep 23, 2017134,128 milesWI

COIL SPRING IN DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT STRUT FAILED SUDDENLY WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON RESIDENTIAL STREET IN SISTER BAY, WI. THERE WAS A LOUD BANG WHEN SPRING FRACTURED AND SUSPENSION COLLAPSED. FAILURE OF COIL SPRING OCCURRED AT ABOUT 10:15 AM ON THURSDAY JUNE 29, 2017. AFTER VEHICLE WAS SAFELY PARKED IN A BANK PARKING LOT THE OWNER THEN JACKED UP FRONT END AND REMOVED WHEEL/TIRE. OWNER NOTICED HOW ENERGY RELEASED WHEN COIL SPRING FRACTURED DROVE SPRING VIOLENTLY DOWNWARD TO FRONT WHEEL KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY. FORTUNATELY WHEN SPRING WAS DRIVEN DOWNWARD IT DID NOT PUNCTURE TIRE. THE NEXT DAY VEHICLE WAS LOADED ON A TRANSPORTER AND TAKEN TO JIM OLSON EXPRESS IN STURGEON BAY, WI, FOR REPAIR. SUBSEQUENT REPAIRS INCLUDED REPLACEMENT OF BOTH FRONT STRUTS AND ALIGNMENT CHECK/ADJUSTMENT. TOTAL COST OF REPAIR INCLUDING CHARGE OF USD 165 BY TRANSPORTER COMPANY WAS USD 1,010. AT TIME OF COIL SPRING FAILURE THE VEHICLE HAD 134,128 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. VISUAL INSPECTION BY OWNER OF BROKEN PIECE OF COIL SPRING DID NOT REVEAL ANY SURFACE CORROSION. OWNER SPECULATES COIL SPRING FRACTURE MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO 15 YEARS OF STRESS LOADS ON THE SPRING OR PERHAPS THERE WAS A DEFECT IN METAL OF COIL SPRING.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 16, 2017120,000 milesNC

ENTERING MY NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN GAS PEDAL "BROKE". CAR ACCELERATED TO HIGHEST RPM AND I HAD TO COUNTERACT THIS BY PUTTING BOTH FEET ON MY BRAKES TO KEEP MY CAR FROM FLYING OFF AND HITTING SOMETHING. EXTREMELY SCARY. CAR CANNOT BE TURNED ON WITHOUT THE ENGINE REVVING TO THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE SPEED. HAD I BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE I MAY BE DEAD. GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. HAVE NOT YET HAD IT INSPECTED BY A SHOP.

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Apr 18, 201779,365 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE FRONT COIL SPRING DETACHED WITHOUT WARNING, PUNCTURING THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT AND HER CHILDREN WERE RESCUED BY A FAMILY MEMBER WHO TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,365.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 5, 2017150,000 milesOR

COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEM. HAVE REPLACED WATER PUMP 4 TIMES IN THIS VEHICLE. THERE IS DEFINITELY AN ISSUE WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM. PLEASE ISSUE RECALL. SPECIFIC PROBLEM...CAR SHUTS DOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 15, 2017132,000 milesMO

WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD TAURUS, IT STARTED TO STALL AND AND NOT PICK UP SPEED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. IT STARTED SHAKING AND CUT OFF SEVERAL TIMES. I WAS ABLE TO START IT BACK UP TWICE THEN IT STOPPED IN FRONT OF MY JOB. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THEY STATED THE COMPUTER WENT OUT IN THE CAR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT MEANS. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ABOUT THAT. CAN FORD GIVE ME ANY ANSWERS. NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE.

Suspension
Filed Feb 1, 201799,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING WAS RUPTURED AND DAMAGED THE TIRE SEVERELY. WHEN THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V332000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. UPDATED 04/05/17*LJ *CN

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 19, 2017UT

THE BOSCH CO. HAS NOT GOT BACK TO ME ABOUT ITS BRAKE PAD RECALL (RECALL NOTICE 16E026) ON PADS PGD598. I CALLED STARTING IN OCTOBER OF LAST YEAR AND THEN TWO OR THREE MORE TIMES AND STILL NO RESPONSE.

Suspension
Filed Jan 6, 2017190,000 milesID

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE SUSPENSION COIL FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND DAMAGED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

20 of 1,426 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1993
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201915200Routine
201849410Routine
201744400Routine
201681410Routine
2015275610Above average
2014229510Above average
2013583960Above average
201278530Routine
2011187421Fatalities reported
2010204352Fatalities reported
200964010Routine
2008175170Routine
2007149100Routine
2006318341Fatalities reported
20057741102Fatalities reported
20043752132Fatalities reported
20031,2234122Fatalities reported
2002 — this page1,4264110High concern
20011,03710155Fatalities reported
20001,1958251Fatalities reported
19998747164Fatalities reported
19985454144Fatalities reported
19977705124Fatalities reported
19968258121Fatalities reported
19951,2056542Fatalities reported
19949235233Fatalities reported
19931,5578493Fatalities reported
19926816212Fatalities reported
19916495210High concern
19903818230High concern

Compare every Taurus year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 1, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.