“While pulling out of my driveway and trying to pull into an alley that leads the main road; my vehicles rpm went from just above idle to almost 4000. It caused me to fly through a stop sign, as my brakes were not working. After some tugging I was able to shift it into neutral and get it to a full stop. I turned the vehicle off, then back on again, while in park the rpms were gradually increasing.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 13, 2019 at 180,000 miles
“Throttle stuck open while driving down the street at 40 MPH. The car did not slow down with the foot off of the gas, slowly increased speed instead. The cruise control linkage became detached and got stuck in the throttle. Had to put the car into neutral to stop the car from accelerating. The car revved other 4000 while idling.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 18, 2018 at 77,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the throttle and accelerationRecall (red: the throttle and acceleration)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2004 Taurus peaked in 2012, with 89 filed that year. No recall on file covers the throttle and acceleration, the subject of 39% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.
2 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.
Filed Jul 8, 200424,277 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED.
Risk. THE SEAT MAY NOT PERFORM AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE UPPER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY ON THE POWER SEATS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2004 Taurus.
Opened Mar 7, 2012Closed Oct 22, 2012throttle and acceleration
Preliminary Evaluation (PE)12-005 was opened to investigate allegations of speed control cables detaching from the throttle body and subsequently interfering with the throttle closing fully to the idle position in model year (MY) 2005 and 2006 Ford Taurus vehicles.The speed control cable, throttle body attachment arm (?nail head?) for the speed control cable, cable mounting bracket and cable routing for the MY 2005 and 2006 Ford Taurus are common to all MY 2004 through 2006 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles equipped with either the 155 HP 3.0L 2-valve Vulcan engine or the 200 HP 3.0L …
ENGINE STALLING FFVDefect petition DP06005Closed
Opened Dec 4, 2006Closed Dec 28, 2007fuel system
On october 11, 2006, public citizen petitioned odi to investigate reports of engine stalls caused by e85 fuel in certain model year (my) 2003 - 2005 FORD taurus flex-fuel vehicles (ffv). Odi's review of the petition and other available data found a low stall rate attributable to e-85 fueling and that the main concerns,prolonged engine start and rough idle during cold engine startup at winter temperatures, were resolved by an engine software update.to ensure that all subject vehicles receive this update, FORD initiated a notification campaign to offer free engine computer recalibration.based …
Technical service bulletins
55 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2004 Taurus. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
engine 14electrical system 11visibility 8transmission 6body and frame 4equipment 3seat belts 2throttle and acceleration 2
0607Warranty extensionDec 6, 2006transmission
EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR VEHICLES WITH HARD START WHEN OPERATING ON E85 FUEL, POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) CALIBRATION. WARRANTY EXTENDED FOR 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES WHICH EVER COMES FIRST. SAMPLE CONSUMER LETTER ATTACHED. *KB
17867Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 2004throttle and acceleration
VIBRATION IN ACCELERATOR PEDAL 40-42 MPH ON 2004-2005 TAURUS/SABLE MODELS. *TT
17682Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2004throttle and acceleration
VIBRATION IN ACCELERATOR PEDAL 40-42 MPH. *TT
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Mar 13, 2026MA
Airbags seats and seatbelts useless for 6'8" 375lbs adult man. I sit within 6" of the steering wheel airbag the seatbelt goes across my bicep not my shoulder and the seat itself only goes up to the middle of my back, the head rest is between my shoulders. Why is there no exemption for giants and airbags and seatbelts? By having these "safety features" in my vehicle, my life is put in more danger than other people that are normal sized. If I ever get into an accident and the airbags or seatbelt injure me I will be suing you for forcing me to use these dangerous for me things. ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL WHEN YOU ARE A GIANT, and your regulations make being in a car more deadly to me.
Air BagsCrash1 killed
Filed Jul 15, 2024CA
On June 23, 2024 this 2004 Ford Taurus was in a front end collision at freeway speeds of 60 mph or higher. The driver airbag did not deploy and the driver died as a result of severe trauma to head and chest.
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 3, 2020200,000 milesWA
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A COUNTY ROAD GOING 50 MPH WHEN I TRIED TO BRAKE THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING AND THE RPMS WERE HIGH. I TRIED TO BRAKE BUT IT WAS AS IF MY BRAKES WERE OUT BUT I KNOW THEY WERE FINE. I KEPT SPEEDING UP SO I HIT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND PUSHED BRAKE PUT IT IN NEITRAL BUT THE RPMS SEEMED TO GO HIGHER. I QUICKLY JUST PUT IT IN PARK WHILE STILL MOVING N RPMS HIGH. CSAR MADE A LOUD SOUND AND JERKED TO A STOP GAVE ME WHIP LASH THERE WAS NO CASRS ON THE ROAD I WAS IN THE COUNTRY. BUT AS I STOPPED I JUST PARKED TRYIUNG TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO . WAS VERY SHAKEN UP SO I HAD TO PARK FOR AWHILE. AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES OF PARKING AND CALLING EVERYONE ABOUT MY NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE I STARTED IT UP AND DROVE 10 MPH HOIME. HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A SELF EMPLOYED MECHANIC I KNOW.
Power Train
Filed Oct 1, 2020CA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER CEASED IN THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN TUBE ASSEMBLY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 7, 202010,100 milesLA
AT TIMES WHEN DRIVING CAR IN STREET CAR WILL AUTOMATICALLY DRIVE UP TO 50 MPH ON ITS OWN WITH YOUR FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL. AND WHEN YOU USE BRAKES TO STOP U CAN FEEL THE CAR STILL STRAINING TO ACCELERATE AND GO .
Power Train
Filed Jan 13, 2020135,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT, THE GEAR SHIFTER LOCKED IN THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER (DEACON JONES FORD-LINCOLN LOCATED AT 3301 MCLAIN STREET, GOLDSBORO, NC 27534 PHONE NUMBER 800-921-7994) WHO CONFIRMED THEIR FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THEIR VEHICLE'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Air BagsCrash3 injured
Filed Dec 24, 2019218,000 milesSC
THE BRAKES ARE DANGEROUS AND THE WARNING LIGHTS STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS MESSED UP, I'VE HAD TO REPLACE SEVERAL FRONT TIRES DUE TO UNBALANCING ISSUES AND POPPING NOISES WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT AND ON EVEN ROADS THAT HAVE GOTTEN WORSE. I HAD A BAD HEAD ON WRECK AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I'M CONCERNED THEY WILL DEPLOY AT ANY MOMENT.
Steering
Filed Aug 29, 201920,450 milesMD
GEARSHIFT STAYS IN "PARK". ONCE YOU PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE AND PARK VEHICLE, PUT GEARSHIFT IN PARK, TURN OFF IGNITION. . .NEXT TIME YOU START YOUR ENGINE THE GEARSHIFT STAYS IN PARK. V
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 29, 2019204,500 milesMD
REPORTED EARLIER TODAY UNDER CONFIRMATION #11252283 ABOUT TRYING TO MOVE THE GEARSHIFT FROM PARK INTO DRIVE SO CAR CAN BE DRIVEN. NOW GEARSHIFT STILL NOT WORKING AND REMAINING IN PARK BUT ALSO THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS REFUSE TO SHUT OFF. THE BATTERY HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED SO THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULDN'T DRAIN THE BATTERY DEAD. NOW THE MECHANIC IS SAYING THERE'S A RECALL ON THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT SWITCH ON THIS 2004 FORD TAURUS.
Engine
Filed Jul 4, 201920 milesNC
I HAVE ENGINE CODE P0430, I CHANGE ALL CONVERTERS, ALL 02 SENSORS STILL KEEP GETTING SAME CODE. MY GUESS IS UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD, WHICH SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR. I CAN US A LITTLE HELP GETTING THE PART. THANK YOU
Power Train
Filed May 8, 2019123,000 milesAZ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE GEAR SHIFTER TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 13, 2019180,000 milesKY
WHILE PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND TRYING TO PULL INTO AN ALLEY THAT LEADS THE MAIN ROAD; MY VEHICLES RPM WENT FROM JUST ABOVE IDLE TO ALMOST 4000. IT CAUSED ME TO FLY THROUGH A STOP SIGN, AS MY BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. AFTER SOME TUGGING I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL AND GET IT TO A FULL STOP. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, THEN BACK ON AGAIN, WHILE IN PARK THE RPMS WERE GRADUALLY INCREASING. I STEPPED ON THE GAS WHILE IN PARK, AND IT CORRECTED THE ISSUE. SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE GOING FIFTY FIVE MPH DOWN A COUNTY ROAD. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND THE RPMS CONTINUED INCREASING AGAIN. I GOT TO ALMOST SEVENTY MPH. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AGAIN . I CAME TO A FULL STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED BACK UP WITHOUT INCIDENT. I WILL BE HAVING THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT FIRST THING MONDAY.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 18, 2018139,000 milesKY
AFTER EXITING THE HIGHWAY, BRAKING TO STOP A RED LIGHT, THE CAR PROCEEDED TO SLOWLY ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. AFTER LETTING IT GO FOR A WHILE, IT TOPPED OUT AROUND 52MPH, AS IF THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS WORKING ON ITS OWN. I KEPT PRESSING OFF, BUT THAT WOULDN'T WORK. THE CAR STOPPED REVVING RPMS WHEN I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 18, 2018139,000 milesKY
ENTERED CARD IN THE MORNING AND THE FLOOR BOARD WAS INEXPLICABLY SOAKED. AFTER STARTING THE CAR, THE HEAT WAS WOULD ONLY WORK WHEN THE BLOWER WAS SET ON HIGH, THE FIRST THREE SETTINGS DIDN'T TURN ON AT ALL.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 9, 2018139,600 milesTN
TAKATA RECALL - WHILE DRIVING TAURUS ACCELERATES WITHOUT TOUCHING FUEL PEDAL. ALSO RETAINS SPEED FOR A WHILE AFTER RELEASING FUEL PEDAL. FUEL PEDAL DOES NOT SEEM TO BE STUCK AS WHEN I TAP FUEL PEDAL CAR DOES DOT SLOW DOWN UNTIL I APPLY BRAKE. WHEN FIRST STARTING IN MORNING ENGINE REVS TO 3,000 RPMS AND FALLS GRADUALLY.TAURUS HAS 139,600 MILES.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 7, 2018120,000 milesIL
MY 2004 FORD TAURUS SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN WITH FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. DRIVING IN CITY STREET AT 30 MPH, THE CAR ALL BY ITSELF SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE (WITH MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL) AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 75 MPH. AFTER BRAKING AND PARKING CAR, I TURNED CAR OFF AND NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE ACCELERATOR / THROTTLE CABLES IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS COMPLETELY DISCONNECTED . APPARENTLY IT IS A A BLACK PLASTIC CLIP THAT WAS WEARING OUT AND SLIPPING OFF THE THROTTLE LINKAGE. THE CABLE THEN CAN GET STUCK OR TANGLED CAUSING STUCK ACCELERATION. I CALLED FORD ON JUNE 7, 2018 AND THEY SAID THEY DID NOT HEAR OF THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THERE WAS NOT ANY RECALLS ATTACHED TO MY VIN. CASE # CAS-14980128. I MENTIONED TO THEM THAT I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND THAT THEY HAVE RECALLED OVER 400,000 FORD TAURUS AND SABLE MODELS WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. SINCE MY CAR DID NOT COME UP AS BEING RECALLED, THEY ARE NOT GOING TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. APPARENTLY, OTHER FORD MODELS HAVE THE SAME ISSUES WITH POORLY DESIGNED THROTTLE CABLES.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed May 8, 201897,266 milesNJ
MAVIS DISCOUNT CENTER WORKED ON THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO HAVE A SLOW IDLE AND STALLS OUT ON THE ROAD. SEVERAL PARTS WERE REPLACED ON THE CAR INCLUDING THE BATTERY, THE IGNITION COIL AND IDLE CONTROL VALVE. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THE PCM (THE CARS COMPUTER). THE PCM IS CAUSING THE CAR TO BLOW SEVERAL FUSES BREAKING THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR SHUTS OFF.
Engine
Filed Mar 27, 2018100,000 milesTX
THE PROBLEM IS THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN COME A LOOSE FROM THE THROTTLE BODY WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED. WHEN THE DRIVER RELEASES THE ACCELERATOR, IF THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAS COME LOOSE, THE FITTING AT THE END OF IT CAN GET JAMMED IN THE CAM THAT ROTATES THE THROTTLE PLATE, AND IT WON ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO CLOSE, CAUSING THE ENGINE RPM TO STAY HIGH. THIS CAN HAPPEN RANDOMLY. IT MAY HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING, AND IT CAN BE DUPLICATED WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK. SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS CONCERN. I "GOOGLED" THROTTLE STICKING ON 04 TAURUS, AND CAME BACK WITH SEVERAL HITS, INCLUDING SOME SHADETREE FIXES. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT CAN LEAD TO A CRASH IF THE BRAKES ARENT POWERFUL ENOUGH TO OVERCOME THE ENGINE'S POWER OUTPUT OR THE DRIVER DOESNT THINK TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF (OR THEY TURN THE KEY TOO FAR AND LOCK THE STEERING TOO) AND/OR ENGINE/TRANSMISSION DAMAGE.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 18, 201877,000 milesNY
THROTTLE STUCK OPEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT 40 MPH. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN WITH THE FOOT OFF OF THE GAS, SLOWLY INCREASED SPEED INSTEAD. THE CRUISE CONTROL LINKAGE BECAME DETACHED AND GOT STUCK IN THE THROTTLE. HAD TO PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP THE CAR FROM ACCELERATING. THE CAR REVVED OTHER 4000 WHILE IDLING.
Steering
Filed Feb 10, 2018160,000 milesGA
TAKATA POWER STEERING PUMP , IN MOTION WE KEEP REPLACING POWER STEERING OIL ,IT'S NOT LEAKING UT BUT CAN'T EVEN STEER THE CAR SO IT'S PARKED.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 24, 2018CA
WHEN DOOR CLOSED TEST LIGHT WITH MILEAGE WON'T SHOW???
Engine
Filed Jan 4, 201889,000 milesWV
I AM FILING DUAL COMPLAINTS PERTAINING TO THIS ISSUE, FIRST WITH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AUTHORITY AND A SECOND CONSUMER COMPLAINT WITH MR. PATRICK MORRISEY, ATTORNEY GENERAL WEST VIRGINIA. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS A CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION TO HELP RESIDENTS IN THE EVENT OF A SAFETY CONCERN AND A CONSUMER COMPLAINT THAT BRINGS A CONCERN TO THE SAFETY OF OTHERS, AS WELL AS THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC AND THE CONSUMER. UNDER "SPEED CONTROL" AS CHECKED OFF, THIS INCLUDES SYSTEMS AND DEVICES INTENDED TO CONTROL (ACCELERATE) THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE TO THE DRIVER'S INTENT SUCH AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THROTTLE CONTROL CABLES, LINKAGES, ACTUATORS, ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS AND SOFTWARE, CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM ACTUATORS AND DEACTIVATING SYSTEMS, AND OTHER COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS THAT MAY INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM (E.G., FLOOR MATS). MY 2004 TAURUS HAS NEARLY 90,000 MILES. IT HAS BEEN RUNNING WELL. ON MULTIPLE INCIDENTS IN 2017 MY TAURUS WOULD WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR INDICATIONS SUDDENLY BEGIN TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. I DESCRIBE IT TO OTHERS AS HAVING TO THROTTLE STICK. I WAS FREAKING OUT, BECAUSE CARS BEHIND ME DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND I WAS AFRAID THEY WOULD EASILY BECOME COLLATERAL DAMAGE. I PUT THE CAR INTO NUETRAL AND THE ENGINE ON ITS OWN VOLITION REVVED UP TO OVER 4000 RPM. A PERSON ON THE SIDE WALK THOUGHT I WAS ABOUT TO STRIKE THEM AS THEY JUMP OUT OF THE WAY. I LEARNED 150 FAULTY SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM COMPLAINTS, 6 INJURIES,
Power Train
Filed Dec 8, 201757,500 milesNJ
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DOING AROUND 70 AND, ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE RPM'S REVVED UP REALLY HIGH (INTO THE 7000'S) AND THE CAR INDICATOR SAID CHECK TRANSMISSION. I QUICKLY CHANGED LANES AND GOT ONTO THE SHOULDER AND SHUT OFF MY CAR. I LET IT SIT FOR TEN MINUTES WHILE I CHECKED FOR VISIBLE PROBLEMS. FINDING NONE, I THEN TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND PUT IT IN GEAR AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE. I TRIED IT IN EVERY GEAR BUT THE CAR STILL REFUSED TO MOVE. I THEN HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC THAT SAID THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS BAD. MY REGULAR MECHANIC AND I HAD DONE SOME RESEARCH OVER THE PHONE WHILE WE WERE WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM THE MECHANIC AND FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE FAULT OF A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER. FORD ACTUALLY HAS A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT BAD TORQUE CONVERTERS AND DID A RECALL FOR THEIR 2004 FREESTAR WHICH I HAD HEARD USES THE SAME TORQUE CONVERTER AS THE TAURUS. AFTER RESEARCHING, I DECIDED TO TAKE MY CAR TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP INSTEAD AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS INDEED BAD. THE SPLINES HAD STRIPPED OUT AND/OR BROKE. IT COST $1400.00 TO REPLACE IT FOR A CAR THAT HAD A LITTLE OVER 57000 MILES. DURING MY RESEARCH I CAME ACROSS OTHERS WHO HAD EVEN LESS MILEAGE ON THEIR TAURUS'S WHEN THEIR TORQUE CONVERTERS DIED.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 15, 2017180,000 milesCA
THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO GAIN SPEED WITHOUT THE FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, REGARDLESS IF WE ARE ON FLAT GROUND OR MOVING UP A SMALL HILL. IF I TAKE MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE THE CAR GAINS SPEED IMMEDIATELY AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH MY CAR. THE ONLY WAY IT DOES NOT CONTINUE TO GAIN SPEED IS BY PUTTING THE CAR INTO NUETRAL, BRAKING AND TURNING IT OFF. I KNOW THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH OTHER FORD TAURUS'S CLOSE IN THE SAME YEARS PROXIMITY. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND I NOW HAVE MY VEHICLE PARKED FOR SAFETY REASONS.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 5, 20171 milesIL
2004 FORD TAURUS ACCELERATING BY ITSELF TO 4000 RPM...THROTTLE IS STICKING...LOOKING UNDER HOOD... THROTTLE APPEARS TO BE GETTING STUCK ON CRUISE CONTROL CABLE END THAT KEEPS FALLING OFF OF THROTTLE ARM.
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 12, 2017130,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED CAUSING THE BATTERY TO FAIL AT TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE WHEN DEPRESSING THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE PEDAL PROPERLY. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER OPERABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16E026000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Service Brakes
Filed May 8, 2017125,000 milesMN
BRAKE SWITCH, NO RECALL FOR 2004 MODEL, BUT RECALL FOR 2001. MY 2004 TAURUS IS DOING THE EXACT SAME THING AS THE 2001 BRAKE SWITCH, WHICH CAUSES THE INABILITY TO MOVE YOUR CAR OUT OF PARK AND YOUR BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 20, 2017139,825 milesGA
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP, CAR CONTINUED TO ACT AS IF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS PRESSED, MAINTAINING ABOUT 3000 RPM. WAS ABLE TO STOP USING BRAKES, BUT WOULD NOT GO TO IDLE. TAPPING THE ACCELERATOR RESOLVED THE ISSUE. HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW MINUTES LATER. LOOKS LIKE PLASTIC CLIP THAT ATTACHES THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE SHEATH TO THE THROTTLE BODY BRACKET HAS BROKEN, AND THE SHEATH CATCHES ON THE BRACKET HOLDING THE THROTTLE OPEN.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 5, 2017NJ
OWNER HEALTH WOULD NOT PERMIT TO CALLING IN COMPLAINT. NOW HAS NEW OWNER.
Power Train
Filed Jan 2, 2017204,000 milesTN
MY CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V106000 (FORD RECALL NUMBER 04S12-MANUFACTURER'S REPORT DATE APRIL 5, 2004). YET, IT'S NOT FLAGGING MY VIN AS PART OF THE RECALL. THE BADGE ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR SHOWS THE CAR WAS BUILT 02/2004. IT'S BEEN DOING IT A LONG TIME OFF AND ON, I THOUGHT IT WAS THE TILT STEERING WHEEL. THE GEARSHIFT WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT'S A FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. MY CAR SHOULD BE COVERED BY THIS RECALL. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP WITH THIS MATTER! *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 22, 2016145,000 milesMO
THIS IS CRAP, THE SAME CABLE IS USED ON THE 2000-2003 TAURUS AS MY 2004 HAS, NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVE NEARLY WRECKED, INCLUDING MYSELF BECAUSE THE THROTTLE STICKS OPEN PROPELLING YOU AT EXCESSIVE SPEEDS. I WAS SMART ENOUGH TO SHUT THE KEY OFF TO KEEP FROM REAR ENDING SOMEONE, NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE I FOUND THE ISSUE. THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE IS THE SAME JUNK DESIGN ON PREVIOUS MODELS, AND THE INTERNET IS FILLED WITH THOUSANDS OF TAURUS OWNERS LIKE ME IN THE 2004 AND UP MODEL YEARS NEARLY CRASHING, YET FORD HAS DONE NOTHING. SOMEONE NEED TO GET KILLED BEFORE YOU ALL MAKE THEM DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS HUNG THROTTLE ISSUE???
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 26, 2016126,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Oct 12, 201642,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LAMPS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTLY SHIFTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000.
Wheels
Filed Oct 12, 201665,000 milesAZ
TIRE LEAKING FROM A PIN HOLE IN THE METAL WHEELS INTERIOR. LEAK FOUND WHILE HAVING TIRES ROTATED.
Power Train
Filed Sep 20, 2016AL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 19, 2016100,000 milesTX
THE WHOLE ENTIRE WIRES UNDER THE DASHBOARD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND ALMOST BLEW ME MY KIDS UP IN DALLAS TEXAS, HAD IT TOTAL AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WHOLE COMPUTER SYSTEM BLEW THE WIRES OUT AND THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM.
Power Train
Filed Sep 4, 2016NC
I RAN BY A FRIENDS HOUSE TO PICK UP AN ITEM. AFTER PUTTING MY GEAR SELECTOR IN REVERSE I REALIZED THAT I NOT ONLY COULDN'T BACK UP, BUT COULD NOT GET ANY GEAR TO ENGAGE! MY TRANSMISSION HAD COMPLETELY FAILED WITH ABSOLUTELY ZERO INDICATION THAT IT WAS ABOUT TO DIE.
Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 31, 201674,000 milesMA
I ENTERED THE HIGHWAY ACCELERATING NORMALLY TO BLEND IN WITH TRAFFIC IN THE RIGHT TRAVELLING LANE. WITHIN SECONDS THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS' OWN UP TO ANY ALARMING RATE OF SPEED. I SLAMMED ON BRAKES- NOTHING HAPPENED. ATTEMPTED TO PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL- NOTHING HAPPENED. I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR AS IT WAS GOING AT LEAST 100MPH. I WEAVED BETWEEN 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC BEFORE HITTING A CAR'S BUMPER AND FLIPPING OVER 2-3 TIMES AND LANDED UPRIGHT IN THE DITCH IN THE MEDIUM. I WAS AWAKE THE ENTIRE TIME- IN SHEER TERROR. HAD I NOT BEEN WEARING A SEATBELT I LIKELY WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. TO MY KNOWLEDGE THIS 2004 FORD TAURUS 24VT HAS HAD MANY OTHER ACCIDENTS AND FORD MOTOR CO. HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. THIS IS INEXCUSABLE!
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 21, 2016166,000 milesMT
THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS ON UP TO 4K PLUS RPMS AND DRIVES ITSELF WITH INCREASING SPEED. THIS IS OUR 18 YEAR OLDS CAR. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY THE NHTSA AND FORD AND NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED. HOW MANY DEATHS DOES THERE HAVE TO BE BEFORE SOME ONE ISSUES A RECALL FOR THE ACCELERATOR CABLE/CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM. FORD HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THERE 90 MODELS TAURUS AND A RECALL WASN'T ISSUED TIL 2008. WOW IS ALL I CAN SAY. FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR KNOWN ISSUES THAT THEY CONTINUE TO HAVE REPEATED ISSUES WITH. THE CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK AND THE CAR CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT THE GAS PEDAL BEING TOUCHED. AN THE RPMS SHOOT UP, ALMOST REARENDING OTHER CARS.THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE BUT I THOUGHT MY DAUGHTER WAS OVER EXAGGERATING TILL WE TOOK THE CAR OUT.
Engine
Filed Aug 19, 201680,000 milesCT
VEHICLE THROTTLE GOT STUCK, DAUGHTER WAS DRIVE HAD TO PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL TO KICK THROTTLE DOWN, FOUND OUT THAT CRUISE CONTROL CABLE IS COMING OFF THROTTLE BODY AND JAMMING, BEEN HAPPENING MULTIPLE TIMES FOR LAST YEAR
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 14, 2016116,383 milesCA
THE BOSCH BRAKES HAD A RECALL TOOK TO SHOP N IT AFFECTED THE ROUTERS NEED NEW BRAKES N ROUTERS I PAID THEY SAID I WOULD GET A CALL NEVER DID TO GET REINBURSED
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 2, 2016OH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 11/01/16*LJ
Power Train
Filed Jul 26, 2016TN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO GET THE VEHICLE TO CHANGE GEARS AND, AT TIMES, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS TO CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE A REPAIR SOLUTION. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Power Train
Filed Jul 26, 2016172,666 milesTN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,666.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 28, 2016150,000 milesFL
CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATES BY ITSELF I WILL NOT BE TOUCHING THE GAS AND THE CAR WILL SPEEDILY AND CONSISTENTLY ACCELERATING BY ITSELF WITHOUT HITTING THE GAS WHATSOEVER. THE CAR WILL BE IN PARK AND ITS STILL TRYING TO GO BY ITSELF GETTING UP TO 3000 4000 RPMS WHILE ITS IN PARK. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND VERY DANGEROUS. THE CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR WORSE !
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 8, 201692,000 milesCA
THE COLUMN SHIFT DOES NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN TRACED TO A FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. WHILE THERE IS A RECALL - 04V106000 - FOR THIS ISSUE, IT ONLY GOES UP TO THE 2003 MODEL YEAR. MY VEHICLE IS A 2004 AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 2, 2016165,000 milesKS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 7, 2016155,000 milesTX
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (50 - 60 MPH), THE CAR STALLS, ALL THE LIGHTS TURN OFF INCLUDING THE HAZARD FLASHERS. BRAKING AND STEERING THEN BECOME VERY DIFFICULT. I ALWAYS PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND ATTEMPT TO COAST TO A SAFE PARKING LOCATION. I AM ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES IMMEDIATELY, SOMETIMES AFTER PROLONGED PERIODS. SO FAR, THE STALL PROBLEM HAS NEVER OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT REST. SOMETIMES THE DOOR LOCKS WILL BRIEFLY "CHATTER" AS THE SOLENOIDS MYSTERIOUSLY ACTIVATE. THIS CAN OCCUR WHILE DRIVING OR IDLING. THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED IN JUNE 2015. THEN RECURRED RANDOMLY ONCE EVERY 2-3 WEEKS. RECENTLY, THE PROBLEM OCCURS 2-3 TIMES IN A DAY. THE PROBLEM DOES NOT PERSIST LONG ENOUGH TO BE DIAGNOSED.
Power Train
Filed Apr 4, 2016105,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, THE GEAR SHIFT FAILED TO SWITCH OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 19, 2016134,272 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING WHILE IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE TECHNICIAN REPAIRED THE FUEL INJECTION, CABIN AIR FILTER, IDLE CONTROL VALVE, AND THE BUTTERFLY VALVE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,272.
Complaints 1-50 of 375, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Taurus years to avoid: an unusual share of its 375 complaints describe fires, crashes or deaths for a car of its age. The most common complaint is about the throttle and acceleration (39%).
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Ford Taurus?
The throttle and acceleration: 146 of the 375 complaints (39%) are about it. Owners most often say it drops into neutral (25%), accelerates on its own (21%) and slips or will not engage a gear (5%). The typical report comes at 100,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Taurus have?
2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 1, 2016. The largest, 16E026000, covered 49,635 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2004 Ford Taurus problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 94,000 miles. For the throttle and acceleration the midpoint is 100,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2004 Ford Taurus?
Yes, 2 times. The latest, PE12005 ("Stuck throttle"), was opened Mar 7, 2012 and closed Oct 22, 2012.
Are there service bulletins for the 2004 Ford Taurus?
The manufacturer filed 55 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (14), the electrical system (11) and the visibility (8). They include a warranty extension, 0607, filed Dec 6, 2006. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
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.