NHTSA lists 1,426 complaints for the 2002 Ford Taurus, 75 of them mention a crash and 11 mention a fire. 40 complaints mention an injury, with 44 injuries and 0 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-08.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as FORD TAURUS.
At a glance
Complaints
1,426
With crash
75
With fire
11
With injury (complaints)
40
Injuries
44
Deaths
0
Recalls
3
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
938,789
Investigations
4
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
96
Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.
Where the complaints are
Top systems
System
Complaints
Share of this vehicle's complaints
SUSPENSION
962
67.5%
VISIBILITY
98
6.9%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
76
5.3%
STRUCTURE
54
3.8%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
53
3.7%
AIR BAGS
47
3.3%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
42
2.9%
POWER TRAIN
39
2.7%
TIRES
39
2.7%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
32
2.2%
Top subsystems
System
Subsystem
Complaints
SUSPENSION
FRONT
680
SUSPENSION
REAR
215
VISIBILITY
DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
37
VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD
31
AIR BAGS
FRONTAL
24
POWER TRAIN
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
21
STRUCTURE
BODY
19
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE
17
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BRAKE LIGHTS
14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
COOLING SYSTEM
11
One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.
Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence: 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.
Date: 2002-10-02. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.
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. (excerpt)
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING AN "UNINTENDED VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE" OR A PERCEIVED "UNABLE TO STOP" CONDITION. (excerpt)
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 RE (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Investigations
4 investigations; 0 open.
PE12033
Opened: 2012-10-24. Closed: 2013-06-26.
Speed control cable damage
On June 21, 2013, Ford initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 13B04 to address a concern with Speed Control Cable damage in certain model year (MY) 2000 through 2003 Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with 3.0L 4V Duratec engines and built at the Chicago assembly plant.In the dealer letter for the program, Ford indicates that the Speed Control Cables on affected vehicles may be susceptible to dam
Systems: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
EA08018
Opened: 2008-08-28. Closed: 2011-06-30.
Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
To date, ODI is aware of 2,401 non-duplicative complaints related to the alleged defect. In addition, ODI is aware of 1,411 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to the alleged defect. In total, ODI is aware of 3,645 unique subject vehicles that have experienced one or more front suspension coil spring fractures. ODI is also aware of four minor crashes related to the alleged de
Systems: SUSPENSION.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
RP03001
Opened: 2003-10-31. Closed: 2004-03-23.
BRAKE/ACCELERATOR PEDAL APPLICATION
MS. RODMAN REPORTED THAT AFTER HER VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR THE RECALL, HER MOTHER EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND CRASHED THE SABLE INTO A LIGHT POLE.PREVIOUSLY NHTSA HAD CONDUCTED AN INVESTIGATION FOR THIS ISSUE (PE02-035) THAT RESULTED IN THE RECALL (02V-266) OF 369,000 MY 2000-2002 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO INSURE THAT THE SEPARAT
Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
RQ03008
Opened: 2003-10-23. Closed: 2004-03-05.
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE
FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEH
Date: 2020-07-13. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.
This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is
10155551
Date: 2019-02-07. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.
Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
10156863
Date: 2019-02-07. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE.
Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
10052600
Date: 2013-06-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
FORD: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPEED CONTROL CABLE IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE AND CAN DISCONNECT DURING HOOD MAINTENANCE AND ALSO INTERFERE WITH FULL THROTTLE RETURN TO IDLE AFTER RELEASING ACCELERATOR PEDAL. MODELS 2000-2003 TAURUS, SABLE. *PE
10019382
Date: 2006-01-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
CAMSHAFT TICK NOISE - 3.0L 4V ENGINE ONLY. *TT
10018738
Date: 2005-11-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES.
POWER LOCK CONCERNS - SERVICE TIP. *TT
10018742
Date: 2005-11-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: VISIBILITY.
POWER WINDOW CONCERNS - SERVICE TIP. *TT
10018746
Date: 2005-11-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
BUCK/JERK AND MISS DURING DRIVE CYCLE ABOVE 3000 RPM - NO DTC - 3.0L 2V GAS AND FFV ENGINE. *TT
10017860
Date: 2005-07-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP COMING ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0171, P0172, P0174 AND/OR P0175 (FUEL SYSTEM TOO RICH OR LEAN). *TT
10014138
Date: 2005-06-07. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SEAT BELTS.
SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT
Notes on this record
Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.