NHTSA vehicle safety data

2002 Ford Taurus Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2002 Ford Taurus has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,426 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2002 Ford Taurus, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2002 Ford Taurus owner complaints

Owners have filed 1,426 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Ford Taurus, describing incidents dated January 1, 2001 to May 7, 2026.

Most-cited components

Suspension 962 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 100 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 76 complaints
Engine 61 complaints
Structure 54 complaints
Air Bags 47 complaints

Of the 1,426 complaints on file, 75 report a crash and 11 a fire; across all 1,426 complaints, owners report 44 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11736873 · Filed May 10, 2026
Cylinder two misfire. Replaced coil pack, wires and all spark plugs. Problem reoccurring.
ODI #11704207 · Filed December 10, 2025
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…
ODI #11383037 · Filed December 11, 2020
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…

Read all 1,426 complaints

Owner-reported

2002 Ford Taurus mileage at failure

1,220 of the 1,426 complaints on file for the 2002 Ford Taurus give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Suspension	Median 85,000 miles	Middle half 65,000–110,000 miles	Based on 881 complaints
Visibility/Wiper	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 45,000–80,000 miles	Based on 85 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control	Median 105,000 miles	Middle half 70,000–130,000 miles	Based on 59 complaints
Engine	Median 65,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–100,000 miles	Based on 42 complaints
Structure	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 45,000–90,000 miles	Based on 45 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Complaints received before December 15, 2002 rarely give a mileage, so they aren't counted here.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2002 Ford Taurus in 4 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE12-033: Speed control cable damage
Closed June 26, 2013
Engineering Analysis EA08-018: Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
Closed June 30, 2011
Recall Petition RP03-001: BRAKE/ACCELERATOR PEDAL APPLICATION
Closed March 23, 2004
Recall Query RQ03-008: BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE
Closed March 5, 2004
- Recall 04V-106

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Front Brake Pad Shims May Shift and Contact Disc

NHTSA #16E026000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Disc — Pads · NHTSA notice

Reported April 1, 2016 · Robert Bosch LLC

Potentially affected: 49,635 vehicles

Repair completion: 5.88% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified May 26, 2016

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

FORD/BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH

NHTSA #04V106000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported March 2, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 938,789 vehicles

Ford campaign 04S12 · Owners notified April 5, 2004 · Vehicles built May 3, 1999 – March 31, 2003 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

FORD RECALL NO. 04S12.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FORD/FMVSS 212/WINDSHIELD MOUNTING

NHTSA #03V087000 · Visibility — Windshield · NHTSA notice

Reported March 10, 2003 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 67,894 vehicles

Ford campaign 03C03 · Owners notified March 31, 2003 · Vehicles built October 29, 2001 – April 27, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

FORD RECALL NO.03C03. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FORD/BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL DISTANCE

NHTSA #02V266000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Pedals and Linkages · NHTSA notice

Reported October 2, 2002 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 369,614 vehicles

Ford campaign 02S40 · Owners notified September 13, 2002 · Vehicles built May 3, 1999 – September 14, 2001 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2002 Ford Taurus 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 3

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

4 investigations

2002 Ford Taurus 4-DR. w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 3

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

4 investigations

2002 Ford Taurus 4-DR. Wagon

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

4 investigations

1,426 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford Taurus.

Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11736873

Incident: May 7, 2026 · Filed: May 10, 2026

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

Power Train; Service Brakes

ODI #11704207

Crash

Incident: December 6, 2025 · Filed: December 10, 2025

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 .

Suspension; Service Brakes

ODI #11383037

Incident: December 8, 2020 · Filed: December 11, 2020

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

ODI #11328887

Incident: June 12, 2020 · Filed: June 15, 2020

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; Structure

ODI #11233130

Incident: May 31, 2019 · Filed: July 18, 2019

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.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting; Air Bags

ODI #11173440

Incident: January 1, 2019 · Filed: February 1, 2019

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 Control

ODI #11132160

Crash

Incident: October 14, 2017 · Filed: September 28, 2018

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; Engine

ODI #11118162

Incident: February 1, 2018 · Filed: August 6, 2018

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

ODI #11076150

Incident: February 26, 2018 · Filed: March 4, 2018

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

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11073352

Incident: February 16, 2018 · Filed: February 17, 2018

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.

Other Ford Taurus model years

Check your 2002 Ford Taurus VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford Taurus at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Ford VIN