Ford Taurus 2000–2007 problems by year and mileage
4th generation (D186)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20266,497 complaints, 5,014 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
- 200070kmedian
- 200173kmedian
- 200280kmedian
- 200378kmedian
- 200494kmedian
- 200590kmedian
- 200686kmedian
- 200783kmedian
The 2000 Ford Taurus
Close- Median failure report
- 70,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,195
- Recalls naming this year
- 8
Most reported on the 2000
- Suspension443 reports · median 75,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system103 reports · median 71,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline99 reports · median 54,000 mi
Recall areas Suspension — front · Exterior lighting — brake lights · Service brakes, hydraulic — pedals and linkages
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2001 Ford Taurus
Close- Median failure report
- 73,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,037
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
Most reported on the 2001
- Suspension515 reports · median 71,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control99 reports · median 120,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit86 reports · median 40,000 mi
Recall areas Suspension — front · Exterior lighting — brake lights · Service brakes, hydraulic — pedals and linkages
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2002 Ford Taurus
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,426
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2002
- Suspension962 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Visibility equipment98 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control76 reports · median 103,000 mi
Recall areas Exterior lighting — brake lights · Visibility — windshield · Service brakes, hydraulic — pedals and linkages
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2003 Ford Taurus
Close- Median failure report
- 78,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,223
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2003
- Transmission and driveline316 reports · median 87,000 mi
- Suspension313 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Visibility equipment191 reports · median 57,000 mi
Recall areas Exterior lighting — brake lights · Engine and engine cooling · Visibility — windshield
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2004 Ford Taurus
Close- Median failure report
- 94,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 375
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2004
- Throttle and speed control164 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline72 reports · median 104,000 mi
- Electrical system26 reports
Recall areas Seats — front assembly
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2005 Ford Taurus
Close- Median failure report
- 90,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 774
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2005
- Throttle and speed control529 reports · median 93,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline123 reports · median 84,000 mi
- Engine68 reports · median 107,000 mi
The 2006 Ford Taurus
Close- Median failure report
- 86,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 318
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2006
- Throttle and speed control176 reports · median 91,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline32 reports
- Electrical system25 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — instrument cluster/panel · Visibility — windshield wiper/washer
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2007 Ford Taurus
Close- Median failure report
- 83,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 149
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2007
- Throttle and speed control55 reports · median 99,000 mi
- Electrical system29 reports
- Engine and its cooling system22 reports
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2004; earliest: the 2000, and the 2000 is 4 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2000–2007 Ford Taurus reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 80,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 140,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 5,014
- Recalls
- 16
Most reported
- Suspension34.7% of complaints · median 80,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control19.6% of complaints · median 98,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline11.6% of complaints · median 85,000 mi
Documented problems
- Transmission (AX4N / 4F50N)2000–2007
- Suspension2000–2003
- Engine (3.0L Vulcan)2000–2007
Owners filed 6,497 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000–2007 Ford Taurus; the suspension leads with 34.7% of them, and half of the 5,014 that record an odometer reading came by 80,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 55,000 to 108,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2000–2007 Ford Taurus last?
On the 2000–2007 Ford Taurus, half of the 5,014 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 80,000 miles and 90% by 140,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
351 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 53 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Taurus reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Ford Taurus 2000–2007 · 5,014 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 273 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 53 complaints (1.1%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 35,000
- 25%
- 55,000
- Median
- 80,000
- 75%
- 108,000
- 90%
- 140,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 88 | 1.8% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 29 | 0.6% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 46 | 0.9% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 59 | 1.2% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 70 | 1.4% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 76 | 1.5% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 120 | 2.4% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 120 | 2.4% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 194 | 3.9% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 183 | 3.6% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 217 | 4.3% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 221 | 4.4% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 245 | 4.9% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 265 | 5.3% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 259 | 5.2% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 273 | 5.4% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 242 | 4.8% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 228 | 4.5% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 226 | 4.5% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 216 | 4.3% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 249 | 5.0% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 169 | 3.4% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 129 | 2.6% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 128 | 2.6% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 143 | 2.9% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 107 | 2.1% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 123 | 2.5% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 80 | 1.6% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 96 | 1.9% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 62 | 1.2% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 58 | 1.2% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 38 | 0.8% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 54 | 1.1% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 34 | 0.7% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 28 | 0.6% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 28 | 0.6% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 24 | 0.5% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 15 | 0.3% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 7 | 0.1% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 12 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 53 | 1.1% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Taurus problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Ford Taurus 2000–2007
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Visibility equipment403 reportsmedian 57,000middle half 42,000–83,000
- Airbag system323 reportsmedian 65,000middle half 39,000–95,000
- Engine and its cooling system383 reportsmedian 69,000middle half 42,000–90,000
- Electrical system346 reportsmedian 76,000middle half 44,000–110,000
- Suspension2,257 reportsmedian 80,000middle half 60,000–104,000
- Transmission and driveline755 reportsmedian 85,000middle half 60,000–114,000
- Throttle and speed control1,274 reportsmedian 98,000middle half 71,000–125,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2,257 | 34.7% | 80,000 | 60,000–104,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 1,274 | 19.6% | 98,000 | 71,000–125,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 755 | 11.6% | 85,000 | 60,000–114,000 |
| Visibility equipment | 403 | 6.2% | 57,000 | 42,000–83,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 383 | 5.9% | 69,000 | 42,000–90,000 |
| Electrical system | 346 | 5.3% | 76,000 | 44,000–110,000 |
| Airbag system | 323 | 5.0% | 65,000 | 39,000–95,000 |
| Body structure | 298 | 4.6% | 68,000 | 47,000–107,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 265 | 4.1% | 44,000 | 24,000–78,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 205 | 3.2% | 86,000 | 50,000–120,000 |
Known problems with the 2000–2007 Taurus
Transmission (AX4N / 4F50N) 2000–2007
Continued torque-converter, input-shaft and forward-clutch failures producing loss of drive; the AX4N pattern carries directly over from the DN101.
Suspension 2000–2003
Front coil springs fracture from corrosion and the broken end can puncture the tire, causing loss of control. Subject of NHTSA recall action on salt-belt Taurus and Sable cars of the early 2000s.
Engine (3.0L Vulcan) 2000–2007
Head gasket and intake manifold gasket failures with coolant loss.
Before you buy a 2000–2007 Taurus: the 3-minute check
Generated from 5,014 mileage-tagged complaints, 16 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 16 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check transmission (AX4N / 4F50N) on 2000–2007 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check suspension on 2000–2003 cars.
- Check engine (3.0L vulcan) on 2000–2007 cars.
- Years differ here: from 149 to 1,426 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Taurus problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi28% below | At 90k mi59% below | At 120k mi81% below | At 150k mi93% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 60,000–104,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 71,000–125,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 60,000–114,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Visibility equipment | 42,000–83,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 42,000–90,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 44,000–110,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 39,000–95,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Ford Taurus 2000–2007 · 5,014 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 28% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 59% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 81% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 93% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2000–2007 Ford Taurus recalls (16)
NHTSA records 16 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the exterior lighting (4), visibility equipment (3), the seat belts (2) (why one area can repeat).
Apr 2006 · 2006 · Electrical SystemThe padi lamp will fail to illuminate and the air bag warning lamp in the cluster will stay illuminated.
The defect. Certain passenger vehicles built for one specific fleet customer were modified for optional hands-free cellular phone operating capability. To provide this functionality, a special overlay wire harness was installed that inadvertently did not include the…
What can happen. The padi lamp will fail to illuminate and the air bag warning lamp in the cluster will stay illuminated.
The free fix. The fleet customer was notified and all vehicles have been repaired. The recall began on april 28, 2006.
Nov 2005 · 2006 · VisibilityAfter a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear may cause…
The defect. On certain trucks, passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.
What can happen. After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear may cause the gear to distort or fracture during operation resulting in a loss of wiper function.…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on november 22, 2005. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673 or…
Jul 2004 · 2000–2001 · SuspensionIf this occurs, the tire may rupture resulting in a rapid air loss, which could result in a crash.
The defect. On certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio…
What can happen. If this occurs, the tire may rupture resulting in a rapid air loss, which could result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will install protective spring shields. In addition, Ford is extending the warranty coverage of the front coil springs in all other states, for fracture only, up to 10 years of service or…
Jul 2004 · 2004 · SeatsThe seat may not perform as intended during a crash which could increase the risk of injury.
The defect. Certain passenger vehicles equipped with power adjustable seats may have been inadequately welded.
What can happen. The seat may not perform as intended during a crash which could increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. 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.
Mar 2004 · 2000–2003 · Exterior LightingIn addition, if the switch and/or associated wiring fail in the open position, the brake lights will not…
The 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…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. 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.…
Mar 2004 · 2003 · Engine and Engine CoolingThis can lead to damage to the air induction system on these vehicles and/or an underhood fire.
The defect. On certain vehicles, the air filter paper in these vehicles can smolder or burn.
What can happen. This can lead to damage to the air induction system on these vehicles and/or an underhood fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the air filter element. Owner notification began on march 10, 2004. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Mar 2003 · 2002–2003 · VisibilityPotential loss of windshield retention may also reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.
The 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.
What can happen. Potential loss of windshield retention may also reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.
The free fix. 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…
Oct 2002 · 2000–2002 · Service Brakes, HydraulicThis could result in a customer experiencing an "unintended vehicle speed increase" or a perceived "unable to…
The 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…
What can happen. This could result in a customer experiencing an "unintended vehicle speed increase" or a perceived "unable to stop" condition.
The free fix. 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…
Aug 2001 · 2000–2001 · VisibilityLoss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper…
What can happen. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. Owner notification began august 20, 2001. Owners…
Apr 2001 · 2001 · Seat BeltsIn the event of a vehicle crash, the vehicle occupant may not be properly restrained, possibly resulting in…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger cars. The seat belt buckle tongue may not fully eject from the buckle assembly when the release button is pushed slowly. This condition could also result in a partial latch of the tongue in the buckle.
What can happen. In the event of a vehicle crash, the vehicle occupant may not be properly restrained, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the driver and right front passenger seat belt buckles. Owner notification began may 4, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service…
Mar 2001 · 2000–2001 · Exterior LightingA short circuit could lead to either the brake lamps staying on, or to a loss of brake lamp function…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. If the grease from the adjustable pedal assembly enters the stop lamp switch, it can contaminate the contacts leading to carbon build up, and potentially, a short circuit.
What can happen. A short circuit could lead to either the brake lamps staying on, or to a loss of brake lamp function, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch and wipe down the adjustable pedal assembly to remove excess grease. Owner notification began march 22, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an…
Mar 2001 · 2000 · Exterior LightingThis would cause difficulty for the driver to activate the headlamps, which could affect driver visibility…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles. Due to the use of incorrect material by a supplier, the headlamp switch knob can fracture and separate from the headlamp switch.
What can happen. This would cause difficulty for the driver to activate the headlamps, which could affect driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the headlamp switch knob. Owner notification began april 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
Feb 2001 · 2000–2001 · Exterior LightingUnder the requirements of the standard, the chmsl shall be activated only upon appplication of the service…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger sedans with factory or dealer-installed deck lid spoilers with LED center high mounted stop lamps (chmsl). Vehicles produced with spoilers were manufactured from march 1 through october 31, 2000; and vehicles with spoilers…
What can happen. Under the requirements of the standard, the chmsl shall be activated only upon appplication of the service brakes. Also, the vehicle could roll increasing the risk of a crash, if the shift lever can…
The free fix. Dealers will install a jumper/resistor assembly at the spoiler that provides an electrical resistor to ground and corrects the chmsl and brake-shift interlock conditions. Owner notification began…
Nov 2000 · 2001 · EquipmentIn the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the…
The defect. Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." The affected expedition/navigator owner guides do not identify the locations of…
What can happen. In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
The free fix. Owners will be provided with owner guide inserts revised to provide the required information, and instructions for affixing these inserts to their owner guides. Customers will also be advised that if…
Aug 2000 · 2000 · EquipmentExcessive loading can cause tire and vehicle damage that could result in a crash.
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The "vehicle capacity weight" and "designated seating capacity" information was not printed on the safety certification labels affixed to these vehicles. On affected sable sedan vehicles, the "vehicles capacity weight"…
What can happen. Excessive loading can cause tire and vehicle damage that could result in a crash.
The free fix. Owners will be provided with a supplemental label with the correct information, along with instructions for affixing the label adjacent to the vehicle certification label. Owner notification began…
Aug 2000 · 2001 · Seat BeltsThe anchor may not hold the child safety seat in position during an accident, increasing the risk of injury…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The child safety seat anchor latch (iso-fix anchor) fasteners do not have adequate residual torque. The anchors are secured to the floor pan with a reinforcement plate that has two studs that extend upward through the…
What can happen. The anchor may not hold the child safety seat in position during an accident, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant of the child safety seat.
The free fix. Dealers will remove and re-install the bracket nut using a torque retention material (red loctite). Owner notification began september 11, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 6,497 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 428 (6.6%)
- Fires
- 90
- Injury reports
- 257
- Fatality reports
- 11
Taurus problems by model year
The 2002 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,426, most of them about the suspension, and the 2007 the fewest, 149. A typical year drew about 906.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1,195 | 616 | 70,000 | Suspension (443) | 8 |
| 2001 | 1,037 | 696 | 73,000 | Suspension (515) | 9 |
| 2002 | 1,426 | 1,228 | 80,000 | Suspension (962) | 3 |
| 2003 | 1,223 | 1,057 | 78,000 | Transmission and driveline (316) | 3 |
| 2004 | 375 | 315 | 94,000 | Throttle and speed control (164) | 1 |
| 2005 | 774 | 701 | 90,000 | Throttle and speed control (529) | 0 |
| 2006 | 318 | 272 | 86,000 | Throttle and speed control (176) | 2 |
| 2007 | 149 | 129 | 83,000 | Throttle and speed control (55) | 0 |
What Taurus owners reported
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that there was a slight hesitation upon shifting the transmission into drive. The contact stated that the gear selector seized, and the vehicle was no longer able to shift out of park. Additionally, the brake lights were no longer operable. No warning lights were…
2001 · 55,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power before stalling. The vehicle continued to roll forward before the driver was able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.…
2006 · 165,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to slow down as needed while depressing the brake to make a left turn. The contact stopped the vehicle and shifted the gear shifter to park; however, while parked the RPM rose to 5,000 RPM. The vehicle was…
2006 · 170,000 miles · Throttle and speed control
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that when taking the vehicle out of the park(P) after starting the vehicle, which required the brake pedal to be depressed, the contact could not depress the shifter button out of the park. The contact stated that the shift button would not depress. The contact…
2003 · 151,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
Built from 5,014 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Taurus generations
- Taurus 1996–1999 767 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- Taurus 2008–2009 215 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- Taurus 2010–2019 1,256 reports with mileage, most about the steering