VehicleVerdict

2002 Ford Taurus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,759 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median Taurus year — the 2002 model ranks #2 of 39 Taurus years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 72 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: suspension issues account for 62% of all reports (1,090 of 1,759), far ahead of visibility & wipers at 104.

1,759

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

4

Investigations

104

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

72

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Taurus years?

Taurus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted2,206 complaints1977: 2 complaints1981: 2 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 4 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 150 complaints1987: 355 complaints1988: 462 complaints1989: 762 complaints1990: 542 complaints1991: 946 complaints1992: 1,009 complaints1993: 2,206 complaints1994: 1,284 complaints1995: 1,597 complaints1996: 1,132 complaints1997: 1,003 complaints1998: 680 complaints1999: 1,100 complaints2000: 1,497 complaints2001: 1,264 complaints2002: 1,759 complaints2003: 1,524 complaints2004: 482 complaints2005: 1,005 complaints2006: 415 complaints2007: 196 complaints2008: 240 complaints2009: 77 complaints2010: 274 complaints2011: 251 complaints2012: 100 complaints2013: 749 complaints2014: 295 complaints2015: 333 complaints2016: 97 complaints2017: 52 complaints2018: 62 complaints2019: 15 complaints
Taurus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Taurus years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Ford Taurus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1,09062%
Visibility & Wipers1046%
Speed Control774%
Engine654%
Body & Structure543%
Airbags503%
Tires & Wheels493%
Electrical System483%
Brakes483%
Transmission392%
Other332%
Lighting282%
Fuel System282%
Steering181%
Seat Belts141%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)60%
Child Seat30%
Seats30%
Driver Assistance10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2002 Ford Taurus have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16E026000BrakesApril 1, 2016 · 49,635 units

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.

Consequence

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.

04V106000LightingMarch 2, 2004 · 938,789 units

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.

03V087000Visibility & WipersMarch 10, 2003 · 67,894 units

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.

02V266000BrakesOctober 2, 2002 · 369,614 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AS THE CONTACT NOTICED THE COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 1, 2013 · fire

“THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND LOCKED FOR 8 HOURS WHEN A NOISE WAS HEARD. THE CONSUMER VIEWED THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE ON FIRE. THE INSURANCE AND FIRE INVESTIGATORS THOUGHT THAT MAYBE THE FIRE STARTED IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. *SCC *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 17, 2003 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, CONSUMER STATES' THE BRAKE PEDAL AND GAS PEDAL ARE TOO CLOSE. CONSUMER STATES IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION CONSUMER MAY PRESS GAS INSTEAD OF BRAKES, AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER STATES' FOOT BECAME STUCK UNDER BRAKE PEDAL AND HE WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP. THIS RESULTED IN A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 25, 2002 · crash

“WHILE PUMPING FUEL INTO VEHICLE WITH ENGINE OFF A FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. WHILE BEING TOWED FIRE RESTARTED AGAIN WITHIN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AGAIN BY LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 4, 2001 · fire

“2002 FORD TAURUS CANNOT WITHSTAND A 2 MI PER HR "CRASH" INTO A POLL. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WE WILL HAVE TO REPLACE BUMPER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 4, 2003 · crash

2002 Ford Taurus — common questions

Is the 2002 Ford Taurus reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,759 complaints put the 2002 model at #2 of 39 Taurus years. It is one of the Taurus years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Taurus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (1,090 complaints), visibility & wipers (104 complaints), speed control (77 complaints).

Does the 2002 Ford Taurus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Ford Taurus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Ford Taurus under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Taurus years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Taurus years to avoid are 1993, 2002, 1995, 2003, 2000, 1994, 2001, 1996, 1999, 1992, 2005, 1997, 1991, 1989, 2013, 1998, 1990. The cleanest record among Taurus years belongs to 1983.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.