VehicleVerdict

2004 Ford Taurus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2004 Ford Taurus sits mid-pack among Taurus years: 482 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 416, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 36 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Speed Control leads the complaint categories with 166 reports (34% of the total).

482

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

48

Crash-involved

17

Fires reported

36

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Taurus years?

Taurus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 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, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Taurus years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Ford Taurus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control16634%
Transmission7415%
Engine449%
Electrical System316%
Brakes265%
Airbags214%
Body & Structure174%
Fuel System163%
Other163%
Visibility & Wipers133%
Steering133%
Suspension102%
Tires & Wheels102%
Lighting82%
Latches & Locks71%
Seat Belts51%
Seats41%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2004 Ford Taurus have recalls?

2 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.

04V330000SeatsJuly 8, 2004 · 24,277 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND THROUGH A PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITH THE BRAKE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE STUCK A SUPPORT PILLAR IN FRONT OF A PIZZA HUT RESTAURANT. DRIVER SUFFERED BROKEN RIBS, PASSENGER SUFFERED C2 FRACTURE, BROKEN RIBS, INTERNAL BLEEDING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN DECLARED TOTALED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 1, 2012 · crash

“THE THROTTLE STICKS WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP, IT SUDDENLY REVS UP. MUST THEN STOMP ON THE BRAKES AND TRY TO THROW IT INTO NEUTRAL. USUALLY CAN CATCH IT HOWEVER, 2 DAYS AGO ENDED UP REAR ENDING SOMEONE. THE FRONT END OF MY CAR IS DAMAGED. RAN INTO A TRUCK WHICH WASN'T DAMAGED. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 1, 2012 · crash

“DROVE CAR ABOUT 4 MILES. NO PROBLEMS. WHEN PARKED IT WAS SMOKING REAL BAD UNDER HOOD THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIREMAN SAID IT WAS ELECTRICAL. IT GAVE NO WARNING. AS I LOOKED ON THIS WEBSITE I HAVE SEEN THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THAT HAS HAD THIS HAPPEN. MY CAR IS TOTALED AND I AM WITHOUT A VEHICLE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 22, 2015 · fire

“DROVE CAR ABOUT 4 MILES. NO PROBLEMS. WHEN PARKED IT WAS SMOKING REAL BAD UNDER HOOD THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIREMAN SAID IT WAS ELECTRICAL. IT GAVE NO WARNING. AS I LOOKED ON THIS WEBSITE I HAVE SEEN THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THAT HAS HAD THIS HAPPEN. MY CAR IS TOTALED AND I AM WITHOUT A VEHICLE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 22, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 FORD TAURUS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES; HOWEVER, THEY FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT'S…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 20, 2015 · crash

2004 Ford Taurus — common questions

Is the 2004 Ford Taurus reliable?

It is close to typical for the Taurus: 482 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2004 Taurus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (166 complaints), transmission (74 complaints), engine (44 complaints).

Does the 2004 Ford Taurus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Ford Taurus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Ford Taurus under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.