2002 FORD TAURUS — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

1,757

Owner Complaints

104 Crashes 12 Fires

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

16

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2002 FORD TAURUS

The 2002 FORD TAURUS has received a total of 1,757 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD. 16 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs (402 complaints), Suspensionfront (297 complaints), and Suspension (155 complaints).

Recalls for the 2002 FORD TAURUS

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2002 FORD TAURUS, potentially affecting up to 1,425,932 vehicles.

Recall 16E026000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

| 49,635 vehicles affected

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...

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.

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Recall 04V106000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

| 938,789 vehicles affected

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.

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Recall 03V087000 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

| 67,894 vehicles affected

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...

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Recall 02V266000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

| 369,614 vehicles affected

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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2002 FORD TAURUS

1,757 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 FORD TAURUS. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 402 4 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 297 1 Crash
Suspension
Complaints: 155 3 Crashes
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 109 1 Crash
Suspensionrearspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 85
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 65 14 Crashes 6 Injuries
Structure
Complaints: 33
Tires
Complaints: 33
Electrical System
Complaints: 32 3 Fires
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 31
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 27 1 Crash 1 Fire
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 23 23 Crashes 17 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 22 18 Crashes 1 Fire 12 Injuries
Suspensionrearsprings
Complaints: 22
Visibility
Complaints: 21
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 20 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 18 2 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 17 1 Crash 1 Injury
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 16 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 15 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Equipment
Complaints: 14 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 13 3 Crashes 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 12 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Steering
Complaints: 12 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 11
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 10 1 Crash
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 10 2 Crashes
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 9 1 Injury
Engine
Complaints: 8 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 8
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 8 1 Crash 1 Injury
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 7 1 Fire
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
Complaints: 7
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 7
Wheels
Complaints: 7 1 Crash
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 6
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 5 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Fire
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
Complaints: 4
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 4
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 4
Child Seat
Complaints: 3
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 3
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 3
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 3
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 2
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 2
Seats
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 2
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontshock Absorber
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontspringsleaf Spring Assembly
Complaints: 2
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 2
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Sideinflator Module
Complaints: 1
Back Over Preventionwarningsexternalpedestrian Alert
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Controlautomatic Asc
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentotherownersserviceother Manual
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragetank Assemblypressure Relief Devices
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicbrake Fluid Low Warningswitchsensorfloat
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearshock Absorber
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11704207 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles Crash
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 .
#11704207 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles Crash
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 .
#11383037 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
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
#11383037 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
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
#11328887 | SUSPENSION | | 60,000 miles
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.

View all Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2002 FORD TAURUS

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2002 FORD TAURUS in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2002 FORD TAURUS

Ford Motor Company has issued 16 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2002 FORD TAURUS. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

05224 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

POWER LOCK CONCERNS - SERVICE TIP. *TT

041712 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MIL AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES DTCS P0172 P0175. *EH

17564 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT READ FULL AFTER FILLING TANK. *MJ

03223 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

STREAMLINED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLES WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0401, P0402, P1400 OR P1401. ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, SURGE, POOR FUEL ECONOMY. *TT

17281 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

SURGE AT CRUISE. *TT

17224 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INTERMITTENT ROLLING IDLE ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.0L 2-VALVE ENGINE. *TT

17225 — STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

STEERING COLUMN LOCK DISCONTINUED. *TT

0325 — VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

GRUNTING NOISE FROM FRONT POWER WINDOW AFTER GLASS IS POWERED TO THE FULL-UP POSITION. *TT

02175 — AIR BAGS

RESTRAINT SYSTEM-AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT STRATEGY WITH ADVANCED RESTRAINT SYSTEM. *MJ

16035 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A ROUGH ENGINE IDLE, ENGINE IDLE ROUGHNESS OR IDLE RPM DIP WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON, A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0191 OR 1-2 UPSHIFT. *TT

Showing 10 of 16 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2002 FORD TAURUS

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the FORD TAURUS

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