2002 Ford Taurus Problems
- Complaints
- 1,426filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 80,471miles, 1,228 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Ford Taurus (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owner complaints on this model year center on suspension coil springs that crack and break, often while the car sits parked or is reversing out of a driveway, and the broken spring end can puncture a tire. Other recurring themes are blower motor failures after water intrusion and brake lamps that stay lit, reported across a wide mileage spread from under 30,000 to over 180,000 miles.
- Suspension
Broken coil springs (front or rear), often puncturing tires
- 873 complaints (61%)
- median 85,465 mi at 7.3 yrs old (812 state mileage)
- 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $736 (median of 120 quotes)
- filed 2004–2020
Owners describe a loud bang or pop followed by a flat tire, with a broken section of coil spring found lodged against or through the tire sidewall. The failure often happens when the car is parked or being put into reverse, and several owners say the fracture face showed rust even where the outside of the spring looked clean. Repairs commonly involve both front springs and struts, and sometimes rear springs and sway bar links; owners report dealers telling them the vehicle was not covered by any campaign even though earlier model years had been recalled. Reported from under 30,000 miles to over 180,000, with many complaints in the 40,000-110,000 mile band, sometimes in cold weather or after the car sat unused.
What to check: Have a mechanic inspect all four coil springs and strut mounts for cracks, especially the lower coils where rust tends to start, and ask whether springs or struts were already replaced. Check the inner sidewalls of the tires for gouges.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car was parked,when I went to get into car to go to work,I heard a bang! I went to inquire,I noticed a piece of broken white nylon stabilizer link,then I went to put car in reverse,and the drivers side strut spring went into tire,if I had been driving,a serious accident could have occurred! Please help Taurus owners with this problem. Thank you!”
NHTSA complaint #10334189, filed 2010-06, 100,000 miles“On 7/27/11 while driving my 2002 Ford Taurus which has approx 41000 miles I heard a loud bang from the front of the vehicle. After arriving at my home I discovered that the right hand front coil spring had broken. Although I was able to safely drive the vehicle to my house this could have turned into a dangerous situation had the broken spring punctured the tire.”
NHTSA complaint #10416980, filed 2011-08, 41,000 miles - Suspension
Wheel bearing, strut and sway bar link noise and failure
- 267 complaints (19%)
- median 86,994 mi at 7.3 yrs old (249 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $800 (median of 70 quotes)
- filed 2004–2017
Alongside the spring breakages, owners describe a rumbling or grinding noise from the front end, broken sway bar links, and worn struts requiring replacement. In some complaints the damaged strut and link were found together with the broken spring, and owners reported the front end dropping or the car pulling and eating through front tires after the work. Reported mostly between about 65,000 and 130,000 miles in the sample.
What to check: Listen for rumbling or clunking over bumps and while turning, and ask for receipts showing whether struts, strut mounts or sway bar links have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On dec 15,2007 pulling out of my garage the spring assembly broke on my 2002 Ford Taurus. Need to replace spring assembly strut and sway bar. Contact Ford after the repair,they did have a problem with the springs on Taurus, but not my vehicle. I was lucky that I was not going any faster when this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #10215086, filed 2008-01, 109,397 miles“My Taurus experienced a strut coil spring failure which resulted in the cutting the inside wall of the right front tire. Both struts had to be replaced. If this had happened the highway it would have been extremely dangerous. I replaced one strut last year sametime and other this week.”
NHTSA complaint #10298353, filed 2010-01, 112,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on all four coil springs, struts and sway bar links, plus the tire sidewalls, since suspension work is what most owners on this model year write about. Also test the blower on every speed, check the cabin for water intrusion, and confirm any outstanding recall work was completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 1,426 consumer complaints for the 2002 Ford Taurus. 1,228 of the complaints include a mileage, and 18% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,471 miles. Of all complaints, 75 involved a crash, 11 a fire, 44 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 27 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension962 67%
- Vehicle speed control76 5.3%
- Body and structure54 3.8%
- Engine cooling53 3.7%
- Air bags47 3.3%
- Brakes46 3.2%
- Electrical system42 2.9%
- Transmission and drivetrain39 2.7%
- Tires38 2.7%
Also reported: Fuel system (27), Equipment (26), Exterior lighting (24), Other or unknown (19), Steering (18), Seat belts (13), Wheels (11), Engine (9), Electronic stability control (3), Seats (3), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Interior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Suspension: “I noticed the rear of the car was low. Found the problem to be two broken springs at the rear. I found there was a recall up until 2001 but not for 2002. I feel this is wrong since the company is still using the same springs that were under recall. This problem still exists with the same potential outcomes. I was fortunate.”
NHTSA complaint #10732887, filed 2015-07, 65,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Every time it rains heavy, I end up with water on the passenger floor. The defrost blower motor has shorted out three times due to this problem. I looked online and found many many complaints from Ford Taurus owners. Due to some kind of defect,water gets in the heating system and ends up on the passenger floor. It also makes the defrost blower motor and resistor go out.”
NHTSA complaint #10258622, filed 2009-02, 78,345 milesVehicle speed control: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11073352, filed 2018-02, 236,000 milesBody and structure: “Lower body has sever rust. Rocker panels are completely rotted off despite taking care to wash the cars under body in the winter. Floors are soft. Upper body has no rust issues. Lower body I have had to treat with rust preventative every year for the past 8 years. I believe the car will be too rusted to drive in the next 6 to 8 months.”
NHTSA complaint #10854270, filed 2016-04, 40,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
18% of the 1,228 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 57,888 and 108,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Ford Taurus. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taurus · sedan | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
| Taurus · sedan | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
| Taurus · sedan (side air bags) | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 Ford Taurus version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taurus FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Taurus FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Taurus Wagon FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Taurus Wagon FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Taurus FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Taurus Wagon FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V106000Mar 2, 2004Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Ford Taurus 2000–2003, Mercury Sable 2000–2003
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…
- 03V087000Mar 10, 2003Visibility › WindshieldCovers: Ford Taurus 2002–2003, Mercury Sable 2002–2003
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.
- 02V266000Oct 2, 2002Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkagesCovers: Ford Taurus 2000–2002, Mercury Sable 2000–2002
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…
Recall details for the 2002 Ford Taurus → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE12033Speed control cable damageClosed · Oct 24, 2012
- EA08018Front Suspension Coil Spring FractureClosed · Aug 28, 2008
- RP03001Brake/accelerator pedal applicationClosed · Oct 31, 2003
- RQ03008Brake light switch failureClosed · Oct 23, 2003
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 27 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10177863Jul 13, 2020Body and structure. This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns…
- 10156863Feb 7, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white…
- 10155551Feb 7, 2019Body and structure. Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white…
- 10052600Jun 21, 2013Vehicle speed control. Ford: see document search button for owner letter. Speed control cable is susceptible to damage and can disconnect during hood maintenance and also interfere with full throttle return to idle after…
- 10019382Jan 1, 2006Engine cooling. Camshaft tick noise - 3.0l 4v engine only.
- 10018746Nov 14, 2005Engine cooling. Buck/jerk and miss during drive cycle above 3000 rpm - no dtc - 3.0l 2v gas and ffv engine.
- 10018742Nov 14, 2005Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Power window concerns - service tip.
- 10018738Nov 14, 2005Latches, locks and linkages. Power lock concerns - service tip.
- 10016808Oct 11, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. Erratic fluid level reading on transaxle dipstick-leaks-4f50n, ax4n, ax4s transaxle.
- 10017860Jul 1, 2005Fuel system, Other or unknown. Malfunction indicator lamp coming on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0171, p0172, p0174 and/or p0175 (fuel system too rich or lean).
Other model years of the Ford Taurus
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 18 | 101,500 | 2 | 5 | 21 | — | Rising |
| 2018 | 52 | 52,000 | 4 | 5 | 21 | 11 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 44 | 32,000 | 4 | 5 | 21 | 21 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 86 | 58,482 | 4 | 5 | 21 | 33 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 281 | 68,500 | 6 | 5 | 23 | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 229 | 73,000 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 79 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 585 | 83,950 | 9 | 5 | 22 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2012 | 79 | 41,493 | 5 | 4 | 22 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 187 | 63,500 | 4 | 4 | 22 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2010 | 204 | 46,500 | 3 | — | 22 | 92 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 64 | 31,375 | 0 | — | 21 | 43 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 175 | 65,406 | 1 | — | 22 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 149 | 83,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 318 | 86,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 774 | 90,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 375 | 94,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 1,223 | 78,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 1,426 | 80,471 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 1,037 | 72,500 | 9 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 1,195 | 70,000 | 8 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 874 | 70,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 545 | 87,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 770 | 84,324 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 825 | 95,000 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 1,205 | 91,700 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 923 | 94,269 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 1,557 | 105,000 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 681 | 101,377 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 649 | 96,929 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 381 | 100,000 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 562 | 95,373 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 333 | 110,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 255 | 66,673 | 8 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 101 | — | 8 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Ford Taurus model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Taurus?
Owner complaints on this model year center on suspension coil springs that crack and break, often while the car sits parked or is reversing out of a driveway, and the broken spring end can puncture a tire. The issues reported most often: Broken coil springs (front or rear), often puncturing tires; Wheel bearing, strut and sway bar link noise and failure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Ford Taurus have?
NHTSA recorded 1,426 consumer complaints for the 2002 Ford Taurus as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Ford Taurus is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 962 complaints (67% of the total), followed by visibility with 100.
Has the 2002 Ford Taurus been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Ford Taurus get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Ford Taurus (Taurus, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Ford Taurus reported?
Among the 1,228 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,471 miles and the middle half falls between 57,888 and 108,000 miles; 18% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.