2002 Ford Taurus Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 4%of 1,426 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,600miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Ford Taurus, 4% of the 1,426 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,600 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had no heat from my 02 Taurus this past september and after 2 flushes it is now a clogged heater core. I noticed that I am not alone with this condition since I was told by an on-line blogger that there is a known defect in the Taurus' coolant systems having particles in them when they left the manufacturer, Ford.”
NHTSA complaint #10254047, filed 2009-01, 98,999 miles“My blower motor failed I was told this was a manufacturing defect. I am upset that Ford is not taking responsible for there problems. The repair cost is about $250-300. This should be a recall because the vehicle has no defroster, this is a hazard when driving if my windshield show fog up I have no way to see out the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #10138033, filed 2005-09, 45 miles“There is a leak in the passenger compartment of my 2002 Ford Taurus when ever it rains. The leak comes from above, and floods the floor while the car is sitting still. This has caused the heater/cooling blower to repeatedly stop. I have has the fan replaced 3 times in the last 17 months. I have had to additionally have the compressor replaced. This problem seems to be a continual one, and very much highlighted by many Taurus owners in many forums and places. …”
NHTSA complaint #10215104, filed 2008-01, 72,000 miles“The blower in my 2002 Ford Taurus works intermittently. There is also water on the floor board on the passenger side which I suspect has something to do with the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10290790, filed 2009-11, 71,000 miles“Sept 18, 2001 we purchased a new 2002 Ford Taurus. In one day radiator hose popped off. Thirty days after the firs repair the hose popped off again. The dealer wanted to replace the engine to correct the problem. On 10-29-01 the car started to make a hiss noise and smoke would come from the front end when it was parked or turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer dirks motors. They asked if the could replace the engine again and we said no. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070110, filed 2004-01, 30,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019382Jan 1, 2006Camshaft tick noise - 3.0l 4v engine only.
- 10018746Nov 14, 2005Buck/jerk and miss during drive cycle above 3000 rpm - no dtc - 3.0l 2v gas and ffv engine.
- 10017916May 1, 2005Surge, idle roll, rough idle only when the engine cooling fans are operating.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 11% |
| 2018 | 4 | 8% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 6 | 3% |
| 2013 | 7 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 9 | 5% |
| 2010 | 11 | 5% |
| 2009 | 18 | 28% |
| 2008 | 11 | 6% |
| 2007 | 22 | 15% |
| 2006 | 19 | 6% |
| 2005 | 40 | 5% |
| 2004 | 19 | 5% |
| 2003 | 67 | 5% |
| 2002 | 53 | 4% |
| 2001 | 60 | 6% |
| 2000 | 103 | 9% |
| 1999 | 81 | 9% |
| 1998 | 62 | 11% |
| 1997 | 145 | 19% |
| 1996 | 214 | 26% |
| 1995 | 352 | 29% |
| 1994 | 289 | 31% |
| 1993 | 638 | 41% |
| 1992 | 217 | 32% |
| 1991 | 116 | 18% |
| 1990 | 78 | 20% |
| 1989 | 97 | 17% |
| 1988 | 67 | 20% |
| 1987 | 40 | 16% |
| 1986 | 22 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Taurus
962 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
100 complaintsVehicle speed control
76 complaintsBody and structure
54 complaintsAir bags
47 complaintsBrakes
46 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
39 complaintsTires
38 complaintsFuel system
27 complaintsEquipment
26 complaintsExterior lighting
24 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford Taurus
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology