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Electrical systemPart report

2004 Ford Taurus Electrical system Problems

Complaints
26about this part
Share
7%of 375 total for the year
Median mileage
104,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Ford Taurus, 7% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,000 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“After exiting the highway, braking to stop a red light, the car proceeded to slowly accelerate on its own. After letting it go for a while, it topped out around 52mph, as if the cruise control was working on its own. I kept pressing off, but that wouldn't work. The car stopped revving rpms when I put it in neutral.”

NHTSA complaint #11162165, filed 2018-12, 139,000 miles

“The whole entire wires under the dashboard caught on fire and almost blew me my kids up in dallas texas, had it total and the mechanic stated that the whole computer system blew the wires out and that it was a manufacturing problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10907613, filed 2016-09, 100,000 miles

“My car has the same problem as NHTSA campaign number 04v106000 (Ford recall number 04s12-manufacturer's report date april 5, 2004). Yet, it's not flagging my VIN as part of the recall. The badge on the driver's door shows the car was built 02/2004. It's been doing it a long time off and on, I thought it was the tilt steering wheel. The gearshift will not come out of park with your foot on the brake pedal. I understand that it's a faulty brake light switch. My car should be covered by this recall. Thank you for any help with this matter!”

NHTSA complaint #10939049, filed 2017-01, 204,000 miles

“While driving on the highway (50 - 60 MPH), the car stalls, all the lights turn off including the hazard flashers. Braking and steering then become very difficult. I always put the car into neutral and attempt to coast to a safe parking location. I am able to restart the vehicle sometimes immediately, sometimes after prolonged periods. So far, the stall problem has never occurred while the vehicle was at rest. Sometimes the door locks will briefly chatter as the solenoids mysteriously activate. This can occur while driving or idling. The problem first occurred in june 2015. …”

NHTSA complaint #10853978, filed 2016-04, 155,000 miles

“I was driving my 2004 Ford Taurus, car suddenly began smoking, pulled over and hood of car completely in flames. Fire dept came and put fire out. Car is totaled, insurance advised was electrical fire.”

NHTSA complaint #10334153, filed 2010-06, 87,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201916%
2018713%
20171125%
201667%
20153111%
20142913%
20135910%
20121620%
20114725%
2010199%
200946%
2008137%
20072919%
2006258%
2005284%
2004267%
2003978%
2002423%
2001374%
2000625%
1999516%
1998346%
1997628%
1996577%
1995958%
1994819%
199315610%
19927010%
1991447%
19904111%
198911821%
19889428%
19876927%
19861818%

Other parts of the 2004 Ford Taurus

Vehicle speed control
164 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
72 complaints
Brakes
26 complaints
Engine
25 complaints
Air bags
21 complaints
Engine cooling
19 complaints
Body and structure
17 complaints
Fuel system
16 complaints
Other or unknown
15 complaints
Steering
13 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaints
Suspension
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 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