2004 Ford Taurus Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 5%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,750miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Ford Taurus, 5% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,750 miles. 1 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.
“The car will try to accelerate when coming to a stop as well as when you foot is off the accelerator. In the instances that this has happened my wife or I has shifted the car to neutral at a stop and the engine will rev to 3,000 rpms and stay there. Please note when this happens the car will try to move forward and accelerate in drive even when your foot is on the brake.”
NHTSA complaint #10452855, filed 2012-03, 109,131 miles“While driving my car, without any warnings, seemed to have lost gears. My car would idle but would not go forward or backwards. I am told, from my mechanic, it is my transmission. I have always taken care of my car. This happened without any warning. Fortunately I was not on the highway! Very scary!”
NHTSA complaint #10444441, filed 2012-01, 120 miles“I have a 2004 Ford Taurus and around 2006 the throttle sometimes accelerates and sticks on its own. The cruise control also stopped working around this time. When I was driving I would notice the RPM's going up and not coming down, so I would have to put the car in neutral and rev the engine. This is happening more frequently. I have asked multiple mechanics to help with this problem but no one has had a clue about this or how to fix it, including classic Ford in mentor, ohio.”
NHTSA complaint #10456161, filed 2012-04, 24,000 miles“Car started to miss badly at stops and eventually would not accelerate while shaking violently. Car then stalled on the highway while my wife was traveling at 70 miles per hour. This was a very dangerous occurrence that eventually LED me to surrender the car even with the consequences to my credit.”
NHTSA complaint #10164956, filed 2006-08, 43,000 miles“Am hearing a light moan on light acceleration. I can hear it at all rpms and speed. But is at its loudest at 40-45 MPH, just after it shifts into the highest gear. In last few wks- it seems to follow the exhaust to the rear. Dealership does not seem to verify it. Am returning for new rear struts that rattle-on warranty. What should I tell them when I return? Also can feel it through the steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #10145716, filed 2005-12, 21,875 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10109070Sep 21, 2016The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to…
- 10019382Jan 1, 2006Camshaft tick noise - 3.0l 4v engine only.
- 10018749Nov 14, 2005Spark knock, hesitation above 3000 rpm, loss of power, misfire, and possible engine damage due to detonation and pre-ignition - 3.0l-2v vulcan gas/ffv.
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10016815Oct 11, 2005Various driveability conditions-3.0l 2v and flex fuel engine.
- 10017916May 1, 2005Surge, idle roll, rough idle only when the engine cooling fans are operating.
- 10013397Dec 31, 2004Acceleration pedal vibration. *eh updates.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
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 2004 Ford Taurus
164 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
72 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsEngine
25 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsSuspension
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