2005 Ford Taurus Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 774 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 121,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Ford Taurus, 1% of the 774 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 121,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2005 Ford Taurus has been a headache since day one. Today on my way to work the car suddenly accelerated and applying the brakes was a challenge as I almost couldn't stop when pulling over for safety. Prior to this, over $2000 for a new engine, another $900 for a new transmission, another $250 for a power steering pump, and daily issues like the door not latching and me trying to hold driver's door shut while driving at the same time, and then having to tie a rope across the front seat to the passenger door. …”
NHTSA complaint #10381099, filed 2011-02, 54,831 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Taurus. While driving 35 MPH, the brake lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake light switch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 182,759.”
NHTSA complaint #10860836, filed 2016-04, 182,759 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Taurus. While driving 65 MPH, the brake lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake light switch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 182,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10860833, filed 2016-04, 182,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Ford Taurus. While driving 45 MPH, the headlights failed without warning. The contact pulled over and turned the headlight switch off and then back on. Afterwards, the headlights illuminated again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10763946, filed 2015-09, 60,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 9% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 13 | 6% |
| 2013 | 9 | 2% |
| 2012 | 12 | 15% |
| 2011 | 14 | 7% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 8 | 2% |
| 2003 | 46 | 4% |
| 2002 | 24 | 2% |
| 2001 | 29 | 3% |
| 2000 | 87 | 7% |
| 1999 | 18 | 2% |
| 1998 | 14 | 3% |
| 1997 | 15 | 2% |
| 1996 | 27 | 3% |
| 1995 | 25 | 2% |
| 1994 | 50 | 5% |
| 1993 | 140 | 9% |
| 1992 | 13 | 2% |
| 1991 | 6 | 1% |
| 1990 | 6 | 2% |
| 1989 | 8 | 1% |
| 1988 | 6 | 2% |
| 1987 | 6 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2005 Ford Taurus
529 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
123 complaintsEngine
68 complaintsFuel system
41 complaintsEngine cooling
40 complaintsBrakes
36 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsSteering
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Ford Taurus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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