2002 Ford Taurus recalls and problems

The 2002 Ford Taurus has 3 safety recalls and 1,426 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
1,426
Crashes / fires
75 / 11
Injuries / deaths
44 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Ford Taurus vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Ford Taurus recalls

Recall 04V-106: Exterior Lighting

Reported Mar 2, 2004 · 938,789 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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 to a following driver, which could lead to a crash.

Risk: In addition, if the switch and/or associated wiring fail in the open position, the brake lights will not actuate and the driver will not be able to shift the vehicle out of "park" if they fail in the closed position, the brake lights will remain on, which will not allow the speed control to be activated. This could also cause the battery to discharge.

Fix: Dealers will remove the stop lamp switch and associated wiring assembly and install a newly designed stop lamp switch and wire assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin on april 5, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Recall 03V-087: Visibility

Reported Mar 10, 2003 · 67,894 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: Potential loss of windshield retention may also reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace these windshields. Owner notification began on march 31, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford/mercury at 1-800-392-3673.

Recall 02V-266: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 2, 2002 · 369,614 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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 an increase in engine RPM.

Risk: This could result in a customer experiencing an "unintended vehicle speed increase" or a perceived "unable to stop" condition.

Fix: Owners will be instructed as to the proper way to set the position of the pedals and to take their vehicles to a dealer to have the spacing between the brake and accelerator pedals measured. If the spacing is found to be less than 50 mm, the dealer will adjust the pedals to increase the distance between them to greater than 50 mm. Owner notification began october 28, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

2002 Ford Taurus problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension1,090
Visibility102
Vehicle Speed Control77
Engine and Engine Cooling56
Structure54
Air Bags50
Electrical System42
Power Train39
Tires38
Service Brakes, Hydraulic34
Exterior Lighting27
Equipment26

Most reported parts

  • Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs — 402
  • Suspension › Front — 297
  • Suspension › Rear — 109
  • Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs — 85
  • Visibility › Windshield — 31
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor — 27
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 23
  • Suspension › Rear › Springs — 22

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,473 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Ford Taurus complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Dec 10, 2025
Backing out of parking space resulting to damage to both vehicles . Brake\gas pedals. Position of driver ( body turned) relative to pedals while backing car can allow drivers foot to be in contact with both pedals. Increased pressure on the brake can allow increased pressure on the gas pedal allowing the vehicle to continue in a reversed direction . Can strike a person or object resulting in injury or damage. Subject car is a station wagon and appears to have lower seating \configuration than a sedan .
Suspension · at 60,000 miles · reported Jun 15, 2020
The contact owns a 2002 ford taurus. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the front and rear driver's side coil springs fractured. The contact drove to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were contact nor informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Visibility · at 129,000 miles · reported Jul 18, 2019
The contact owns a 2002 ford taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle's windshield was loosening on the upper passenger side. The contact noticed that the windshield was coming out of the molding. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 129,000.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 126,139 miles · reported Sep 28, 2018
On 14 oct 2017, the subject vehicle had just been serviced. On the drive home, the throttle cable became stuck causing the car to not stop accelerating. The driver was able to exit the highway and stopped the car by crashing into a dumpster/fence at a service station.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 110,000 miles · reported Aug 6, 2018
The contact owns a 2002 ford taurus. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. In addition, the door ajar warning indicator illuminated even when the doors were not open. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failures could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Other Ford Taurus years

Compare all Ford Taurus years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford Taurus have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Ford Taurus: 04V-106 (exterior lighting), 03V-087 (visibility), 02V-266 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Ford Taurus?

Owners report suspension problems most often (1,090 reports), followed by visibility (102). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,473 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.