2004 Ford Taurus recalls and problems

The 2004 Ford Taurus has 1 safety recall and 375 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

375

Crashes / fires

36 / 13

Injuries / deaths

25 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Ford Taurus vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Ford Taurus recalls

Recall 04V-330: Seats

Reported Jul 8, 2004 · 24,277 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with power adjustable seats may have been inadequately welded.

Risk: The seat may not perform as intended during a crash which could increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the upper support assembly on the power seats. The recall began on july 20, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

2004 Ford Taurus problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Vehicle Speed Control	166
Power Train	74
Electrical System	26
Engine	25
Air Bags	21
Engine and Engine Cooling	19
Service Brakes	18
Structure	17
Unknown or Other	14
Steering	13
Visibility	13
Suspension	10

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 26
Air Bags › Frontal — 9
Structure › Body — 5
Tires › Tread/Belt — 4
Visibility › Windshield — 4
Vehicle Speed Control › Cables — 4
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 3
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 94,000 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 2004 Ford Taurus complaints

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

Air Bags · reported Mar 13, 2026

Airbags seats and seatbelts useless for 6'8" 375lbs adult man. I sit within 6" of the steering wheel airbag the seatbelt goes across my bicep not my shoulder and the seat itself only goes up to the middle of my back, the head rest is between my shoulders. Why is there no exemption for giants and airbags and seatbelts? By having these "safety features" in my vehicle, my life is put in more danger than other people that are normal sized. If I ever get into an accident and the airbags or seatbelt injure me I will be suing you for forcing me to use these dangerous for me things. ONE SIZE DOES NOT…

Air Bags · reported Jul 15, 2024

On June 23, 2024 this 2004 Ford Taurus was in a front end collision at freeway speeds of 60 mph or higher. The driver airbag did not deploy and the driver died as a result of severe trauma to head and chest.

Service Brakes · at 200,000 miles · reported Dec 3, 2020

I was driving down a county road going 50 MPH when I tried to brake the car kept accelerating and the rpms were high. I tried to brake but it was as if my brakes were out but I know they were fine. I kept speeding up so I hit the emergency brake and pushed brake put it in neitral but the rpms seemed to go higher. I quickly just put it in park while still moving n rpms high. Csar made a loud sound and jerked to a stop gave me whip lash there was no casrs on the road I was in the country. But as I stopped I just parked tryiung to figure out what to do . Was very shaken up so I had to park for…

Power Train · reported Oct 1, 2020

The contact owns a 2004 ford taurus. The contact stated that the gear shifter ceased in the park position without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they replaced the steering column tube assembly however, the failure persisted. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 04v106000 (Exterior lighting) however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Unknown or Other · at 10,100 miles · reported Aug 7, 2020

At times when driving car in street car will automatically drive up to 50 MPH on its own with your foot off gas pedal. And when you use brakes to stop u can feel the car still straining to accelerate and go .

Other Ford Taurus years

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 200520042003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Ford Taurus years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Ford Taurus have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Ford Taurus: 04V-330 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Ford Taurus?

Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (166 reports), followed by power train (74). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 94,000 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.