2002 Ford Taurus
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Suspension, Wheels & Tires leads by volume: 977 of 1,426 complaints (69%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (30) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 1,037 in 2001 to 1,426 in 2002.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | vs. 2002 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,100–3,300 | 3,100–3,300 | 2,950–3,300 | 2,950–3,300 | 3,100–3,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–20 | 19–20 | 19–21 | 19–21 | 19–20 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17 / 24–26 | 16–17 / 24–25 | 17–18 / 24–25 | 17–18 / 24–26 | 16–18 / 23–25 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 444–468 | 444–468 | 423–468 | 423–468 | 444–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 1,195 | 1,037 | 1,426 | 1,223 | 375 | |
| Recalls issued | 8 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 102 | 92 | 75 | 56 | 36 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 25 | 15 | 11 | 12 | 13 | |
| Injuries reported | 81 | 80 | 44 | 59 | 25 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 2 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Taurus have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2002 Ford Taurus?
Suspension, Wheels & Tires: 977 of 1,426 NHTSA complaints (69%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Ford Taurus get?
EPA rates it 19–21 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2002 Ford Taurus?
EPA estimates $2,950–$3,300 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (6)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $2,950 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $3,300 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Large Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $2,950 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Midsize Station Wagons | 17 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $3,300 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 61 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 39 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 27 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 43 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 48 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 18 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 977 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 59 | 42 | 1 | 30 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 76 | 16 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 58 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 124 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Other | 40 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS · Campaign 16E026000 · Apr 1, 2016
Defect: Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
Consequence: A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · Campaign 04V106000 · Mar 9, 2004
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD · Campaign 03V087000 · Mar 18, 2003
Defect: 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.
Consequence: POTENTIAL LOSS OF WINDSHIELD RETENTION MAY ALSO REDUCE OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES · Campaign 02V266000 · Oct 4, 2002
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING AN "UNINTENDED VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE" OR A PERCEIVED "UNABLE TO STOP" CONDITION.
Remedy: 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.