2004 Ford Taurus problems
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Common 2004 Ford Taurus problems
The 2004 Ford Taurus is a vehicle that has been praised for its roomy interior, solid crash test scores, and low cost of maintenance. However, it has also been criticized for its dated design, wide turns, wimpy braking, and excessive cabin noise. Here are some common problems with the 2004 Ford Taurus based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Transmission Issues: The most common problem with the 2004 Ford Taurus is related to its transmission. There have been 164 complaints about vehicle speed control issues, which include sudden unintended acceleration and brake failure. Drivers have reported that they have to apply the emergency brakes to bring the car to a halt. The transmission issues may cause the car to get stuck in gear or not come out of park. A recall was issued in 2016 to address brake pad shims that could shift out of position and contact the disc, resulting in damage to the disc and difficulty stopping the car. However, some drivers have reported experiencing this problem even if their car was not included in the recall.
- Powertrain Problems: The 2004 Ford Taurus has generated 72 powertrain complaints since its launch. The first signs of transmission problems may include the car getting stuck in gear or not coming out of park. The transmission issues can be expensive to fix, with the most expensive common fix being a new exhaust muffler, which starts at around $877.
- Braking Problems: While braking complaints are few, there have been reports of drivers experiencing difficulty stopping their cars despite not being included in the recall. The 2004 Ford Taurus has just 2 recalls on file with the NHTSA and 2 investigations, both closed.
- Corrosion Resistance: The 2004 Ford Taurus has shown good corrosion resistance, especially in areas where the car is exposed to road salt and dirt. However, the rear coil springs tend to sag prematurely even with no load in the rear, causing the tires to wear unevenly.
- Electrical Issues: Some owners of the 2004 Ford Taurus have reported electrical issues, including problems with the AC compressor, which tends to seize and throw the belt, resulting in no power steering, charging, or water pump. This problem does not seem to be related to lack of maintenance and can occur even in cars that have received regular maintenance.
- Engine Problems: The 2004 Ford Taurus has also had some engine problems, including issues with the fuel pump and the oil pan gasket. These problems may require replacement within a few years of ownership.
In summary, the 2004 Ford Taurus has some common problems related to its transmission, powertrain, braking, electrical system, and engine. However, the car has also been praised for its roomy interior, solid crash test scores, and low cost of maintenance. It is important for owners of this car to stay up-to-date with recalls and maintenance to ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicle.
What are the common problems with a 2004 Ford Taurus?
Top 2004 Ford Taurus Problems
- Engine Oil Pan Gasket May Leak. ...
- Engine Buck/Misfire at Freeway Speeds. ...
- Problem With Idle Air Bypass Valve May Cause Engine Performance Problems. ...
- Camshaft Sensor Magnet may Damage Synchronizers. ...
- automatic lights not working. ...
- Loose/Worn Inner Tire Rod Ends Can Cause Steering/Tire Wear Problems.
Is Ford Taurus 2004 a good car?
Edmunds says
No longer a top contender in the midsize car segment, the Taurus is still a decent buy if a low initial price is more important to you than overall refinement and resale value.
What is the most common problem with Ford Taurus?
Some of the top Ford Taurus problems include a cracked windshield, gasket leaks, and engine problems. The Ford Taurus has an average annual repair cost of $697 with a lower frequency of unscheduled repairs, an average of 0.2 times a year, compared to its competitors.
How many miles can a 2004 Ford Taurus last?
How Long Will the 2004 Ford Taurus Last? Ford Taurus drivers typically report a minimum mileage of 200,000 miles with regular maintenance. There are drivers reporting 300,000 miles and up, but at around 250,000 miles you should expect to see some transmission issues that may be too expensive to be worth fixing.
What are the common problems with a 2004 Ford Taurus?
Top 2004 Ford Taurus Problems
- Engine Oil Pan Gasket May Leak. ...
- Engine Buck/Misfire at Freeway Speeds. ...
- Problem With Idle Air Bypass Valve May Cause Engine Performance Problems. ...
- Camshaft Sensor Magnet may Damage Synchronizers. ...
- automatic lights not working. ...
- Loose/Worn Inner Tire Rod Ends Can Cause Steering/Tire Wear Problems.
Is Ford Taurus 2004 a good car?
Edmunds says
No longer a top contender in the midsize car segment, the Taurus is still a decent buy if a low initial price is more important to you than overall refinement and resale value.
What is the most common problem with Ford Taurus?
Some of the top Ford Taurus problems include a cracked windshield, gasket leaks, and engine problems. The Ford Taurus has an average annual repair cost of $697 with a lower frequency of unscheduled repairs, an average of 0.2 times a year, compared to its competitors.
Is the Ford Taurus a good reliable car?
The Ford Taurus Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 6th out of 12 for fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $697 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity and frequency of repairs are lower than other vehicles, so the Taurus is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
2004 Ford Taurus car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Taurus problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Ford Taurus vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2004 Ford Taurus
The NHTSA has received 374 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Ford Taurus. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2004 Ford Taurus vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-23
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FAFP55S74G
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-08
- VIN: 1FAFP55ST4G
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: 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 AWHILE. AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES OF PARKING AND CALLING EVERYONE ABOUT MY NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE I STARTED IT UP AND DROVE 10 MPH HOIME. HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A SELF EMPLOYED MECHANIC I KNOW.
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-01
- VIN: 1FAFP55S14G
- Components: POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-04
- VIN: 1FAFP532X4A
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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 .
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-13
- VIN: 1FAFP53U94A
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT, THE GEAR SHIFTER LOCKED IN THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER (DEACON JONES FORD-LINCOLN LOCATED AT 3301 MCLAIN STREET, GOLDSBORO, NC 27534 PHONE NUMBER 800-921-7994) WHO CONFIRMED THEIR FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THEIR VEHICLE'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-03
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FAFP55U44A
- Components: SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE BRAKES ARE DANGEROUS AND THE WARNING LIGHTS STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS MESSED UP, I'VE HAD TO REPLACE SEVERAL FRONT TIRES DUE TO UNBALANCING ISSUES AND POPPING NOISES WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT AND ON EVEN ROADS THAT HAVE GOTTEN WORSE. I HAD A BAD HEAD ON WRECK AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I'M CONCERNED THEY WILL DEPLOY AT ANY MOMENT.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-29
- VIN: 1FAHP53U64G
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: REPORTED EARLIER TODAY UNDER CONFIRMATION #11252283 ABOUT TRYING TO MOVE THE GEARSHIFT FROM PARK INTO DRIVE SO CAR CAN BE DRIVEN. NOW GEARSHIFT STILL NOT WORKING AND REMAINING IN PARK BUT ALSO THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS REFUSE TO SHUT OFF. THE BATTERY HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED SO THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULDN'T DRAIN THE BATTERY DEAD. NOW THE MECHANIC IS SAYING THERE'S A RECALL ON THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT SWITCH ON THIS 2004 FORD TAURUS.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-23
- VIN: 1FAHP53U64G
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: GEARSHIFT STAYS IN "PARK". ONCE YOU PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE AND PARK VEHICLE, PUT GEARSHIFT IN PARK, TURN OFF IGNITION. . .NEXT TIME YOU START YOUR ENGINE THE GEARSHIFT STAYS IN PARK. V
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-02
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I HAVE ENGINE CODE P0430, I CHANGE ALL CONVERTERS, ALL 02 SENSORS STILL KEEP GETTING SAME CODE. MY GUESS IS UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD, WHICH SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR. I CAN US A LITTLE HELP GETTING THE PART. THANK YOU
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-01
- VIN: 1FAFP56S54G
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE GEAR SHIFTER TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-13
- VIN: 1FAFP53U44A
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND TRYING TO PULL INTO AN ALLEY THAT LEADS THE MAIN ROAD; MY VEHICLES RPM WENT FROM JUST ABOVE IDLE TO ALMOST 4000. IT CAUSED ME TO FLY THROUGH A STOP SIGN, AS MY BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. AFTER SOME TUGGING I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL AND GET IT TO A FULL STOP. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, THEN BACK ON AGAIN, WHILE IN PARK THE RPMS WERE GRADUALLY INCREASING. I STEPPED ON THE GAS WHILE IN PARK, AND IT CORRECTED THE ISSUE. SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE GOING FIFTY FIVE MPH DOWN A COUNTY ROAD. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND THE RPMS CONTINUED INCREASING AGAIN. I GOT TO ALMOST SEVENTY MPH. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AGAIN . I CAME TO A FULL STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED BACK UP WITHOUT INCIDENT. I WILL BE HAVING THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT FIRST THING MONDAY.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-16
- VIN: 1FAFP53U14G
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: AFTER EXITING THE HIGHWAY, BRAKING TO STOP A RED LIGHT, THE CAR PROCEEDED TO SLOWLY ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. AFTER LETTING IT GO FOR A WHILE, IT TOPPED OUT AROUND 52MPH, AS IF THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS WORKING ON ITS OWN. I KEPT PRESSING OFF, BUT THAT WOULDN'T WORK. THE CAR STOPPED REVVING RPMS WHEN I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-14
- VIN: 1FAFP53U14G
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ENTERED CARD IN THE MORNING AND THE FLOOR BOARD WAS INEXPLICABLY SOAKED. AFTER STARTING THE CAR, THE HEAT WAS WOULD ONLY WORK WHEN THE BLOWER WAS SET ON HIGH, THE FIRST THREE SETTINGS DIDN'T TURN ON AT ALL.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-01
- VIN: 1FAFP55U94G
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL - WHILE DRIVING TAURUS ACCELERATES WITHOUT TOUCHING FUEL PEDAL. ALSO RETAINS SPEED FOR A WHILE AFTER RELEASING FUEL PEDAL. FUEL PEDAL DOES NOT SEEM TO BE STUCK AS WHEN I TAP FUEL PEDAL CAR DOES DOT SLOW DOWN UNTIL I APPLY BRAKE. WHEN FIRST STARTING IN MORNING ENGINE REVS TO 3,000 RPMS AND FALLS GRADUALLY.TAURUS HAS 139,600 MILES.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-06
- VIN: 1FAFP55244A
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY 2004 FORD TAURUS SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN WITH FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. DRIVING IN CITY STREET AT 30 MPH, THE CAR ALL BY ITSELF SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE (WITH MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL) AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 75 MPH. AFTER BRAKING AND PARKING CAR, I TURNED CAR OFF AND NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE ACCELERATOR / THROTTLE CABLES IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS COMPLETELY DISCONNECTED . APPARENTLY IT IS A A BLACK PLASTIC CLIP THAT WAS WEARING OUT AND SLIPPING OFF THE THROTTLE LINKAGE. THE CABLE THEN CAN GET STUCK OR TANGLED CAUSING STUCK ACCELERATION. I CALLED FORD ON JUNE 7, 2018 AND THEY SAID THEY DID NOT HEAR OF THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THERE WAS NOT ANY RECALLS ATTACHED TO MY VIN. CASE # CAS-14980128. I MENTIONED TO THEM THAT I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND THAT THEY HAVE RECALLED OVER 400,000 FORD TAURUS AND SABLE MODELS WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. SINCE MY CAR DID NOT COME UP AS BEING RECALLED, THEY ARE NOT GOING TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. APPARENTLY, OTHER FORD MODELS HAVE THE SAME ISSUES WITH POORLY DESIGNED THROTTLE CABLES.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-01
- VIN: 1FAFP55274G
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: MAVIS DISCOUNT CENTER WORKED ON THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO HAVE A SLOW IDLE AND STALLS OUT ON THE ROAD. SEVERAL PARTS WERE REPLACED ON THE CAR INCLUDING THE BATTERY, THE IGNITION COIL AND IDLE CONTROL VALVE. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THE PCM (THE CARS COMPUTER). THE PCM IS CAUSING THE CAR TO BLOW SEVERAL FUSES BREAKING THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR SHUTS OFF.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-25
- VIN: 1FAFP55S64G
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE PROBLEM IS THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN COME A LOOSE FROM THE THROTTLE BODY WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED. WHEN THE DRIVER RELEASES THE ACCELERATOR, IF THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAS COME LOOSE, THE FITTING AT THE END OF IT CAN GET JAMMED IN THE CAM THAT ROTATES THE THROTTLE PLATE, AND IT WON ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO CLOSE, CAUSING THE ENGINE RPM TO STAY HIGH. THIS CAN HAPPEN RANDOMLY. IT MAY HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING, AND IT CAN BE DUPLICATED WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK. SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS CONCERN. I "GOOGLED" THROTTLE STICKING ON 04 TAURUS, AND CAME BACK WITH SEVERAL HITS, INCLUDING SOME SHADETREE FIXES. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT CAN LEAD TO A CRASH IF THE BRAKES ARENT POWERFUL ENOUGH TO OVERCOME THE ENGINE'S POWER OUTPUT OR THE DRIVER DOESNT THINK TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF (OR THEY TURN THE KEY TOO FAR AND LOCK THE STEERING TOO) AND/OR ENGINE/TRANSMISSION DAMAGE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-15
- VIN: 1FAFP55234G
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THROTTLE STUCK OPEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT 40 MPH. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN WITH THE FOOT OFF OF THE GAS, SLOWLY INCREASED SPEED INSTEAD. THE CRUISE CONTROL LINKAGE BECAME DETACHED AND GOT STUCK IN THE THROTTLE. HAD TO PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP THE CAR FROM ACCELERATING. THE CAR REVVED OTHER 4000 WHILE IDLING.
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-28
- VIN: 1FAFP55UX4A
- Components: STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: TAKATA POWER STEERING PUMP , IN MOTION WE KEEP REPLACING POWER STEERING OIL ,IT'S NOT LEAKING UT BUT CAN'T EVEN STEER THE CAR SO IT'S PARKED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-10
- VIN: MILESGE WON
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHEN DOOR CLOSED TEST LIGHT WITH MILEAGE WON'T SHOW???
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-22
- VIN: 1FAFP55U54G
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: I AM FILING DUAL COMPLAINTS PERTAINING TO THIS ISSUE, FIRST WITH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AUTHORITY AND A SECOND CONSUMER COMPLAINT WITH MR. PATRICK MORRISEY, ATTORNEY GENERAL WEST VIRGINIA. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS A CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION TO HELP RESIDENTS IN THE EVENT OF A SAFETY CONCERN AND A CONSUMER COMPLAINT THAT BRINGS A CONCERN TO THE SAFETY OF OTHERS, AS WELL AS THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC AND THE CONSUMER. UNDER "SPEED CONTROL" AS CHECKED OFF, THIS INCLUDES SYSTEMS AND DEVICES INTENDED TO CONTROL (ACCELERATE) THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE TO THE DRIVER'S INTENT SUCH AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THROTTLE CONTROL CABLES, LINKAGES, ACTUATORS, ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS AND SOFTWARE, CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM ACTUATORS AND DEACTIVATING SYSTEMS, AND OTHER COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS THAT MAY INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM (E.G., FLOOR MATS). MY 2004 TAURUS HAS NEARLY 90,000 MILES. IT HAS BEEN RUNNING WELL. ON MULTIPLE INCIDENTS IN 2017 MY TAURUS WOULD WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR INDICATIONS SUDDENLY BEGIN TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. I DESCRIBE IT TO OTHERS AS HAVING TO THROTTLE STICK. I WAS FREAKING OUT, BECAUSE CARS BEHIND ME DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND I WAS AFRAID THEY WOULD EASILY BECOME COLLATERAL DAMAGE. I PUT THE CAR INTO NUETRAL AND THE ENGINE ON ITS OWN VOLITION REVVED UP TO OVER 4000 RPM. A PERSON ON THE SIDE WALK THOUGHT I WAS ABOUT TO STRIKE THEM AS THEY JUMP OUT OF THE WAY. I LEARNED 150 FAULTY SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM COMPLAINTS, 6 INJURIES, AND 1 DEATH. THIS PROBLEM IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THE NHTSA HAS KNOWN SINCE 2004, PEOPLE HAVE BEEN INJURED AS A RESULT AND EVEN DEATH REPORTED BUT STRANGELY NO SAFETY RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ABOUT THIS TERRIBLE AND TRAGIC PROBLEM, WHICH IS ANOTHER REASON I AM FILING THE DUAL COMPLAINT IN THE HOPES THAT ATTORNEY GENERAL MORRISEY. HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY FROM SUCH ISSUE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-28
- VIN: 1FAFP58U84A
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DOING AROUND 70 AND, ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE RPM'S REVVED UP REALLY HIGH (INTO THE 7000'S) AND THE CAR INDICATOR SAID CHECK TRANSMISSION. I QUICKLY CHANGED LANES AND GOT ONTO THE SHOULDER AND SHUT OFF MY CAR. I LET IT SIT FOR TEN MINUTES WHILE I CHECKED FOR VISIBLE PROBLEMS. FINDING NONE, I THEN TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND PUT IT IN GEAR AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE. I TRIED IT IN EVERY GEAR BUT THE CAR STILL REFUSED TO MOVE. I THEN HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC THAT SAID THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS BAD. MY REGULAR MECHANIC AND I HAD DONE SOME RESEARCH OVER THE PHONE WHILE WE WERE WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM THE MECHANIC AND FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE FAULT OF A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER. FORD ACTUALLY HAS A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT BAD TORQUE CONVERTERS AND DID A RECALL FOR THEIR 2004 FREESTAR WHICH I HAD HEARD USES THE SAME TORQUE CONVERTER AS THE TAURUS. AFTER RESEARCHING, I DECIDED TO TAKE MY CAR TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP INSTEAD AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS INDEED BAD. THE SPLINES HAD STRIPPED OUT AND/OR BROKE. IT COST $1400.00 TO REPLACE IT FOR A CAR THAT HAD A LITTLE OVER 57000 MILES. DURING MY RESEARCH I CAME ACROSS OTHERS WHO HAD EVEN LESS MILEAGE ON THEIR TAURUS'S WHEN THEIR TORQUE CONVERTERS DIED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-14
- VIN: 1FAFP55S24G
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO GAIN SPEED WITHOUT THE FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, REGARDLESS IF WE ARE ON FLAT GROUND OR MOVING UP A SMALL HILL. IF I TAKE MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE THE CAR GAINS SPEED IMMEDIATELY AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH MY CAR. THE ONLY WAY IT DOES NOT CONTINUE TO GAIN SPEED IS BY PUTTING THE CAR INTO NUETRAL, BRAKING AND TURNING IT OFF. I KNOW THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH OTHER FORD TAURUS'S CLOSE IN THE SAME YEARS PROXIMITY. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND I NOW HAVE MY VEHICLE PARKED FOR SAFETY REASONS.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-01
- VIN: 1FAHP53U54A
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 2004 FORD TAURUS ACCELERATING BY ITSELF TO 4000 RPM...THROTTLE IS STICKING...LOOKING UNDER HOOD... THROTTLE APPEARS TO BE GETTING STUCK ON CRUISE CONTROL CABLE END THAT KEEPS FALLING OFF OF THROTTLE ARM.
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-01
- VIN: 1FAFP55S24G
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED CAUSING THE BATTERY TO FAIL AT TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE WHEN DEPRESSING THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE PEDAL PROPERLY. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER OPERABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16E026000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
2004 Ford Taurus recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2004 Ford Taurus.
- Manufacturer: Robert Bosch LLC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
- Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED.
- Consequence: THE SEAT MAY NOT PERFORM AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2004 Ford Taurus car reviews
Positive 2004 Ford Taurus car reviews
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I really appreciate how smooth the ride is and how excellent the handling is. It's also great at avoiding other drivers on the road and responds quickly when passing. Overall, I think it's a very good and safe car.
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it new and it's been amazing. I've driven it for 175,000 miles and haven't had any issues. I've only had to replace the tires and battery, and haven't even needed new brakes yet. Plus, it gets 29mpg on the highway! I'm hoping to drive it for 400K. Take care!
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You've made a great choice with this car! It offers fantastic value for money, with a range of features that are hard to beat at this price point. With all the incentives available, you were able to purchase this car for an amazing $7000 below the $22000 MSRP. It has everything you need, including a 4-speed automatic transmission, V-6 engine, air conditioning, power doors, windows, locks, seats, brakes, steering, speed control, ABS, keyless entry, rear defrost, CD player, and power moon roof. It's clear that you've made a smart investment. By the way, it's great to hear that your 95' Taurus has been so reliable with 80000 trouble-free miles on it!
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If you're interested in the Ford Taurus SE, I would highly recommend the 5-Passenger with SE Value Package. I found the 6-Passenger Seating version impractical for any adult due to the front center seating. Additionally, the 6-disc CD changer mounted in the rear trunk would not be convenient for long road trips. However, I was impressed with the 5-Pass version with a floor-mounted shifter and 6-disc CD changer in the center console. Not only is it easy to change CDs, but it also adds some extra storage next to the CD player. Now I don't have to worry about hitting the CD changer when I throw my golf clubs in the trunk.
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I have driven several of the Taurus's competition. While I do agree that the interior needs to be refined and upgraded, I love the way it drives, handles, and performs. The Duratec V/6 jumps all over the road and eats it up.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Ford Taurus problems:
2004 Taurus SE....104,000 miles....what could I be in store for ...
Nov 11, 2014 ... The 2004 Ford Taurus has 602 problems & defects reported by Taurus owners. The worst complaints are transmission, electrical, and engine.
2004 Ford Taurus Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Problem with your 2004 Ford Taurus? Our list of 7 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2004 Ford Taurus.
I don't drive my 2004 Ford Taurus much (less than 60k miles) yet, it ...
Sep 24, 2019 ... Transmission failure is VERY common in the Taurus. Rack and Pinions also are problems as well due to leaking. Good luck and hope this helps.
2004 Ford Taurus Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Jan 28, 2023 ... Negative Owner Reviews ... Has a lot of power. It's not great in the snow. It gets pretty bad gas mileage - maybe 20mpg? It's very reliable though ...
Common Problems with 2004 Ford Taurus Transmission - Q&A
May 19, 2010 ... These transmissions go out with no warning. Its possible that the pump went bad but the most common problems with this transmission is the pump ...
Other years of Ford Taurus
Are you having problems with your 2004 Ford Taurus?
August Prosacco 2025-01-09
I purchased this car five years ago from a single previous owner. It had only 15,000 miles on it and was in excellent condition. My parents recommended it to me as a reliable car, and since I was only 22 at the time and knew very little about cars, I trusted their judgement. I knew I would be in college for a while, so a dependable car was ideal. Although I was initially hesitant about Fords and the car's unappealing color, it has served me well. Unfortunately, a year and a half after purchasing it, we had to pay $800 to fix a transmission issue. Now, it seems that the transmission may need to be fixed or even replaced. The car has difficulty shifting gears, which can be nerve-wracking when merging onto a freeway.
Arnoldo O'Connell 2024-10-07
I bought this as a
Adolfo Mraz 2024-09-11
I've been driving this vehicle for just over a year now. My grandmother bought it new, and after she passed away, I inherited it. Unfortunately, I've had to spend quite a bit of money on repairs. While I expected some expenses, I didn't anticipate the high costs I've incurred. Additionally, the gas mileage is quite poor, averaging only 13-14 mpg. If I want to improve it to 15 mpg, I have to spend over $50 on 93 octane gas, which isn't really worth it.
Lawrence Bogisich 2024-06-16
As a lifelong Ford owner, I was initially drawn to the Taurus when searching for a mid-size car. However, my experience with this vehicle has been disappointing. Despite only having 36,000 miles when I purchased it, the air conditioning unit, brakes, and alternator all failed within the first few weeks of ownership. Unfortunately, the issues have only continued, with the car now stalling unexpectedly and the brakes requiring replacement three times. Regrettably, I cannot recommend the Taurus and will not be purchasing this model again. It is important to note that this model has had a number of reported problems. During my last visit to the repair shop, the technician even made a joke at my expense, which was not a positive experience.
Randy Haley 2024-04-19
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that while this car has some great features, there are a few things to keep in mind. It can be a bit noisy when driving and may occasionally get stuck in gear when accelerating quickly. Additionally, some people find the dashboard controls to be a bit inconvenient. Just wanted to give you a heads up! Let me know if you have any questions.