Does the 2002 Ford Taurus have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Ford Taurus, the most recent reported on March 2, 2004 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Taurus?

Owners have filed 1,426 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (962 complaints), followed by visibility (98).

How many 2002 Ford Taurus complaints mention a crash or fire?

75 of 1,426 complaints report a crash and 11 a fire; 44 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Ford Taurus recalls and problems

3 recalls and 1,426 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford Taurus.

recalls

1,426

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Ford Taurus recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 04V106000 · reported March 2, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 938,789 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Visibility: windshield

NHTSA campaign 03V087000 · reported March 10, 2003 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 67,894 vehicles potentially affected

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

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages

NHTSA campaign 02V266000 · reported October 2, 2002 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 369,614 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Suspension962
Visibility98
Vehicle speed control76
Structure54
Engine and engine cooling53
Air bags47
Electrical system42
Power train39
Tires38
Service brakes, hydraulic32

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 10, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system
Cylinder two misfire. Replaced coil pack, wires and all spark plugs. Problem reoccurring.

Dec 10, 2025 · Service brakes · crash reported
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…

Dec 11, 2020 · Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH WHILE DRIVING HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO BRAKE MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUBURN AUTOMOTIVE (500 S. OPDYKE RD, WATERFORD, MI 48328, [phone removed]) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE…

Jun 15, 2020 · Suspension · 60,000 miles
TL* 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…

Jul 18, 2019 · Visibility · 129,000 miles
TL* 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…

Taurus model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	8	1,194	102	25
2001	9	1,036	92	15
2002	3	1,426	75	11
2003	3	1,223	56	12
2004	1	375	36	13
2005	0	774	40	10

Across all years, the 2002 Taurus has the most complaints (1,426). All Ford Taurus years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Ford Taurus have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Ford Taurus, the most recent reported on March 2, 2004 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Taurus?: Owners have filed 1,426 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (962 complaints), followed by visibility (98).
How many 2002 Ford Taurus complaints mention a crash or fire?: 75 of 1,426 complaints report a crash and 11 a fire; 44 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 10, 2026.