2004 Ford Taurus
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 101 |
| 1987 | 255 |
| 1988 | 333 |
| 1989 | 562 |
| 1990 | 381 |
| 1991 | 649 |
| 1992 | 681 |
| 1993 | 1557 |
| 1994 | 923 |
| 1995 | 1205 |
| 1996 | 825 |
| 1997 | 770 |
| 1998 | 545 |
| 1999 | 874 |
| 2000 | 1195 |
| 2001 | 1037 |
| 2002 | 1426 |
| 2003 | 1223 |
| 2004 | 375 |
| 2005 | 774 |
| 2006 | 318 |
| 2007 | 149 |
| 2008 | 175 |
| 2009 | 64 |
| 2010 | 202 |
| 2011 | 187 |
| 2012 | 78 |
| 2013 | 579 |
| 2014 | 227 |
| 2015 | 253 |
| 2016 | 75 |
| 2017 | 43 |
| 2018 | 45 |
| 2019 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
42% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 159 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
THE THROTTLE STICKS WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP, IT SUDDENLY REVS UP. MUST THEN STOMP ON THE BRAKES AND TRY TO THROW IT INTO NEUTRAL. USUALLY CAN CATCH IT HOWEVER, 2 DAYS AGO ENDED UP REAR ENDING SOMEONE. THE FRONT END OF MY CAR IS DAMAGED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120628
TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND THROUGH A PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITH THE BRAKE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE STUCK A SUPPORT PILLAR IN FRONT OF A PIZZA HUT RESTAURANT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120507
WHILE LEAVING A PVA, GAS PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AND STUCK CAUSING THE ENGINE TO REV UP, HAD NO CONTROL OVER CAR, CROSSED ROAD INTO ANOTHER PVA AND HIT 3 CARS AND HIT 2 CONCRETE PILLARS WHICH CAUSED INJURIES TO THE DRIVER AND CAUSED A DEATH TO THE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20120312
11% of complaints: power train — 43 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: power train — 26 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: engine — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE6% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED.
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.
Campaign 04V330000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE STALLING FFV
Stuck throttle
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,...
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.
Campaign 16E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Ford Taurus — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (159 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V330000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16E026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Ford Taurus reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Ford Taurus is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Taurus?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Taurus have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.