NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford Taurus. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
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 continue in a reversed direction . Can strike a person or object resulting in injury or damage. Subject car is a station wagon and appears to have lower seating \configuration than a sedan .
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, (248) 332-9300) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *BF
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 FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
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 129,000.
TAKATA RECALL: I BOUGHT A CAR FROM A MAN LESS THAN 5 MONTHS AGO AND I SLOWLY STARTED TO NOTICE SOME THINGS. I STARTED OUT WITH 3 WINDOWS WORKING INSTEAD OF FOUR WHICH I WAS NOT TOLD. MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DOESN'T EVEN WORK AND IT STOPPED ABOUT A MOTH AGO. A WEEK BEFORE THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON, MY BROTHER WAS ACTUALLLY THE ONE DRIVING WHEN THAT HAPPENED. ALSO, I FOUND OUT THAT I HAD THE WRONG BATTERY IN THE CAR SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT OTHER DAMAGE THAT HAS DONE. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFORMATION.
FRONT PASSENGER COIL SPRING BROKE CAUSING A BLOWOUT ON THE TIRE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET
DRIVING AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 25 MPH ,MY CAR SUDDENLY REVVED UP AND SPED UP WITHOUT MY PRESSING THE GAS. I NEARLY REAR-ENDED A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I PRESSED ON MY BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD BUT IT DID NOT HELP MUCH .I DOWNSHIFTED TO 3RD GEAR BUT STILL NOT MUCH HELP. FINALLY IT RETURNED TO NORMAL SPEED. I WAS TOO SCARED AND DID NOT SEE HOW HIGH THE RPMS WENT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE DOORS WERE NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. *DT *TR
MY 2002 FORD TAURUS SUDDENLY WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. MY BACK DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WON'T WORK. I LOOK IT UP AND SAW A RECALL BUT WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THERE WASN'T A RECALL ON MY CAR. PLEASE HELP
THE CAR HAS EXPERIENCED 2 FAILURES OF THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT SPRING RESULTING IN DESTRUCTION OF THE TIRE. FIRST AT 75,000 MILES SECOND AT 100000 MI. BOTH TIRES FLATTENED AT BETWEEN 30 & 50 MPH
ON 14 OCT 2017, THE SUBJECT VEHICLE HAD JUST BEEN SERVICED. ON THE DRIVE HOME, THE THROTTLE CABLE BECAME STUCK CAUSING THE CAR TO NOT STOP ACCELERATING. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY AND STOPPED THE CAR BY CRASHING INTO A DUMPSTER/FENCE AT A SERVICE STATION.
ENTERING MY NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN GAS PEDAL "BROKE". CAR ACCELERATED TO HIGHEST RPM AND I HAD TO COUNTERACT THIS BY PUTTING BOTH FEET ON MY BRAKES TO KEEP MY CAR FROM FLYING OFF AND HITTING SOMETHING. EXTREMELY SCARY. CAR CANNOT BE TURNED ON WITHOUT THE ENGINE REVVING TO THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE SPEED. HAD I BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE I MAY BE DEAD. GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. HAVE NOT YET HAD IT INSPECTED BY A SHOP.
COIL SPRING IN DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT STRUT FAILED SUDDENLY WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON RESIDENTIAL STREET IN SISTER BAY, WI. THERE WAS A LOUD BANG WHEN SPRING FRACTURED AND SUSPENSION COLLAPSED. FAILURE OF COIL SPRING OCCURRED AT ABOUT 10:15 AM ON THURSDAY JUNE 29, 2017. AFTER VEHICLE WAS SAFELY PARKED IN A BANK PARKING LOT THE OWNER THEN JACKED UP FRONT END AND REMOVED WHEEL/TIRE. OWNER NOTICED HOW ENERGY RELEASED WHEN COIL SPRING FRACTURED DROVE SPRING VIOLENTLY DOWNWARD TO FRONT WHEEL KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY. FORTUNATELY WHEN SPRING WAS DRIVEN DOWNWARD IT DID NOT PUNCTURE TIRE. THE NEXT DAY VEHICLE WAS LOADED ON A TRANSPORTER AND TAKEN TO JIM OLSON EXPRESS IN STURGEON BAY, WI, FOR REPAIR. SUBSEQUENT REPAIRS INCLUDED REPLACEMENT OF BOTH FRONT STRUTS AND ALIGNMENT CHECK/ADJUSTMENT. TOTAL COST OF REPAIR INCLUDING CHARGE OF USD 165 BY TRANSPORTER COMPANY WAS USD 1,010. AT TIME OF COIL SPRING FAILURE THE VEHICLE HAD 134,128 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. VISUAL INSPECTION BY OWNER OF BROKEN PIECE OF COIL SPRING DID NOT REVEAL ANY SURFACE CORROSION. OWNER SPECULATES COIL SPRING FRACTURE MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO 15 YEARS OF STRESS LOADS ON THE SPRING OR PERHAPS THERE WAS A DEFECT IN METAL OF COIL SPRING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE FRONT COIL SPRING DETACHED WITHOUT WARNING, PUNCTURING THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT AND HER CHILDREN WERE RESCUED BY A FAMILY MEMBER WHO TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,365.
WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 FORD TAURUS, IT STARTED TO STALL AND AND NOT PICK UP SPEED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. IT STARTED SHAKING AND CUT OFF SEVERAL TIMES. I WAS ABLE TO START IT BACK UP TWICE THEN IT STOPPED IN FRONT OF MY JOB. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THEY STATED THE COMPUTER WENT OUT IN THE CAR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT MEANS. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ABOUT THAT. CAN FORD GIVE ME ANY ANSWERS. NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING WAS RUPTURED AND DAMAGED THE TIRE SEVERELY. WHEN THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V332000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. UPDATED 04/05/17*LJ *CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE SUSPENSION COIL FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND DAMAGED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
THE BOSCH CO. HAS NOT GOT BACK TO ME ABOUT ITS BRAKE PAD RECALL (RECALL NOTICE 16E026) ON PADS PGD598. I CALLED STARTING IN OCTOBER OF LAST YEAR AND THEN TWO OR THREE MORE TIMES AND STILL NO RESPONSE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 10-20 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO SLOW IT DOWN. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT A PLASTIC TAB LINKED TO THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CABLE FRACTURED AND SEIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,667.
WHILE ACCELERATING ONTO AN INTERSTATE(210FRWY IN LA), THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING ON IT'S OWN UP TO 4000 RPM'S. THE CAR REACHED UP TO 80 MPH WITHOUT TOUCHING THE PEDAL. I HAD TO USE THE NEUTRAL SETTING ON TRANSMISSION TO SLOW DOWN AND EVENTUALLY EXIT THE BUSY HIGHWAY. AFTER CHECKING UNDER THE HOOD I NOTICED THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE OUT OF IT'S PLASTIC RETAINER AND STUCK ALONG THE BROKEN PLASTIC CLIP THAT HOLDS IT. THIS CAR BELONGS TO MY 78 YR OLD FATHER INLAW AND I AM GLAD THIS HAPPENED TO ME AND NOT HIM OR THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. FORD SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THIS DESIGN FLAW IN MY OPINION. AT THE VERY LEAST THEY SHOULD HAVE A SIMPLE FIX LIKE A METAL CABLE RETAINER.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AT TWENTY SIX PERCENT THROTTLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION PER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE12033. THE CONTACT ALSO REFERENCED NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 100526000, WHICH EXPIRED ON AUGUST 31, 2014. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,672.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR SPRING WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,654.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS MALFUNCTIONING, BUT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 233,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE MAKING A TURN AT 30 MPH, A LOUD BANGING AND GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, REMOVED THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE, AND NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,500.
SEAT BELT WILL NOT BUCKLE ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE I THINK SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE LATCH INSIDE BECAUSE THE MALE WILL NOT FIT INSIDE THE BUCKLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY SLOW DOWN OR STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
LATE SEPTEMBER EARLY OCTOBER I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BOSCH ABOUT A RECALL ON BRAKE PADS I HAD GOTTEN FROM PEPBOYS. I WORK FOR A SCHOOL DISTRICT IN UTAH AND WE DO MOST OF THE WORK OUR SELF. SO I CALLED THEM AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD CALL BACK TO TELL ME WHAT I NEED TO DO FOR THIS RECALL. AFTER 2 WEEKS AND NO CALL, I CALLED THEM, THEY PUT ME ON HOLD AND NEVER GOT BACK. I CALLED AGAIN A FEW DAYS LATER AND WAS TRANSFERED TO A VOICE MAIL BOX THAT WAS FULL AND NOT TAKING MESSAGES. THIS CAR IS SITTING HERE FOR A MONTH AND WE ARE NOT ABLE TO USE IT BECAUSE OF THIS RECALL. THE SHIMS ON THE BACK OF THE PADS COMES OFF AND CUTS INTO THE ROTORS. ONE SIDE HAS DONE THIS AND THE OTHER IS JUST STARTING TO CUT INTO THE ROTOR. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO GET THEM TO SPEED UP WITH THIS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO OPERATE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT AND THE SPRING WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. UPDATED 06/14/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO FORWARD, BECAUSE THE FRONT SPRING WAS BROKE AND DAMAGE A NEW TIRE.
DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE COIL SPRING ON FRONT DRIVERS SIDE FRACTURED. COIL SPRING PUNCTURED TIRE AND THE TIRE IMMEDIATELY DEFLATED RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE.
THE KEY TURNS OVER BUT THE CAR WON'T START.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS ON OR OFF, THE BRAKE LAMPS ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V755000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,606 UPDATED 02/05/16*LJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT REMAINED ON CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND UNPLUGGED THE BATTERY SO THAT IT WOULD NOT BE DRAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.
MY 2002 FORD TAURUS HAS A BROKEN REAR COIL SPRING. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF THE SPRING POPS OFF IT COULD SHRED MY TIRE WHILE I'M DRIVING. THE FORD TAURUS 1999-2001 HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS SAME ISSUE, BUT THE 2002 HAS NOT BEEN. I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE FROM OTHER 2002 TAURUS OWNERS, THAT HAVE ALSO HAD THE REAR COIL SPRING BREAK ON THEIR '02 TAURUS, AND MANY OF THEM EXPERIENCED POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WHEN THEIRS BROKE. LUCKILY MY MECHANIC TOLD ME ABOUT THIS ISSUE SO THAT I DIDN'T HAVE TO EXPERIENCE WHAT SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAD BY HAVING MY WHEEL SHREDDED OR RIPPED OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THERE'S NO REASON THE '02 SHOULDN'T BE RECALLED ALONG WITH THE EARLIER MODELS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
I NOTICED THE REAR OF THE CAR WAS LOW. FOUND THE PROBLEM TO BE TWO BROKEN SPRINGS AT THE REAR. I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL UP UNTIL 2001 BUT NOT FOR 2002. I FEEL THIS IS WRONG SINCE THE COMPANY IS STILL USING THE SAME SPRINGS THAT WERE UNDER RECALL. THIS PROBLEM STILL EXISTS WITH THE SAME POTENTIAL OUTCOMES. I WAS FORTUNATE.
TRAVELING ON DARKENED ROAD WITH AUTOMATIC HEADLAMPS ENGAGED AT NIGHT. HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY CUT OFF, AND HAD TO CHANGE SELECTOR SWITCH TO MANUAL HEAD LIGHTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES.. I HAD THE LIGHT SENSOR REPLACED BUT NO CHANGE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, THE CAUSE IS MOST LIKELY THE AUTOMATIC HEADLAMP RELAY, WHICH IS NOT REPLACEABLE, AS IT IS BURIED BEHIND THE FUSE BOX, AND EXCESSIVE COST (>$300) TO REPLACE. I FEEL FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL, BECAUSE IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD VEHICLES. APPARENTLY THE RELAY USED TO ENERGIZE THE HEADLIGHTS IN "AUTOMATIC " MODE IS NOT ABLE TO HANDLE THE CURRENT, AND I SUSPECT, BURNS OUT AND BECOMES UNABLE TO MAINTAIN THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT. THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT FEATURE, (WHEN IT WORKS) IS A GREAT SAFETY ADVANCEMENT, AS MANY DRIVERS FAIL TO TURN ON HEADLIGHTS AT DUSK, THEREFORE THE AUTOMATIC ON FEATURE GREATLY IMPROVES VISIBILITY OF ONCOMING VEHICLES AT DUSK AND EARLY EVENING. SINCE IT IS NOT PREDICABLE WHEN THE LIGHTS WILL FAIL, MANY PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE TO USE THE AUTOMATIC ON/OFF FEATURE, PREFERRING TO SWITCH TO MANUAL ON/OF ONLY WHEN AUTOMATIC FAILS. BUT THIS COULD BE ANY TIME AT FREE WAY SPEEDS, AND IS THEREFORE A HAZARDOUS CONDITION THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR RECTIFYING, AS IT MOMENTARILY DISTRACTS THE DRIVER. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! [XXX] SYSTEMS AND SAFETY ENGINEER PROGRESS RAIL SERVICES, ALBERTVILLE, ALABAMA A DIVISION OF CATERPILLAR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SPLINE AND TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE IN THE REVERSE POSITION, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HAVE TROUBLE SLOWING DOWN. THE FAILURE ONLY RECURRED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT HESITATED TO SWITCH INTO THE REVERSE POSITION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE FLUSHED AND THE TRANSMISSION FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. MA 10/25/15 *CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE BRAKE LIGHTING SYSTEM WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
FORD IS AWARE THAT THEY HAVE A FIT PROBLEM WITH THE COWL AND AIR CABIN FILTER AREAS OF THESE CARS THAT CAUSE WATER TO LEAK ONTO THE FLOOR OF THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS CAUSES CARPETS TO GET MOLDY/SMELLY. THE LEAK SOMETIMES ALLOWS WATER TO SHORT/RUIN THE BLOWER MOTOR. I BELIEVE RECALL NUMBER 03V087000 IS RELATED TO THIS ISSUE. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS PROBLEM TO THE ATTENTION OF MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX IT UNLESS I PAY THEM $400 OR SO. *TR
DRIVING OUT OF TOWN THE VEHICLE SHOWED NO SIGNS OF ANY PROBLEMS INCLUDING NO DASHBOARD LIGHTS OR WARNINGS DISPLAYING ANY NEED OF MAINTANANCE. WHILE TURNING ONTO ANOTHER STREET AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED THEN PRESSING ACCELERATOR TO GO, THE DRIVETRAIN SUDDENLY STOPPED PULLING AND THE CAR STOPPED . THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AT IDLE SPEED BUT THE RPMS WERE FLUCTUATING UP AND DOWN THEN STABILIZED AT ABOUT 1,200 RPMS. THERE WERE NO SIGHNS OF ANY FLUID LEAKS OR PINCHED LINES. JUST A SUDDEN STOP, LEAVING ME AND MY FAMILY STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. THE EXPENSES OF HIRING A WRECKER TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST SHOP, AND THE ACTUAL REPAIR EXPENSE WAS WELL OVER OUR FAMILY BUDGET AND HAS CAUSED US A GREAT DEAL OF UNNECESSARY HARDSHIPS IN OUR DAILY LIVES.
I AM BEING TOLD THIS THIRD PARTY AS I WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE ACCIDENT SCENE AND HAVE NOT SEEN A POLICE REPORT. MY 19-YR OLD DAUGHTER WAS EXITING A MAIN ROAD SLOWING TO A STOP. SHE WAS DOING APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MPH WHEN SHE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE IMPACT KNOCKED HER VEHICLE INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER KNOCKING THAT VEHICLE INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT. MY DAUGHTER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE RECEIVED WHIPLASH FROM THE INCIDENT AS SHE WAS FORCED BACKWARD AND FRONTWARD. SHE ALSO HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. HER SIGNIFICANT OTHER HIT HIS KNEE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DASH. BOTH WERE WEARING THEIR SEATBELTS AT THE TIME. HER VEHICLE (TITLED IN MY NAME AND PURCHASED BY ME) SUSTAINED MAJOR DISABLING DAMAGE RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES WERE PRESENT IN AN AROUND THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,000.
WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AND WENT TO ACCELERATE AND THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE BY ITSELF UP TO 4000 RPM'S AND I WAS UNABLE TO GET IT TO STOP. HAD TO KEEP TWO FEET ON THE BRAKES UNTIL I COULD GET IT TO A STOPPING PLACE. WHEN I HAD TO STOP I WOULD HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AN THE ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING UP AND THE BRAKES STARTED TO SMOKE. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE THAT HAD CAME LOOSE. IT WAS A VERY SCARY SITUATION AND THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS HURT AND I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO A PLACE WHERE I COULD STOP AND TURN IT OFF. THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING AND THE REAR BRAKES ARE TOTALLY BURNT UP. I AM JUST GLAD THAT MY WIFE OR DAUGHTER WERE NOT DRIVING WHEN THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE I DON'T THINK THEY WOULD HAVE KNOW WHAT TO DO IN THAT TYPE OF SITUATION AND THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A MUCH WORSE OUTCOME. WE HAVE BEEN THE SOLE OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. DURING WET WEATHER CONDITIONS, WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.
WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE LEFT FRONT SPRING COIL BROKE AND PUNCTURED MY TIRE. THERE WAS A RECALL OF 1998-2001 TAURUSES BECAUSE OF THAT DEFECTIVE PART. THOUGH OLD, THE CAR HAS FEW MILES ON IT AND RARELY DRIVEN IN THE WINTER. THE SPRING COIL LOOKED ALMOST NEW...NO RUST. OBVIOUSLY 2002'S SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I'D BEEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH? THE LOCAL FORD DEALER REPLACED BOTH SPRING COILS AND TIRE AT COST BUT FORD SHOULD HAVE STOOD BEHIND THIS REPAIR. *TR
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026