Here Are The 5 Ford Taurus Years to Avoid

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: May 10, 2023

Are you considering buying a Ford Taurus? Before you make your purchase, you should be aware of the years to avoid due to a variety of issues. From problems with the coil springs and vehicle speed control to transmission failures and suspension issues, this popular family sedan has had its fair share of problems. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the years to avoid and what to watch out for.

Worst Years of Ford Taurus by Complaints, Severity of Issues Reported, and Recalls

2002 1421 2003 1211 2000 1191 2001 1031 1999 873

What are the Biggest Problems with Ford Taurus?

1999 Ford Taurus

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 89 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 68 RACK AND PINION > STEERING 49 ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 29

The Ford Taurus has been plagued with a number of issues over the years, including problems with the coil springs, vehicle speed control, automatic transmission, rack and pinion, and anti-lock/traction control/electronic limited slip system. Owners have reported issues with the coil springs breaking or becoming worn out, which can lead to a bumpy ride and even damage to the tires. The vehicle speed control has also been known to malfunction, causing the car to accelerate or decelerate unexpectedly. Meanwhile, the automatic transmission can experience slipping, shifting problems, or even complete failure. The rack and pinion steering system can also cause issues, including leaks, hard steering, and even complete failure. Finally, the anti-lock/traction control/electronic limited slip system can malfunction, causing problems with the brakes and stability control. Overall, it's clear that the Ford Taurus has had its fair share of problems, and owners should be aware of these issues before purchasing one.

2000 Ford Taurus

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 59 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 53 REAR > SUSPENSION 51

If you're considering buying a Ford Taurus from the year 2000, be aware that there are a few common issues that you might encounter. One of the biggest problems is with the coil springs, both in the front and rear of the vehicle. These springs are prone to breaking, which can cause a dangerous situation while driving. Another issue to watch out for is with the automatic transmission, which can fail and lead to costly repairs. Additionally, the vehicle speed control may malfunction, causing the car to accelerate unexpectedly. Finally, the rear suspension can also be problematic and may require repairs. Overall, it's important to do your research and be aware of these potential issues before purchasing a Ford Taurus from this year.

2001 Ford Taurus

REAR > SUSPENSION 102 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 76 SPRINGS > REAR > SUSPENSION 68

Let me tell you something about this Ford Taurus, folks. We got some serious issues with the rear suspension. Those coil springs ain't holding up like they used to. And don't even get me started on the front coil springs. They're just begging to snap. And if that's not enough, the vehicle speed control is acting up too. This car's got more problems than a math book.

2002 Ford Taurus

FRONT > SUSPENSION 297 SUSPENSION 153 REAR > SUSPENSION 109

Well, this particular Ford Taurus from 2002 is known to have some issues with its coil springs. Specifically, the front and rear suspension can be a bit finicky. However, despite these weak points, the Taurus still manages to be a reliable and affordable option for those in need of a practical sedan.

2003 Ford Taurus

POWER TRAIN 167 FRONT > SUSPENSION 147 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 136 FAN/MOTOR > DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM > VISIBILITY 86 STRUCTURE 79

Now we're talking about the 2003 Ford Taurus, and boy do I have some thoughts. While it may have been a popular family sedan back in the day, this car has some serious issues. From suspension problems to transmission failures, and even issues with the defroster and HVAC system, this car is not one I would recommend. On the plus side, the Taurus does have a spacious interior and a comfortable ride, but unfortunately those positives just can't outweigh the laundry list of problems this car has.

Common Issues with Ford Taurus

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 1348 POWER TRAIN 493 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 384 SUSPENSION 380 STEERING 327 ENGINE 317 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 228 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 222 AIR BAGS 216 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 190

Source

Conclusion

If you're considering purchasing a Ford Taurus, it's important to be aware of the common problems reported by owners. According to complaints and official recall statistics, the Taurus has had issues with coil springs in the front and rear suspension across multiple years. Additionally, there have been problems with the vehicle speed control, automatic transmission, rack and pinion steering, and the anti-lock/traction control/electronic limited slip system affecting the service brakes. It's important to do your research and consider these potential issues before making a decision.