2004 Ford Taurus: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 375 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is vehicle speed control (38% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 375 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Airbags seats and seatbelts useless for 6'8" 375lbs adult man. I sit within 6" of the steering wheel airbag the seatbelt goes across my bicep not my shoulder and the seat itself only goes up to the middle of my back, the head rest is between my shoulders. Why is there no exemption for giants and airbags and seatbelts? By having these "safety features" in my vehicle, my life is put in more danger than other people that are normal sized. If I ever get into an accident and the airbags or seatbelt injure me I will be suing you for forcing me to use these dangerous for me things. ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL WHEN YOU ARE A GIANT, and your regulations make being in a car more deadly to me.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2026
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2024
“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 .”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2020
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2019
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2019
“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”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2019
“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”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2019
“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.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2018
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 36 of these complaints and injuries in 25 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Taurus by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Ford Taurus reliable?
NHTSA has 375 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Ford Taurus. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control (38% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Ford Taurus problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 96,000 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Ford Taurus have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seats:front assembly:power adjust. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.