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2000 Ford Taurus: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2000 Ford Taurus has 1,195 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and suspension is the biggest problem area by a wide margin[1][2]. It also has 8 recalls, so a used buyer should check that the recall work was done[3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 1,195 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Taurus[1]. Of those, 102 mention a crash, 25 a fire and 81 injuries, and 1 death is reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part[1].
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension[2] | 443 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 74,186 |
| Engine[5] | 108 | 4 | 9 | 3 | 74,000 |
| Brakes[6] | 108 | 19 | 1 | 7 | 45,750 |
| Power train[7] | 99 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 53,363 |
| Air bags[8] | 88 | 56 | 1 | 50 | 65,000 |
| Speed control[9] | 87 | 17 | 4 | 11 | 100,000 |
| Exterior lighting[10] | 87 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 53,000 |
| Electrical system[11] | 62 | 3 | 15 | 10 | 87,270 |
Suspension stands far ahead with 443 complaints, about four times the engine or brake count[2][5][6]. In a sample of suspension complaints we read, owners describe the steering wheel or front end shaking at highway speed or under braking, even after tire balancing. Others describe rattles or rubbing from the rear when the car is loaded[2].
Engine. In a sample of engine complaints we read, owners describe the car stalling or shutting off while moving, sometimes in traffic, and some say the dealer could not reproduce it[5]. Two owners in that sample say the brakes or steering stopped responding when the engine died[5].
Brakes. Brake complaints show the lowest median failure mileage of the top groups, at 45,750 miles[6]. Owners in our sample describe brakes locking or not responding before a crash, pedals set too close together, and rotor noise[6].
Power train. Owners in a sample of transmission related complaints describe the shifter getting stuck in park or in a gear, slipping, failing to engage, or the car moving the wrong way for the selected gear[7].
Air bags have fewer complaints but the highest crash and injury counts of any group, with 56 crashes and 50 injuries[8]. Electrical system complaints include the most fire reports, at 15[11].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2000 Taurus[3]. Some cover many Ford models at once but still include this car[12][13]. Newest first:
- Front coil springs (04V332). In cars sold or registered in a list of salt belt states and Washington, DC, the front coil springs can break from road salt corrosion. A broken spring can move off its seat and cut into a front tire, causing fast air loss and a possible crash. Dealers install protective spring shields. In all other states Ford extended spring coverage, for fractures only, to 10 years or 150,000 miles, and replaced both front springs if one broke[14].
- Stop lamp switch (04V106). The brake light switch or its wiring can fail. The brake lights may not work or may stay on, which can confuse drivers behind you. A failed switch can also keep you from shifting out of park, block cruise control, or drain the battery. Dealers fit a redesigned switch and wiring[15].
- Adjustable pedal spacing (02V266). On cars with adjustable pedals, the brake and gas pedals can sit too close. Pressing both at once can raise engine speed, so the car may seem to speed up or not stop. Dealers measure the gap and widen it past 50 mm if needed[16].
- Wiper motor switch (01V258). A switch in the wiper motor cover can overheat. Wipers may stop working, or the plastic cover can catch fire. Losing the wipers cuts visibility. Dealers check the motor date code and replace the gear case cover if the motor falls in the affected build window[12].
- Brake lamp switch grease (01V078). On cars with adjustable pedals, grease can get into the brake light switch and short it. The brake lights may stay on or stop working. Dealers replace the switch and clean off the extra grease[17].
- Headlamp switch knob (01V075). A supplier used the wrong material, so the headlamp knob can crack and come off, making it hard to turn on the lights. Dealers replace the knob[18].
- Spoiler brake light (01V048). On sedans with a deck lid spoiler and LED center brake light, that light can glow dimly with the hazards on. On some cars the shifter can leave park without pressing the brake, so the car could roll. Dealers add a jumper and resistor at the spoiler[19].
- Certification label (00V242). The safety label was missing the vehicle capacity weight and seating capacity. Overloading can damage tires and the car. Owners get a supplemental label to stick next to the original[13].
When shopping, ask the seller for proof that this recall work was done[14][15].
Fuel economy
Every 2000 Taurus in the EPA data uses a 3.0L 6-cylinder with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive[4][20].
| Version | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan, regular gas[4][21] | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Sedan, gasoline or E85[22] | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Wagon, regular gas[20] | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Wagon, regular gas[23] | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Wagon, gasoline or E85[24] | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new[4].
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists the 2000 Taurus sedan, with and without side air bags, as not rated in its 5-Star Safety Ratings[25][26]. That means there is no star score to compare, not that the car scored poorly.
Engine and size
The EPA records list a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine for every version[4]. The EPA records list a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine for every version[4].
These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[27][28].
| Sedan LX/SE/SEL | Wagon SE/SEL | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198 in | 200 in |
| Width | 73 in | 73 in |
| Height | 56 in | 58 in |
| Wheelbase | 109 in | 109 in |
| Curb weight | 3,340 lb | 3,512 lb |
How 2000 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 1,214 | 7 |
| 1996 | 849 | 6 |
| 1997 | 800 | 3 |
| 1998 | 555 | 2 |
| 1999 | 895 | 5 |
| 2000 | 1,195 | 8 |
| 2001 | 1,037 | 9 |
| 2002 | 1,426 | 3 |
| 2003 | 1,223 | 3 |
| 2004 | 375 | 1 |
| 2005 | 774 | 0 |
| 2006 | 318 | 2 |
| 2007 | 149 | 0 |
| 2008 | 328 | 1 |
| 2009 | 75 | 1 |
| 2010 | 204 | 3 |
| 2011 | 187 | 4 |
| 2012 | 79 | 5 |
| 2013 | 591 | 9 |
| 2014 | 235 | 5 |
| 2015 | 280 | 6 |
| 2016 | 85 | 4 |
| 2017 | 44 | 4 |
| 2018 | 52 | 4 |
| 2019 | 18 | 2 |
The 2000 Taurus has 1,195 complaints and 8 recalls on file[3]. Out of the 25 model years NHTSA lists, only 2002 (1,426), 2003 (1,223) and 1995 (1,214) have more complaints[3]. Only 2001 and 2013, with 9 each, have more recalls[3].
Next to its neighbors, 1999 has 895 complaints and 5 recalls, and 2001 has 1,037 complaints and 9 recalls[3]. Among the 1995 to 2003 cars, 1998 has the fewest complaints at 555, with 2 recalls[3]. Complaint counts are lower from 2004 on, which has 375, though 2005 still has 774[3].
These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so a popular year collects more reports[3].
Should you buy a used 2000 Taurus?
The 2000 Taurus has one of the heavier complaint records of any Taurus year, with 1,195 reports led by suspension at 443[3][2]. Its 8 recalls deal with real risks, such as breaking front springs and brake light switches, but each one lists a remedy[14][15]. If you are looking at one, check that the spring shield and switch recalls were done, and have the front springs, brakes and transmission inspected[14][6][7]. Ask the seller about any stalling, a theme owners describe in engine complaints[5]. Expect about 20 combined MPG for the sedan[4].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the common problems with the 2000 Ford Taurus?
- Suspension leads NHTSA complaints with 443, followed by engine and brakes with 108 each[2][5][6]. In samples we read, owners describe front end vibration, stalling while driving and shifting trouble[2][5][7].
- How many recalls does the 2000 Ford Taurus have?
- NHTSA lists 8 recalls[3]. They cover front coil springs, brake light switches, adjustable pedal spacing, the wiper motor, the headlamp knob, a spoiler brake light and the certification label[14][15][16][12][17][18][19][13].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 1,195 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Ford Taurus (102 mention a crash, 25 a fire, 81 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 443 complaints name the suspension component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,186). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Taurus model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Taurus, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 108 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 9 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 108 complaints name the brakes component group (19 crashes, 1 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,750). NHTSA vehicle records
- 99 complaints name the power train component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,363). NHTSA vehicle records
- 88 complaints name the air bags component group (56 crashes, 1 fires, 50 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 87 complaints name the speed control component group (17 crashes, 4 fires, 11 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 87 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 62 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 15 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,270). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 01V258, filed August 8, 2001: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V242, filed August 24, 2000: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 04V332, filed July 15, 2004: Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 04V106, filed March 2, 2004: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 02V266, filed October 2, 2002: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V078, filed March 12, 2001: Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V075, filed March 12, 2001: Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V048, filed February 28, 2001: Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Taurus Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taurus, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taurus, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taurus Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taurus Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR W/SAB None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TAURUS 4DR SEDAN LX/SE/SEL: length 198 in, width 73 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,340 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TAURUS 4DR WAGON SE/SEL: length 200 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,512 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov