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2001 Ford Taurus: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2001 Ford Taurus has 1,037 owner complaints and 9 recalls on file with NHTSA[1][2]. Suspension is the biggest complaint group, and the recalls reach from brake lights and pedals to front springs and child seat hardware[3][4][5][6][7].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 1,037 owner complaints on file for the 2001 Ford Taurus[1]. Of those, 92 mention a crash, 15 a fire and 80 an injury, and 5 report a death[1]. One complaint can name more than one component, so the group counts below are not a clean split of the total.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension[3] | 515 | 8 | 5 | 71,000 |
| Speed control[9] | 99 | 17 | 8 | 120,000 |
| Brakes[10] | 97 | 17 | 23 | 44,000 |
| Engine[11] | 66 | 3 | 3 | 74,664 |
| Air bags[12] | 66 | 46 | 42 | 70,000 |
| Power train[13] | 58 | 4 | 0 | 86,000 |
| Visibility[14] | 39 | 0 | 0 | 74,000 |
| Structure[15] | 38 | 0 | 1 | 104,611 |
Suspension is the largest group by a wide margin, at 515 complaints against 99 for the next one[3][9]. In a sample of 12 suspension complaints we read, 7 describe steering wheel or front end vibration, often at highway speed or when braking[3]. Two of those 7 texts are word for word the same, so treat this as a hint and not a measure[3]. In some of them the dealer could not find a cause[3].
The speed control group has 99 complaints, including 17 that mention a crash[9]. In a sample of 12 we read, 8 describe the car surging or speeding up without the driver pressing the gas, when braking, starting or shifting into gear[9]. Two describe the brake and gas pedals sitting too close together[9]. In some of them the dealer found no problem or could not repeat it[9].
Brakes have 97 complaints, 17 with a crash and 23 with an injury[10]. The 12 brake complaints we read[10] cover many different issues, such as brake loss, ABS or traction control not working as the owner expected, and vibration when braking. No single theme showed up in more than 2 of them[10].
Air bags have 66 complaints, and 46 of them mention a crash[12]. In a sample of 12 we read, 8 say the air bags did not deploy in a frontal crash, 3 describe a warning light that blinked or stayed on, and 2 describe an air bag going off without a crash[12]. These are owner reports. They do not tell us whether the air bags should have deployed.
We did not read complaint texts for engine, power train, visibility or structure, so we make no claim about what owners describe there[11][13][14][15].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2001 model year[2]. Some cover other vehicles too[16][17], and some apply only to cars with certain equipment or build dates[16][18][19], so check which ones fit a specific car. Four of the nine involve brake lights or the brake and gas pedals[5][6][18][19]. Whether a given car had the work done is not in our data.
- Front coil springs (04V332). Issued July 15, 2004[4]. It covers 899,060 vehicles[4]. In a list of states and the District of Columbia where winter road salt is used, front coil springs could crack from corrosion. A broken spring could slip past its seat and hit a front tire. The tire could burst, lose air quickly and lead to a crash[4]. Dealers install protective spring shields in those states. In all other states Ford extended the front spring warranty, for fracture only, to 10 years or 150,000 miles[4]. A January 2005 owner letter said parts were available for 2000 and 2001 model year cars[4].
- Brake light switch (04V106). Issued March 2, 2004[5]. It covers 938,789 vehicles[5]. A faulty stop lamp switch or wiring could leave the brake lights dead or always on, which could confuse the driver behind. If the switch fails open, the driver may not be able to shift out of Park. If it fails closed, speed control cannot be turned on and the battery could run down[5]. Dealers replace the switch and wiring with a new design[5].
- Pedal spacing (02V266). Issued October 2, 2002[6]. It covers 369,614 vehicles with adjustable pedals[6]. Pressing the brake and gas pedals together could raise engine speed and cause an unintended speed increase or a feeling of being unable to stop[6]. Owners are told how to set the pedals, and dealers measure the gap. If it is under 50 mm, they adjust it to more than 50 mm[6].
- Wiper motor (01V258). Issued August 8, 2001[16]. It covers 1,083,000 vehicles of several types, within certain build dates[16]. A switch in the wiper motor cover could overheat. The wipers could work only part of the time or stop completely, and the plastic cover could catch fire. Losing the wipers raises the risk of a crash[16]. Dealers check the date code and replace the cover on motors from the suspect period[16].
- Seat belt buckle (01V144). Issued April 27, 2001[20]. It covers 4,567 cars[20]. The buckle tongue might not release fully, or might only partly latch. In a crash the person might not be held properly[20]. Dealers replace the driver and right front buckles[20].
- Brake lamp switch grease (01V078). Issued March 12, 2001[18]. It covers 157,000 cars with adjustable pedals[18]. Grease from the pedal assembly could get into the stop lamp switch and cause a short circuit. The brake lamps could stay on or stop working[18]. Dealers replace the switch and wipe excess grease off the pedal assembly[18].
- Spoiler brake lamp and shift lock (01V048). Issued February 28, 2001[19]. It covers 28,000 sedans with deck lid spoilers that have an LED high-mounted brake lamp[19]. With the hazard lights on, that lamp could glow dimly without the brakes being pressed. In some cars the shift lever could also move out of Park without the brake pedal pressed, so the car could roll[19]. Dealers install a jumper and resistor assembly at the spoiler[19].
- Child seat information (00V396). Issued November 28, 2000[17]. It covers 495,000 vehicles, including SUVs and pickups[17]. The Taurus and Sable owner guides did not say that the center rear seat has lower child seat anchors. A child seat might not be attached properly[17]. Owners get a revised insert for the guide, and the dealer will attach it on request[17].
- Child seat anchor (00V240). Issued August 24, 2000[7]. It covers 5,961 cars[7]. The nuts on the child seat anchors could work loose from road vibration, so an anchor might not hold a child seat in a crash[7]. Dealers refit the nut with a thread-locking compound[7].
Fuel economy
EPA lists 6 ratings for the 2001 Taurus and Taurus Wagon[8][21][22][23][24][25]. All are for a 3.0L 6-cylinder with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive[8].
| Version | City | Highway | Combined | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taurus[8] | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Taurus[21] | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Taurus Wagon[22] | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Taurus Wagon[23] | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Taurus Wagon FFV, gasoline or E85[24] | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Taurus FFV, gasoline or E85[25] | 16 | 25 | 19 | $3,550 |
Across the list, city mileage runs 16 to 17 MPG, highway 24 to 25 and combined 19 to 20[8][21][22][23][24][25]. Only one entry reaches 20 combined[8].
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists the 4-door entries for this model year as not rated in its 5-Star program[26][27]. We have no crash test stars to report.
Engine and size
Our data lists two body styles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, converted to inches and pounds, and can differ slightly from US models[28][29].
| Sedan (LX/SE/SEL) | Wagon (SE/SEL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198 in | 198 in |
| Width | 73 in | 73 in |
| Height | 56 in | 58 in |
| Wheelbase | 109 in | 109 in |
| Curb weight | 3,340 lb | 3,512 lb |
The fuel economy listings above show a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine[8].
How 2001 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 |
NHTSA counts complaints and recalls for each Taurus model year from 1995 to 2019[2]. These are raw counts, not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The 2001 Taurus ranks fifth for complaints, with 1,037[2]. Four years are higher: 2002 with 1,426, 2003 with 1,223, 1995 with 1,214 and 2000 with 1,195[2]. For recalls, its 9 ties 2013 for the most of any year listed, and 2000 is next with 8[2].
The neighbors look different. The 2002 Taurus has 3 recalls and the 2003 has 3, while the 2004 has 375 complaints and 1 recall[2].
Should you buy a used 2001 Taurus?
A used 2001 Taurus comes with a long record: 1,037 complaints, fifth highest of any Taurus year, and 9 recalls, tied with 2013 for the most[1][2]. Suspension complaints lead at 515, and in the sample we read, owners describe vibration at speed or when braking[3].[4][5][6][7]. Fuel economy is 19 or 20 MPG combined on the listed ratings, and NHTSA has no crash star ratings for this year[8][26]. If you are looking at one, ask for service records that show recall work and have the front end and brakes checked.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Ford Taurus?
- By complaint count, suspension leads with 515 of 1,037 complaints[3][1]. Speed control has 99 and brakes 97[9][10].
- Has the 2001 Ford Taurus been recalled?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 9 recalls, including front coil springs, brake light switches, pedal spacing, wiper motors, seat belt buckles and child seat anchors or information[2][4][5][6][16][20][7][17].
- What gas mileage does the 2001 Ford Taurus get?
- EPA lists 16 to 17 MPG city, 24 to 25 highway and 19 to 20 combined for the 3.0L 6-cylinder versions[8][21][22][23][24][25].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 1,037 owner complaints on file for the 2001 Ford Taurus (92 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 80 injuries, 5 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Taurus model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 515 complaints name the suspension component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 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 00V240, filed August 24, 2000: Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Taurus, 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
- 99 complaints name the speed control component group (17 crashes, 1 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 120,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 97 complaints name the brakes component group (17 crashes, 0 fires, 23 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 66 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,664). NHTSA vehicle records
- 66 complaints name the air bags component group (46 crashes, 0 fires, 42 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 58 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 86,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 39 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 38 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 104,611). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 01V258, filed August 8, 2001: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V396, filed November 28, 2000: Equipment › Other › Owners / Service / Other Manual . NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V078, filed March 12, 2001: Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V048, filed February 28, 2001: Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V144, filed April 27, 2001: Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Taurus, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 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 Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taurus Wagon FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taurus FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR W/SAB 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 198 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,512 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov