CarBrief

NHTSA has 1,426 owner complaints for the 2002 Taurus, more than for any other Taurus year it lists[1][2]. Suspension is the largest group of complaints, and the car has 3 recalls on file[3][4][5][6].

1,426owner complaints[1]
3recalls[2]
19–21MPG combined (EPA)[7]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 1,426 complaints with NHTSA[1]. In them, 75 mention a crash[1], 11 a fire[1] and 44 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for how many cars were sold. One complaint can name more than one part.

Suspension. This is the largest group by far, with 962 complaints[3]. The median mileage at failure is 84,000 miles[3]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe a front coil spring that broke and punctured a tire. Others describe front or rear vibration[3].

Visibility. There are 98 complaints, with a median mileage of 59,400[8]. In the sample we read, owners describe windshield leaks, delays getting parts for the windshield recall, and wipers that stopped working[8].

Speed control. There are 76 complaints[9]. They include 16 crashes and 6 injuries, and the median mileage is 101,000[9]. In the sample we read, owners describe the car surging forward or speeding up without warning. Some say the brake and gas pedals sit too close together[9].

Engine. There are 61 complaints, with a median mileage of 62,200[10]. In the sample we read, owners describe the engine stalling or losing power while driving. A smaller number describe a fire in the engine compartment[10].

Smaller groups:

Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year, newest first[2].

Ask a Ford dealer whether the recalls were done on a specific car.

Fuel economy

The EPA lists several versions of the 3.0L 6-cylinder with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive[7][15][16][17]. Ratings are in MPG.

Version City Highway Combined Annual fuel cost
Taurus, Regular[7] 18 25 21 $3,200
Taurus, Regular[15] 18 25 20 $3,350
Taurus Wagon, Regular[16] 17 24 20 $3,350
Taurus Wagon, Regular[17] 17 24 19 $3,550
Taurus, Gasoline or E85[18] 18 25 21 $3,200
Taurus Wagon, Gasoline or E85[19] 17 24 19 $3,550

The EPA fuel cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists its 5-Star Safety Ratings for three versions of this year, including a 4-door wagon, as not rated[20][21][22]. We cannot say how the car would score.

Engine and size

The EPA listings above are for a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine[7]. Size figures below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Sedan (LX/SE/SEL) Wagon (SE/SEL)
Length[23][24] 198 in 198 in
Width[23][24] 73 in 73 in
Height[23][24] 56 in 58 in
Wheelbase[23][24] 109 in 109 in
Curb weight[23][24] 3,534 lb 3,512 lb

How 2002 compares with other years

1995: 1,214 complaints, 7 recalls19951996: 849 complaints, 6 recalls1997: 800 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 555 complaints, 2 recalls19981999: 895 complaints, 5 recalls2000: 1,195 complaints, 8 recalls2001: 1,037 complaints, 9 recalls20012002: 1,426 complaints, 3 recalls1,42620022003: 1,223 complaints, 3 recalls2004: 375 complaints, 1 recalls20042005: 774 complaints, 0 recalls2006: 318 complaints, 2 recalls2007: 149 complaints, 0 recalls20072008: 328 complaints, 1 recalls2009: 75 complaints, 1 recalls2010: 204 complaints, 3 recalls20102011: 187 complaints, 4 recalls2012: 79 complaints, 5 recalls2013: 591 complaints, 9 recalls20132014: 235 complaints, 5 recalls2015: 280 complaints, 6 recalls2016: 85 complaints, 4 recalls20162017: 44 complaints, 4 recalls2018: 52 complaints, 4 recalls2019: 18 complaints, 2 recalls2019
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Taurus model year. The 2002 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951,2147
19968496
19978003
19985552
19998955
20001,1958
20011,0379
20021,4263
20031,2233
20043751
20057740
20063182
20071490
20083281
2009751
20102043
20111874
2012795
20135919
20142355
20152806
2016854
2017444
2018524
2019182

Among the 25 Taurus model years NHTSA lists, 2002 has the most complaints at 1,426[2]. The next highest are 2003 with 1,223 and 1995 with 1,214[2]. Recall counts range from 0 to 9 across the 25 years[2]. The 2002 total of 3 is lower than 13 of them, and 2001 and 2013 are highest at 9[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2002 Taurus?

The complaint count is the highest of any Taurus year listed, and suspension reports lead it[1][3][2]. In the sample we read, owners describe broken front coil springs and sudden surges of speed, so consider having the suspension inspected before you buy[3][9]. Ask a Ford dealer whether all 3 recalls were done on the car you are considering[4][5][6]. Fuel economy of 19 to 21 MPG combined and annual fuel costs of $3,200 to $3,550 are worth weighing against your driving[7][17]. NHTSA has no crash ratings for this year, so there is no star score to lean on[20].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Taurus?
Suspension has the most complaints, with 962 of 1,426[1][3]. In the sample we read, owners describe broken front coil springs[3].
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Taurus have?
NHTSA lists 3: stop lamp switch (04V106), windshield mounting (03V087) and pedal spacing (02V266)[4][5][6].
What is the gas mileage of a 2002 Ford Taurus?
The EPA lists 17 to 18 MPG city and 24 to 25 highway, with 19 to 21 combined[7][16][17].
What is the worst Ford Taurus year for complaints?
Among the years NHTSA lists, 2002 has the most complaints at 1,426, ahead of 2003 at 1,223[2].
Does the 2002 Ford Taurus have a safety rating?
NHTSA lists it as not rated[20][21][22].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,426 owner complaints on file for the 2002 Ford Taurus (75 mention a crash, 11 a fire, 44 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Taurus model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 962 complaints name the suspension component group (8 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 04V106, filed March 2, 2004: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 03V087, filed March 10, 2003: Visibility › Windshield. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 02V266, filed October 2, 2002: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages. NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for Taurus, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. 98 complaints name the visibility component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,400). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 76 complaints name the speed control component group (16 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 101,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 61 complaints name the engine component group (5 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,200). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 54 complaints name the structure component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 47 complaints name the air bags component group (42 crashes, 1 fires, 30 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 45 complaints name the brakes component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,891). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 42 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. EPA rating for Taurus, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Taurus Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. 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
  18. EPA rating for Taurus, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Taurus Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR WAGON None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR W/SAB None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. 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 3,534 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. 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

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.