Model year record

2000 Ford Taurus

8 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,497 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V332000

Suspension: front: springs: coil springs

Component
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
899,060
Reported to NHTSA
2004-07-15
Owners notified
2005-01-10

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH SALT USED ON THE ROADWAYS DURING THE WINTER. A FRACTURED SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.

Safety risk

IF THIS OCCURS, THE TIRE MAY RUPTURE RESULTING IN A RAPID AIR LOSS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SPRING SHIELDS. IN ADDITION, FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS IN ALL OTHER STATES, FOR FRACTURE ONLY, UP TO 10 YEARS OF SERVICE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL JULY 31, 2005. IF EITHER FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER. AN INTERIM NOTICE WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON AUGUST 2, 2004. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE 2000-2001 MY VEHICLES AND OWNERS WERE SENT A LETTER ON JANUARY 10, 2005, ADVISING THEM TO BRING IN THEIR VEHICLES FOR REPAIR PARTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR THE 1999 MY VEHICLES BY THE END OF FEBRUARY 2005 AND OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL BE NOTIFIED THEN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V106000

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
938,789
Reported to NHTSA
2004-03-02
Owners notified
2004-04-05

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS MALFUNCTIONING COULD RENDER THE STOP LAMPS INOPERABLE OR CAUSE THEM TO STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION TO A FOLLOWING DRIVER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Safety risk

IN ADDITION, IF THE SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING FAIL IN THE OPEN POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ACTUATE AND THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF "PARK" IF THEY FAIL IN THE CLOSED POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL REMAIN ON, WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW THE SPEED CONTROL TO BE ACTIVATED. THIS COULD ALSO CAUSE THE BATTERY TO DISCHARGE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED STOP LAMP SWITCH AND WIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V266000

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
369,614
Reported to NHTSA
2002-10-02
Owners notified
2002-09-13

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PADELS ARE BEING RECALLED IN ORDER TO ADJUST THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO A MINIMUM OF 50 MM OF LATERAL SEPARATION. SIMULTANEOUS APPLICATION OF BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM.

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING AN "UNINTENDED VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE" OR A PERCEIVED "UNABLE TO STOP" CONDITION.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED AS TO THE PROPER WAY TO SET THE POSITION OF THE PEDALS AND TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE SPACING BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS MEASURED. IF THE SPACING IS FOUND TO BE LESS THAN 50 MM, THE DEALER WILL ADJUST THE PEDALS TO INCREASE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THEM TO GREATER THAN 50 MM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V258000

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor

Component
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
1,083,000
Reported to NHTSA
2001-08-08
Owners notified
2001-08-20

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.

Safety risk

LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V075000

Exterior lighting: headlights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
74,000
Reported to NHTSA
2001-03-12
Owners notified
2001-04-09

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO THE USE OF INCORRECT MATERIAL BY A SUPPLIER, THE HEADLAMP SWITCH KNOB CAN FRACTURE AND SEPARATE FROM THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.

Safety risk

THIS WOULD CAUSE DIFFICULTY FOR THE DRIVER TO ACTIVATE THE HEADLAMPS, WHICH COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH KNOB. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V078000

Exterior lighting: tail lights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: tail lights: switch
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
157,000
Reported to NHTSA
2001-03-12
Owners notified
2001-03-22

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS. IF THE GREASE FROM THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY ENTERS THE STOP LAMP SWITCH, IT CAN CONTAMINATE THE CONTACTS LEADING TO CARBON BUILD UP, AND POTENTIALLY, A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Safety risk

A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO EITHER THE BRAKE LAMPS STAYING ON, OR TO A LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH AND WIPE DOWN THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO REMOVE EXCESS GREASE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 22, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V048000

Exterior lighting: back up lights

Component
Exterior lighting: back up lights
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
28,000
Reported to NHTSA
2001-02-28
Owners notified
2001-03-19

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER SEDANS WITH FACTORY OR DEALER-INSTALLED DECK LID SPOILERS WITH LED CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMPS (CHMSL). VEHICLES PRODUCED WITH SPOILERS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 1 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2000; AND VEHICLES WITH SPOILERS INSTALLED BY DEALERS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1 THOROUGH DECEMBER 30, 2000. WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE START OR RUN POSITIONS AND THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS OPERATING, THE CHMSL CAN ILLUMINATE (AT REDUCED INTENSITY) EVEN THOUGH THE SERVICE BRAKES HAVE NOT BEEN APPLIED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ALSO, IN SOME CASES THE VEHICLE BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, ALLOWING THE SHIFT LEVER TO BE MOVED FROM PARK WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE.

Safety risk

UNDER THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD, THE CHMSL SHALL BE ACTIVATED ONLY UPON APPPLICATION OF THE SERVICE BRAKES. ALSO, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, IF THE SHIFT LEVER CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A JUMPER/RESISTOR ASSEMBLY AT THE SPOILER THAT PROVIDES AN ELECTRICAL RESISTOR TO GROUND AND CORRECTS THE CHMSL AND BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK CONDITIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V242000

Equipment: other: labels

Component
Equipment: other: labels
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
167,000
Reported to NHTSA
2000-08-24
Owners notified
2000-10-20

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE "VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT" AND "DESIGNATED SEATING CAPACITY" INFORMATION WAS NOT PRINTED ON THE SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABELS AFFIXED TO THESE VEHICLES. ON AFFECTED SABLE SEDAN VEHICLES, THE "VEHICLES CAPACITY WEIGHT" (AND ALSO THE LUGGAGE LOAD) INFORMATION PRINTED ON THIS LABEL IS INCORRECT - SABLE WAGON LUGGAGE LOAD WAS INCORRECTLY USED FOR THE SABLE SEDAN. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE LABEL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

Safety risk

EXCESSIVE LOADING CAN CAUSE TIRE AND VEHICLE DAMAGE THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENTAL LABEL WITH THE CORRECT INFORMATION, ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THE LABEL ADJACENT TO THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 20, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Suspension: rear: springs: coil springs15775,000 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs14563,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission5952,688 mi
Vehicle speed control55100,000 mi
Suspension: rear5192,845 mi
Suspension4592,933 mi
Air bags4269,275 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline4052,000 mi
Air bags: frontal3863,000 mi
Tires3871,282 mi
Suspension: front3579,000 mi
Suspension: rear: springs3375,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip3260,000 mi
Electrical system24100,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch2444,830 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic2445,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling2277,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump2260,884 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine2068,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights1843,515 mi
Power train18126,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor1625,000 mi
Unknown or other1630,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor1661,443 mi
Fuel system, gasoline15102,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal15106,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt1453,800 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1474,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1318,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch1285,000 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights: switch1240,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components1146,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor1063,000 mi
Structure1085,860 mi
Structure: body10120,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition933,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights967,361 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe850,000 mi
Exterior lighting860,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery894,165 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch874,000 mi
Seat belts8105,500 mi
Power train: manual transmission760,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly79,000 mi
Seat belts: rear/other755,500 mi
Seats: front assembly: head restraint7
Service brakes7136,000 mi
Visibility: windshield710 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch633,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers6
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system630,500 mi
Steering: rack and pinion661,000 mi
Structure: body: door648,000 mi
Suspension: front: macpherson strut660,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages6
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs647,140 mi
Air bags: side/window549,949 mi
Electrical system: wiring538,000 mi
Engine587,270 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system574,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system5
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control5
Exterior lighting: tail lights5
Exterior lighting: turn signal5
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings525,000 mi
Seat belts: front560,000 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar5
Tires: sidewall570,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module450,950 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module456,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash468,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system4
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly4
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter453,363 mi
Steering4101,300 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system476,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls4
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood3
Exterior lighting: back up lights3
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)3107,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly375,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum367,172 mi
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device332,800 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly3
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint380,000 mi
Visibility3190,000 mi
Visibility/wiper3140,023 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core395,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices3
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys240,644 mi
Equipment2
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system2
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap232,151 mi
Fuel/propulsion system276,000 mi
Interior lighting2
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)2
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift267,895 mi
Power train: driveline: driveshaft2
Seat belts: front: anchorage2
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor223,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light240,000 mi
Structure: frame and members2133,000 mi
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar2
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar241,256 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor2106,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior2
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer2
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module116,000 mi
Child seat1
Child seat: tether: strap/webbing1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator1
Electrical system: horn1
Electrical system: starter assembly1
Electrical system: starter assembly: solenoid1150,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)1100,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1100,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)1
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1
Equipment: electrical1
Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices143,126 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.1
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer1
Latches/locks/linkages1100,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1
Parking brake132,151 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines176,500 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal132,151 mi
Power train: axle hubs142,000 mi
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint142,000 mi
Seats146,000 mi
Service brakes, air: controls1
Service brakes, air: disc: caliper1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads118,629 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist1
Steering: column110,950 mi
Steering: gear box: shaft pitman1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid132,151 mi
Structure: body: bumpers1
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments1
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate140 mi
Structure: body: hood1
Structure: body: roof and pillars131,900 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields147,300 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint1
Suspension: front: springs: air suspension system175,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing1
Suspension: rear: shock absorber139,622 mi
Tires: bead148,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system1
Visibility: glass, side/rear1
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: switch/wiring134,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly1
Wheels1

The 1999 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 2001 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.