2002 Ford Taurus Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Should You Buy the 2002 Ford Taurus?
The 2002 Ford Taurus can be a remarkably affordable and comfortable sedan, but its reliability is a mixed bag, primarily hampered by its notoriously weak automatic transmission. While the engines are generally robust, neglected maintenance or a high-mileage transmission will quickly turn a bargain into a money pit. Proceed with caution, focusing intently on service history and a thorough pre-purchase inspection of the drivetrain.
Biggest Strengths
- Affordable purchase price and readily available parts.
- Comfortable ride quality for daily commuting.
- Spacious interior for its class.
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2002 Ford Taurus. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
What breaks on the 2002 Ford Taurus?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Ford Taurus by Year
Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Ford Taurus. Click any year for its full report.
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Relevant Products for Your 2002 Ford Taurus
Parts and accessories matched to your 2002 Ford Taurus
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