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2002 Ford Taurus LX

The 2002 Ford Taurus LX is a 155-hp 3.0-liter V6 with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $19,685 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.

It makes 155 horsepower at 4,900 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3950 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).

The Taurus measures 197.6 inches long on a 108.5-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,355 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$19,685 ($35,562 *)
Engine
Engine Type3.0L V6
Displacement3 L
Horsepower155 hp @ 4,900 rpm
Torque185 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission4-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City18 MPG
Highway25 MPG
Combined21 MPG
Tank Capacity18 gal
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16.0 in
Wheels Rear16.0 in
Tires FrontP215/65R16
Tires RearP215/65R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length197.6 in
Width73 in
Height56.1 in
Wheelbase108.5 in
Curb Weight3,355 lbs
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 2002 Ford Taurus 4-DR. Wagon
Other tested variants (2)
  • 2002 Ford Taurus 4-DR. w/SAB: overall not rated
  • 2002 Ford Taurus 4-DR.: overall not rated

Recalls

4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford TAURUS. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Apr 1, 2016 · 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.

Consequence: A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

NHTSA campaign 16E026000

Mar 2, 2004 · 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.

Consequence: 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.

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.

NHTSA campaign 04V106000

Mar 10, 2003 · VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELDS MAY POTENTIALLY EXHIBIT INCREASED WIND NOISE, WATER LEAKAGE, AND SQUEAKS AND RATTLES.

Consequence: POTENTIAL LOSS OF WINDSHIELD RETENTION MAY ALSO REDUCE OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WINDSHIELDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2003. 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/MERCURY AT 1-800-392-3673.

NHTSA campaign 03V087000

Oct 2, 2002 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

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.

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

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.

NHTSA campaign 02V266000

1,469 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2002 Ford TAURUS

Owner Complaints

1,469 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford TAURUS (77 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 43 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Suspension972
Visibility101
Vehicle Speed Control79
Structure57
Engine And Engine Cooling55
Air Bags51
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
May 10, 2026 · Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System
“Cylinder two misfire. Replaced coil pack, wires and all spark plugs. Problem reoccurring.”
Dec 10, 2025 · Power Train, Service Brakes Crash
“Backing out of parking space resulting to damage to both vehicles . Brake\gas pedals. Position of driver ( body turned) relative to pedals while backing car can allow drivers foot to be in contact…”
Dec 11, 2020 · Suspension, Service Brakes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH WHILE DRIVING HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO BRAKE MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUBURN AUTOMOTIVE (500…”
Jun 15, 2020 · Suspension
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS…”
Jul 18, 2019 · Visibility, Structure
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD WAS LOOSENING ON THE UPPER PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS COMING OUT OF THE…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2002 FORD TAURUS. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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