Which Ford Taurus Years to Avoid and Why? (Explained)

In 1986, Ford released the Taurus. Thousands of others have purchased and enjoyed it since then. The Ford Taurus was a staple of the car industry for a long period. It was initially released in 1986 and is currently in its final year of production.

Only a few years stand out as particularly problematic for a vehicle as old as the Taurus. The Ford Taurus had its roughest years from 2000 to 2005, with several reliability difficulties.

The most serious issue with the Ford Taurus is transmission difficulties. There are a few more issues mentioned by the people who have been brought up.

Continue reading to learn more about the Ford Taurus and make an informed decision on whether to buy one.

Ford Taurus Years to Avoid (List of Years)

The Ford Taurus has a long history of being a dependable vehicle for first-time automobile buyers as well as those wishing to make a sound investment.

The Taurus has considerably more good years than bad. The Ford Taurus transmission failure rate was highest in 2002, 2003, and 2005, but there’s no denying that some years are just worse than others.

Worst Years of Ford Taurus:

If you’re looking for a secondhand car, avoid the following Ford Taurus years:

  • 2000 Ford Taurus
  • 2001 Ford Taurus
  • 2002 Ford Taurus
  • 2003 Ford Taurus
  • 2004 Ford Taurus
  • 2005 Ford Taurus

With a total of 407 customer complaints, the 2003 Ford Taurus is the most complained-about of the three. The most serious issue is transmission failure, which has a high average repair cost.

What Makes These Ford Taurus Years Worth Avoiding?

2000 Ford Taurus Problems:

This model is the oldest on the list, having been produced twelve years ago. It has been in production for almost two decades. The transmission and electrical systems are both problematic in this model.

The engine created several problems as well, but it never failed. It would make sounds and speed up suddenly. These concerns are inconvenient, but they are preferable to the car abruptly halting while driving.

2001 Ford Taurus Problems:

Many faults arose, but the transmission and suspension systems were the most prevalent.

On the 2001 Ford Taurus, the air conditioning system was also known to fail. The heater would begin to circulate chilly air. The compressor head would also fail, rendering the air conditioner useless.

2002 Ford Taurus Problems:

On the 2002 model, the engine was a clumsy mess. The CEL stayed on all the time, and the engine misfired. When driving, the motor would also do noise.

It had its share of faults, the most common of which were suspension and gearbox troubles. The front spring broke, and the suspension had other issues.

2003 Ford Taurus Problems:

The Taurus Ford released in 2003 is the worst model ever. It had engine and transmission problems, making owning it a pain.

It is one that people will never forget. The transmission system would just fail, leaving the car unable to be driven. It is too costly to replace the item.

2004 Ford Taurus Problems:

One of the more unreliable Ford Taurus models available to consumers was the 2004 model.

The transmission and electrical systems were the most often mentioned problems. The electrical system would fail, resulting in the alarm going off. At times, the ignition coil will also fail.

2005 Ford Taurus Problems:

In the 2005 Ford Taurus transmission problems were observed, with the system failing. The torque converter was also a problem for some customers.

The engine had its own set of troubles, with the most prevalent being the accelerator being stuck and the engine accelerating accidentally.

What Makes These Ford Taurus Years Worth Avoiding?

The Ford Taurus model years with the most known transmission issues are 2003, 2004, and 2005. Let’s focus on all of the usual difficulties that Taurus owners have had to deal with over the years now that we’ve covered all of the crucial years.

1. Transmission Problem

Insufficient transmission fluid, as well as a lack of fluid maintenance, have all contributed to this transmission problem.

According to Ford Taurus owners, replacing or rebuilding the transmission is the most popular solution for this problem.

Instead of gliding smoothly from one gear to the next, a sliding transmission system might slide from one gear to the next. This is the second most common transmission issue for Taurus owners, after transmission failure.

Transmission lunges problems might be caused by a malfunctioning sensor, insufficient transmission fluid, a vacuum problem, or a faulty solenoid.

2. Suspension Problems

Ford Taurus owners, according to carproblemzoo.com, have a lot of complaints regarding the vehicle’s suspension.

There are a variety of suspension difficulties, but the front and rear suspension coil springs are the most crucial.

A very loud metallic clanking sound occurs when a coil spring splits while in motion. This might result in a punctured tire and a catastrophic accident.

3. Engine Issues

It’s impossible to discuss Ford Taurus’s troubles without mentioning the vehicle’s engine concerns. Many owners have been dissatisfied, and restoring their automobiles to a useable state has cost them thousands of dollars.

Other engine-related issues documented by some owners of this model year include engine shuttering, cranking but not starting, engine fire, and valve cover leakage.

Because of leaking, the engine will overheat as the number of its main lubricant drops.

Engine coolant and oil keep the engine operating at a constant temperature by reducing heat and friction. Overheating can harm the engine and other components.

Which Ford Taurus Years are Safe to Buy?

I’ve included all of the top Ford Taurus models that have ever been produced. These models have been tried and tested and are recommended for everyone to purchase.

  • 2012 Ford Taurus
  • 2016 Ford Taurus
  • 2018 Ford Taurus
  • 2019 Ford Taurus

Now that you’ve realized which Ford Taurus years to avoid, you can focus on the models that you can buy pre-owned or used with confidence.

2012 Ford Taurus

It’s an excellent choice for those on a tight budget who want a capable sedan.

There are some incredible features in the 2012 model with less than 100 complaints. The trunk capacity is ample and will suit the demands of the majority of individuals. For the time, the ride quality was also among the best.

2016 Ford Taurus

Aside from its cramped cabin and weak performance, the 2016 Ford Taurus is a decent car.

It’s a joy to use because it responds quickly. The driving experience is fantastic, and it closely follows that of its predecessors and successors.

This model has also earned its fair place on this list due to its exceptional dependability. The Sync 3 infotainment system, which is a joy to operate, was the most significant update in this model.

2018 Ford Taurus

The handling and brakes are excellent, as are the other two variants. The V6 engine gives a comfortable ride.

The degree of comfort is likewise excellent, and you can be certain that you will not need to stop working because the chairs are too rigid. The infotainment system is fantastic and quite simple to operate.

2019 Ford Taurus

Owners have appreciated this 2019 Taurus’ handling and braking. One of the finest in its class in terms of comfort.

Conclusion

Throughout the years, the Ford Taurus was plagued with transmission problems. The Ford Taurus may have been phased out of manufacturing in 2019, but it leaves behind a solid reputation for dependability.

The Taurus is a sedan worth considering, with only a few flaws in an otherwise flawless performance.

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