Wrench.Pro

2004 Ford Taurus Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2004 Ford Taurus has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Gear shifter will not move out of park.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2004 Ford Taurus.

Reported to NHTSA

Gear shifter will not move out of park

SERVICE BRAKES

13 NHTSA complaints · 2012-08 → 2020-10

“THE COLUMN SHIFT DOES NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN TRACED TO A FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. WHILE THERE IS A RECALL - 04V106000 - FOR THIS ISSUE, IT ONLY GOES UP TO THE 2003 MODEL YEAR. MY VEHICLE IS A 2004 AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10873244
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO GET THE VEHICLE TO CHANGE GEARS AND, AT TIMES, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10888697
“THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON CONTINUOUSLY, EVEN WHEN VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH KEY OUT OF IGNITION. UPON FURTHER ANALYSIS, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH, ATTACHED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, WAS SHORTED IN THE CLOSED POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10470115

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission failure and loss of gears

POWER TRAIN

11 NHTSA complaints · 2012-05 → 2016-09

“TRANSMISSION LOST ALL GEARS WITH NO WARNING. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10585143
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10652727
“TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED IN TRANSMISSION, WHICH LED TO TOTAL FAILURE. ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH WHEN VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW WHILE DRIVING. GOT TO SHOULDER, AND HAD CAR TOWED. THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. FORD WILL NOT RECALL OR HELP. SPLINE IS TO THIN, AND, OUT OF SPEC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10680023

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and stuck throttle

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

122 NHTSA complaints · 2012-04 → 2020-12

“MY 2004 FORD TAURUS SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN WITH FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. DRIVING IN CITY STREET AT 30 MPH, THE CAR ALL BY ITSELF SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE (WITH MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL) AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 75 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11100384
“ACCELERATOR ON 2004 FORD TAURUS SES STICKS WHEN ACCELERATING ONTO HIGHWAY OR OTHER HIGH-SPEED ROADWAY. HAVE TO THROW THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN PRESS ON GAS PEDAL TO HALT THE ACCELERATION. SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN ACCELERATING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10462750
“THE PLASTIC BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY TO THE THROTTLE IS DEFECTIVE IT SLIPS OFF THE THROTTLE AND GETS CAUGHT CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO STAY OPEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10649934

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling while driving

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2012-11 → 2018-05

“OVER THE PAST THREE WEEKS, THE ENGINE WOULD QUIT RUNNING WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP ON 9/16/13 AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FOUND. THIS HAPPENED 5 TIMES OVER A 3 WEEK PERIOD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10543890
“ON JUNE 4, 2014 WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE ENGINE AND ALL POWER DIED ON MY 2004 FORD TAURUS LX. ALL OPERATION AND GAUGES OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPERATING AS DESIGNED BEFORE THE INCIDENT AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT A FAILURE WAS IMMINENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10596531
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (50 - 60 MPH), THE CAR STALLS, ALL THE LIGHTS TURN OFF INCLUDING THE HAZARD FLASHERS. BRAKING AND STEERING THEN BECOME VERY DIFFICULT. I ALWAYS PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND ATTEMPT TO COAST TO A SAFE PARKING LOCATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10853978

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags did not deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2024-07

“On June 23, 2024 this 2004 Ford Taurus was in a front end collision at freeway speeds of 60 mph or higher. The driver airbag did not deploy and the driver died as a result of severe trauma to head and chest”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11602400
“ON APRIL 30 2015 I WAS HIT HEAD ON BY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE SPEED LIMIT WHERE 50 MPH ON THAT ROAD. THE WHOLE FRONT OF MY CAR IS SMASHED IN FROM THE FORCE OF HOW HARD HE HIT ME AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. MY CAR SPUN 180”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10714445
“OTHER CAR WAS APPROACHING HEAD ON I SWERVED TO AVOID HEAD ON COLLISION GOING 45 MPH FLEW INTO A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY HIT THEIR PARKED VAN WHICH SPUN SIDE WAYS. MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE WORKED. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10671887

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fire or burning odor from electrical wiring

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE, ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2014-02 → 2016-09

“THE WHOLE ENTIRE WIRES UNDER THE DASHBOARD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND ALMOST BLEW ME MY KIDS UP IN DALLAS TEXAS, HAD IT TOTAL AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WHOLE COMPUTER SYSTEM BLEW THE WIRES OUT AND THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10907613
“DROVE CAR ABOUT 4 MILES. NO PROBLEMS. WHEN PARKED IT WAS SMOKING REAL BAD UNDER HOOD THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIREMAN SAID IT WAS ELECTRICAL. IT GAVE NO WARNING. AS I LOOKED ON THIS WEBSITE I HAVE SEEN THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THAT HAS HAD THIS HAPPEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10730702

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

380 crashes 1990–2024

How the 380 occupant deaths break down

276

driver deaths

104

passenger deaths

380

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2003 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

36

complaints mentioning a crash

13

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2004 Ford Taurus reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →