FORD TAURUS · model year

2000 FORD TAURUS

1497 NHTSA complaints, 136 crash reports, and 8 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2000FORDTAURUS carries 1497 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 136 crashes, 40 fires, 98 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2000 TAURUS is suspension:rear:springs:coil springs with 157 filings, followed by suspension:front:springs:coil springs (145) and power train:automatic transmission (59). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 8 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 6 investigation files overlapping the 2000 TAURUS. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1497
Complaints
136
Crashes
40
Fires
98
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

1497 filings

Crashes Reported

136 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS157
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS145
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION59
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL55
SUSPENSION:REAR51
SUSPENSION45
AIR BAGS42
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE40
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL38
TIRES38
SUSPENSION:FRONT35
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS33
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP32
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH24
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM24

Recalls (8)

01V04800028/02/2001

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS

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

00V24200024/08/2000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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) INFORMA

04V33200015/07/2004

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

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 VIRG

01V07800012/03/2001

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH

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.

01V07500012/03/2001

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

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.

01V25800008/08/2001

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

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, COMPL

02V26600002/10/2002

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.

04V10600002/03/2004

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 T

Recent Complaints

20240506STEERING

Vehicle Has A Heavy Power Steering Fluid Leak!!! Will Be Taking It To The Shop To Diagnose The Concern!!! I Was Checking To See If There Were Any Campaigns Or Recalls Reported!!!

20221125CrashAIR BAGS

Someone pulled out in front of me as I was slowing down to make a left turn. I T-boned their vehicle while going 35mph, resulting in a total loss for my 2000 Ford Taurus. (This was in 2018 so it was not a new car). My driver steering wheel airbag DID NOT deploy. I was wearing my seat belt. I still have chest pains when I sneeze and cough, even 4 years later (in November 2022, at time of writing), and in the last year (2021) received a cortisone shot in my left shoulder. I was offered a neck brace in the ambulance and was prescribed an arm sling in the hospital. I was diagnosed with whiplash. I believe I was given pain medication. Someone from the NHTSA in Indiana contacted me and we spoke briefly about it that week, so this may have been previously reported to this agency. I only found out this week that the 2000 Ford Taurus had a history of airbag issues, which is why I bring this up now. I think the car has already been scrapped, so no chance of examination unfortunately. As above,

20200729POWER TRAIN

WHEN I MAKE A LEFT TURN, MY TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES & MY ENGINE RPM'S INCREASE UNTIL I RECOVER FROM THE TURN.

Mileage: 210,000

20200428SERVICE BRAKES

IT PRESENTED A SERIES OF MISSED FIRED AND OVER HEATING ON THE ROAD , AFTER DRIVING AROUND 150 MILES , THE ENGINE LEAKING OIL AND IT LOSS POWER MAKE IT ON SAFE TO DRIVE . THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS ICED UP LIKE A FRIDGE AND LESS COOLING IN AN OVER WHOLE LOOK THE CAR NEED SAFETY CONTROL AND ALL OF THIS CAN CLEARLY SEEN ON THE CITY ROAD WAY .

Mileage: 120,000

20200428ENGINE

IT PRESENTED A SERIES OF MISSED FIRED AND OVER HEATING ON THE ROAD , AFTER DRIVING AROUND 150 MILES , THE ENGINE LEAKING OIL AND IT LOSS POWER MAKE IT ON SAFE TO DRIVE . THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS ICED UP LIKE A FRIDGE AND LESS COOLING IN AN OVER WHOLE LOOK THE CAR NEED SAFETY CONTROL AND ALL OF THIS CAN CLEARLY SEEN ON THE CITY ROAD WAY .

Mileage: 120,000

20200428VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

IT PRESENTED A SERIES OF MISSED FIRED AND OVER HEATING ON THE ROAD , AFTER DRIVING AROUND 150 MILES , THE ENGINE LEAKING OIL AND IT LOSS POWER MAKE IT ON SAFE TO DRIVE . THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS ICED UP LIKE A FRIDGE AND LESS COOLING IN AN OVER WHOLE LOOK THE CAR NEED SAFETY CONTROL AND ALL OF THIS CAN CLEARLY SEEN ON THE CITY ROAD WAY .

Mileage: 120,000

20190722ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO SHUT OFF, WHICH REQUIRED THE BATTERY CABLE TO BE DISCONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THE EVENT THAT THE DAY TIME RUNNING LAMPS, HIGH BEAMS, AND FOG LIGHTS SHORT OUT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20190722EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO SHUT OFF, WHICH REQUIRED THE BATTERY CABLE TO BE DISCONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THE EVENT THAT THE DAY TIME RUNNING LAMPS, HIGH BEAMS, AND FOG LIGHTS SHORT OUT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20190618AIR BAGS

JUNE 2018 PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON A CITY STREET BY MY GRANDDAUGHTER, NO THERE NO SIGNS OF A COLLISION. IT WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC.

Mileage: 91,000

20190205FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PART OF THE ENGINE, TOP PORTION CLOSEST TO THE FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET NEAR MY RESIDENCE IN LANCASTER, CA. I NOTICED THE SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT THE STOP LIGHT.

Mileage: 87,270

20190205FireENGINE

PART OF THE ENGINE, TOP PORTION CLOSEST TO THE FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET NEAR MY RESIDENCE IN LANCASTER, CA. I NOTICED THE SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT THE STOP LIGHT.

Mileage: 87,270

20190205FireVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

PART OF THE ENGINE, TOP PORTION CLOSEST TO THE FIREWALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET NEAR MY RESIDENCE IN LANCASTER, CA. I NOTICED THE SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT THE STOP LIGHT.

Mileage: 87,270

20171026AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE UNSAFE AIRBAGS AND THEY SEEMED TO FEEL AS IF IT WAS NO BIG DEAL AND TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX MY AIRBAGS.

20170805ENGINE

TAKATA RECALL, I HAVE A BAD NOIZ IN THE MOTOR AND MY SUSPENSION IS BAD

20170805SUSPENSION

TAKATA RECALL, I HAVE A BAD NOIZ IN THE MOTOR AND MY SUSPENSION IS BAD

20170530ENGINE

RETURNING FROM LAKE GEORGE WE EXPERIENCED A LOUD RATTLING ,SHAKING NOISE. WITHIN SECONDS THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE PULLED OVER TO A SAFE SPOT AND WERE TOWED TO SUPERIOR AUTO ON 19TH ST. IN BROOKLYN. AWAITING PART SEARCH!?!

Mileage: 127,500

20170509SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V332000 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRUTS WERE BENT WITH EXTENSIVE CORROSION ON THE SPRING COILS AND STRUTS. THE DEALER FAILED TO INDICATE IF THEY WOULD PROVIDE THE RECALL REPAIR FOR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

20170202FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD TAURUS. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL ODOR HAD BEEN PRESENT SINCE 2012. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 05/09/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH AT TIMES. ALSO THE TIRES SPIN WHEN STARTING AND STOPPING THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 08/30/2017*JS

Mileage: 198,023

20161028VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

CAR FAILS TO ACCELERATE AT TIMES. GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED BUT ENGINE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE GETTING FUEL. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS -- HITTING ACCELERATOR -- ENGINE WILL SUDDENLY "CATCH" AND LURCH FORWARD. SEEMS TO BE A THROTTLE PROBLEM, BUT FORD DEALER WILL NOT ADDRESS. EVEN THOUGH CAR FALLS IN RECALL RANGE FOR 2000-2003 TAURUSES WITH "STICKY" THROTTLES (RECALL WAS ISSUED IN 2013), DEALER SAYS IT IS "NOT ON RECALL LIST." OVER 450,000 VEHICLES ARE -- BUT APPARENTLY MINE IS NOT ONE OF THEM. SEEMS LIKE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO ME. YOU'RE DRIVING IN A 55 MPH ZONE AN SUDDENLY YOUR CAR SLOWS TO 20 MPH NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL. THEN AFTER 20 SECONDS IT SUDDENLY TAKES OFF? NOT GOOD. *TR

Mileage: 202,000

20161028FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CAR FAILS TO ACCELERATE AT TIMES. GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED BUT ENGINE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE GETTING FUEL. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS -- HITTING ACCELERATOR -- ENGINE WILL SUDDENLY "CATCH" AND LURCH FORWARD. SEEMS TO BE A THROTTLE PROBLEM, BUT FORD DEALER WILL NOT ADDRESS. EVEN THOUGH CAR FALLS IN RECALL RANGE FOR 2000-2003 TAURUSES WITH "STICKY" THROTTLES (RECALL WAS ISSUED IN 2013), DEALER SAYS IT IS "NOT ON RECALL LIST." OVER 450,000 VEHICLES ARE -- BUT APPARENTLY MINE IS NOT ONE OF THEM. SEEMS LIKE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO ME. YOU'RE DRIVING IN A 55 MPH ZONE AN SUDDENLY YOUR CAR SLOWS TO 20 MPH NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL. THEN AFTER 20 SECONDS IT SUDDENLY TAKES OFF? NOT GOOD. *TR

Mileage: 202,000

Compare 2000FORDTAURUS to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2000 FORD TAURUS have?
The 2000 FORD TAURUS has 1497 NHTSA complaints, 136 crashes, 40 fires, 98 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2000 FORD TAURUS?
Yes, the 2000 FORD TAURUS has 8 recall(s). The most common affected component is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 FORD TAURUS?
The most-complained component for the 2000 FORD TAURUS is SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS with 157 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS and POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Is the 2000 FORD TAURUS safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.