Model year guide

2002 Ford Taurus

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Ford Taurus is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 149 on record.

2002 Ford Taurus — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Ford Taurus at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints1,471
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$1,228

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2002 Ford Taurus recalls 4

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:pads NHTSA Campaign #16E026000 · 01/04/2016

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 inten…

Fix: 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.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #04V106000 · 02/03/2004

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.

Fix: 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.

Visibility:windshield NHTSA Campaign #03V087000 · 10/03/2003

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.

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages NHTSA Campaign #02V266000 · 02/10/2002

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.

Fix: 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 B…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2002 Ford Taurus common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 1,471 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2002 Ford Taurus MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,000

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2002 Ford Taurus worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,228
High
$2,300

From 108 comparable 2002 Ford Taurus listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Ford Taurus costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$100
Total$15,100
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,228) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,150), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2002 Ford Taurus trims & engines on record

Trims
SES · SE · SES Deluxe · SEL Deluxe · LX
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 155 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 200 hp

2002 Ford Taurus vehicles on record

2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SES1FAFP55U22A171401 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SES1FAFP55U72G202249 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SES1FAFP55U72G178681 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SE1FAFP53U42G143731 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SE1FAFP53U22G207183 2002 Ford Taurus SES1FAFP55U42G195650 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SE1FAFP53U82G159124 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SES1FAFP55U12A246136 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SES1FAFP55U72G168538 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SE1FAFP53U42G186725 2002 Ford Taurus SES1FAFP55U62G166456 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SE1FAFP532X2G253018 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SES1FAFP55U62A134450 2002 Ford Taurus SEL Deluxe1FAFP56S72G107543 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SES1FAFP55U92A138122 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SES1FAFP55U52A199290 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SES Deluxe1FAHP55S62A215150 2002 Ford Taurus SES Deluxe1FAFP55S72A271606 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SES1FAFP55262A269071 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SES1FAFP55U92G177970 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SE1FAFP53U62A188821 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus LX1FAFP52U12G272382 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SE1FAFP53U42A104110 2002 Ford Taurus 2002 Ford Taurus SE1FAFP53U12G133710

Other Ford Taurus model years

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993

2002 Ford Taurus — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford Taurus have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2002 Ford Taurus. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Taurus?

Based on 1,471 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, service brakes, vehicle speed control.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Ford Taurus get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2002 Ford Taurus at about 21 mpg combined (18 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 2002 Ford Taurus worth?

Comparable 2002 Ford Taurus listings run roughly $600–$2,300, typically around $1,228 (from 108 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.