Model year guide

2004 Ford Taurus

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Ford Taurus is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 105 on record.

2004 Ford Taurus — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Ford Taurus at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints375
Combined20 mpg
Typical price$1,786

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

2004 Ford Taurus recalls 2

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.

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust NHTSA Campaign #04V330000 · 08/07/2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE UPPER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY ON THE POWER SEATS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

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.

2004 Ford Taurus common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 375 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
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.

2004 Ford Taurus MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,100

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

What's a 2004 Ford Taurus worth?

Low
$750
Typical price
$1,786
High
$3,200

From 93 comparable 2004 Ford Taurus listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Ford Taurus costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$950
Total$16,450
Per mile$0.22

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 ($1,786) with the same model 5 model-years older ($838), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Ford Taurus trims & engines on record

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

2004 Ford Taurus vehicles on record

Other Ford Taurus model years

2004 Ford Taurus — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Ford Taurus have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Ford Taurus?

Based on 375 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control, air bags, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Ford Taurus get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Ford Taurus at about 20 mpg combined (17 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 2004 Ford Taurus worth?

Comparable 2004 Ford Taurus listings run roughly $750–$3,200, typically around $1,786 (from 93 vehicles).

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