Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Vehicle Speed Control — runs 8.3× the fleet median for that category across the 1731 model-years tracked on this site.
375Complaints
2Recalls
36Crashes
13Fires
25Injured
2Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Vehicle Speed Control (42.4% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints here are 8.3× the median for that category across the 1731 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Vehicle Speed Control
159 · 42.4%
not available
—
Power Train
43 · 11.5%
not available
—
Power Train:automatic Transmission
26 · 6.9%
not available
—
Engine
25 · 6.7%
not available
—
Electrical System
23 · 6.1%
not available
—
Service Brakes
18 · 4.8%
Recalled
Recall 16E026000
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 375 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls — 2 campaigns
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:pads
THE SEAT MAY NOT PERFORM AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“I READ THIS STORY U.S. INVESTIGATES FORD TAURUSES FOR STUCK THROTTLES BY PETER VALDES-DAPENA @PETERDRIVES MARCH 12, 2012: 1:19 PM ET AND WHEN IT HAPPENED…”NHTSA complaint 10451278 — filed 03/12/2012 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD BECOME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE AND ABNORMALLY. WHEN…”NHTSA complaint 10451265 — filed 03/12/2012 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THERE WAS A RAPID INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE CONTACT APPLIED HEAVY…”NHTSA complaint 10451162 — filed 03/12/2012 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Taurus?
Vehicle speed control issues are the most-reported category, cited in 159 of 375 NHTSA complaints (42.4%), followed by power train (43), power train:automatic transmission (26), engine (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2004 Ford Taurus have?
375 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 36 involved a crash, 13 involved a fire, and 25 reported injuries. 2 deaths were reported.
Does the 2004 Ford Taurus have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16E026000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2004 Ford Taurus's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
Install CarModelProblemsAdd it to your home screen for one-tap access — no app store.
Install CarModelProblemsTap Share, then Add to Home Screen.