Ford Taurus Service Brakes Problems
Owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes problems on the Ford Taurus across 23 model years. The 2005 model year has the most (26). The words owners use most often: “brake pedal depressed” (6% of reports).
- 195service brakes complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 33mention a crash
- 16mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 33%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Brake pedal depressed: mentioned in 12 of 195 complaints (6%)
- Brakes failed: mentioned in 10 of 195 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do service brakes problems happen?
Based on 160 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 195 complaints, 33 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 16 an injury.
Ford Taurus service brakes complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Taurus | 1 | 2% | 155,498 |
| 2017 Taurus | 1 | 2% | 7,800 |
| 2016 Taurus | 4 | 5% | 34,000 |
| 2015 Taurus | 3 | 1% | 5,203 |
| 2014 Taurus | 9 | 4% | 12,266 |
| 2013 Taurus | 8 | 1% | 56,000 |
| 2012 Taurus | 4 | 5% | 41,493 |
| 2011 Taurus | 12 | 6% | 73,000 |
| 2010 Taurus | 14 | 7% | 42,500 |
| 2009 Taurus | 4 | 6% | 83,000 |
| 2008 Taurus | 9 | 5% | 86,500 |
| 2007 Taurus | 8 | 5% | 135,000 |
| 2006 Taurus | 15 | 5% | 84,600 |
| 2005 Taurus | 26 | 3% | 110,000 |
| 2004 Taurus | 18 | 5% | 104,192 |
| 2003 Taurus | 21 | 2% | 121,757 |
| 2002 Taurus | 12 | 1% | 115,000 |
| 2001 Taurus | 9 | 1% | 132,000 |
| 2000 Taurus | 7 | 1% | 136,000 |
| 1999 Taurus | 5 | 1% | 147,250 |
| 1998 Taurus | 3 | 1% | 138,000 |
| 1997 Taurus | 1 | 0% | 105,000 |
| 1995 Taurus | 1 | 0% | 92,241 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Model years: 2000, 2001, 2002
Problem: 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.
Risk: This could result in a customer experiencing an "unintended vehicle speed increase" or a perceived "unable to stop" condition.
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 between them to greater than 50 mm. Owner notification began october 28, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Service brakes, hydraulic:brake fluid low warning: lamp
Model years: 1996
Problem: The brake system fluid level indicator lamp switch can malfunction. This does not comply with fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems."
Risk: Consequence of non-compliance: if the switch malfuntions, the brake system warning lamp will either remain illuminated continuously or fail to light as intended when the fluid level falls to a certain level. In either case, the vehicle operator would not be warned of a low brake fluid level condition.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake system fluid level indicator lamp switches.
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Model years: 1995
Problem: The retainer clip which holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm is missing or not completely installed. The push rod can separate from the brake pedal arm.
Risk: This can result in loss of braking ability and an accident.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install the retainer clip.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Foot pedal parking brake stopped holding it's position. Pedal will move up and down, and parking brake light remains illuminated, but the system is not actually holding pressure on the parking brakes. Failure is caused by a small plastic piece that is used against metal components in the parking…
Backing out of parking space resulting to damage to both vehicles . Brake\gas pedals. Position of driver ( body turned) relative to pedals while backing car can allow drivers foot to be in contact with both pedals. Increased pressure on the brake can allow increased pressure on the gas pedal…
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Unknown. Car was going 100 mph. Driver, my son , was killed in this car accident. This year make AND model is known for throttle acceleration issues with brake afail override non existent until later models. Case number [XXX] sterling heights police department INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE…
Steering didn't work correctly which led to brakes not doing what I needed which led to slamming into a cement edge at a freeway exit or entrance. Seat belts locked up. Air bags did not deploy. Front passenger tire flat. Car towed next day. Ford dealership did NOTHING even when it was discovered…

Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Tauruss have service brakes problems?
No. NHTSA has 195 owner complaints about service brakes for the Ford Taurus. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford Taurus service brakes?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list service brakes. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about service brakes problems on the Ford Taurus?
The most frequent phrase is “brake pedal depressed”, in 12 of 195 complaints, followed by “brakes failed” (10).
Other Ford Taurus problems
- Suspension problems (2,734)
- Power Train problems (1,895)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (1,800)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (1,312)
- Steering problems (995)
- Electrical System problems (888)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (683)
- Visibility problems (643)
See all Ford Taurus problems.