Ford Taurus Service Brakes Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 195 complaints analyzed

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).

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.

Under 10k miles7 · 4%
10k–25k miles9 · 6%
25k–50k miles13 · 8%
50k–75k miles25 · 16%
75k–100k miles29 · 18%
100k–150k miles53 · 33%
150k+ miles24 · 15%

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

Peak: 2005, with 26 complaints
1995: 119951997: 11998: 319981999: 52000: 720002001: 92002: 1220022003: 212004: 1820042005: 26262006: 1520062007: 82008: 920082009: 42010: 1420102011: 122012: 420122013: 82014: 920142015: 32016: 420162017: 12018: 12018

n = 195 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearService Brakes complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2018 Taurus12%155,498
2017 Taurus12%7,800
2016 Taurus45%34,000
2015 Taurus31%5,203
2014 Taurus94%12,266
2013 Taurus81%56,000
2012 Taurus45%41,493
2011 Taurus126%73,000
2010 Taurus147%42,500
2009 Taurus46%83,000
2008 Taurus95%86,500
2007 Taurus85%135,000
2006 Taurus155%84,600
2005 Taurus263%110,000
2004 Taurus185%104,192
2003 Taurus212%121,757
2002 Taurus121%115,000
2001 Taurus91%132,000
2000 Taurus71%136,000
1999 Taurus51%147,250
1998 Taurus31%138,000
1997 Taurus10%105,000
1995 Taurus10%92,241

When owners reported it

Peak: 2014, with 33 complaints
2012: 232012232013: 24242014: 332014332015: 29292016: 202016202017: 18182018: 132018132019: 772020: 8202082021: 332022: 1202212023: 442024: 2202422025: 992026: 120261

n = 195 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (3)

Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagesOct 2, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V266000 · 369,614 vehicles

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: lampJan 25, 1996 · NHTSA campaign 96V016000 · 76,500 vehicles

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 linkagesOct 11, 1994 · NHTSA campaign 94V198000 · 1,500 vehicles

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…

Received Mar 26, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11727311

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…

Received Dec 10, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11704207

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Received Nov 8, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11698309

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…

Received Jun 10, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11666028

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…

Received Mar 28, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11651282
Ford Taurus
Ingot Silver Ford Taurus 2.0L Ecoboost Limited D568 Facelift sedan.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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

See all Ford Taurus problems.