Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The whole entire wires under the dashboard caught on fire and almost blew me my kids up in dallas texas, had it total and the mechanic stated that the whole computer system blew the wires out and that it was a manufacturing problem.
While driving on the highway (50 - 60 MPH), the car stalls, all the lights turn off including the hazard flashers. Braking and steering then become very difficult. I always put the car into neutral and attempt to coast to a safe parking location. I am able to restart the vehicle sometimes immediately, sometimes after prolonged periods. So far, the stall problem has never occurred while the vehicle was at rest. Sometimes the door locks will briefly "chatter" as the solenoids mysteriously activate. This can occur while driving or idling. The problem first occurred in June 2015. Then recurred randomly once every 2-3 weeks. Recently, the problem occurs 2-3 times in a day. The problem does not persist long enough to be diagnosed.
My car has the same problem as NHTSA campaign number 04V106000 (Ford recall number 04s12-manufacturer's report date April 5, 2004). Yet, it's not flagging my VIN as part of the recall. The badge on the driver's door shows the car was built 02/2004. It's been doing it a long time off and on, I thought it was the tilt steering wheel. The gearshift will not come out of park with your foot on the brake pedal. I understand that it's a faulty brake light switch. My car should be covered by this recall. Thank you for any help with this matter!
Tl- the contact owns a 2004 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH she smelled a burning odor. The contact stopped the vehicle to inspect it and observed that the steering column wires were burnt. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic diagnosed that the circuit wires on the rear driver and passenger side brake lights were also burnt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000. Rk
Drove car about 4 miles. No problems. When parked it was smoking real bad under hood then caught on fire. Fireman said it was electrical. It gave no warning. As I looked on this website I have seen that I am not the only person that has had this happen. My car is totaled and I am without a vehicle. Now what will Ford do about that? I could have been killed. Thank god I wasn't.
After exiting the highway, braking to stop a red light, the car proceeded to slowly accelerate on its own. After letting it go for a while, it topped out around 52mph, as if the cruise control was working on its own. I kept pressing off, but that wouldn't work. The car stopped revving rpms when I put it in neutral.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Taurus. While driving 35 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V106000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 198,938.
I was driving my 2004 Ford Taurus, car suddenly began smoking, pulled over and hood of car completely in flames. Fire dept came and put fire out. Car is totaled, insurance advised was electrical fire.
Entered card in the morning and the floor board was inexplicably soaked. After starting the car, the heat was would only work when the blower was set on high, the first three settings didn't turn on at all.
Faulty gem or Smart junction box causing all door locks and trunk lid to not properly work.on occasion the trunk will open by its self while driving. I cannot lock the doors and the interior dome light stays on while driving and after the car is shut off. This has drained my battery. Driving at night is very distracting with dome light on. I cannot turn it off and when I touch the cover of the dome light it feels very hot. I cannot tell what the mileage is because dash flashes all doors and trunk is ajar. I took the car to a local Ford dealer. I was told that they did a scan and followed some type of Ford technical service bulletin and found the cars Smart junction box or gem module was the problem. I was told it cannot be fixed because the part is discontinued, obsolete and not made any more and no aftermarket part exists. …
Electrical complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Ford Taurus, 7% of the model year's 375 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Ford Taurus electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2004 Ford Taurus, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Ford Taurus electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.