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 2005 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I saw a recall notice in the news: 06n07 7807 for my vehicle powertrain control module PCM recalibrating for the flex fuel. I never received any notices by usps and have lived at the same address since 1984. I had the Taurus into two different Ford dealerships for service and no one mentioned the recall. As I am retired military my vehicles are always kept in top condition for travel at anytime. I was refused service on the Taurus ( tow different Ford dealership had completed work on the Taurus, without taking care of the recall) the service rep stated that the time for repair had passed. No wonder Ford motor company stock is down in the time passed, (I have service bills that show that two different Ford dealerships and I do have starting problems with the e85 fuel. I am wondering if other consumers have the same problem with the lack of notices for recall. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that after experiencing a problem with the windshield wipers, she realized that smoke was being emitted from under the wipers. In addition, all of the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel and the contact experienced a difficult time trying to stop the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle, the engine exploded and the vehicle engulfed into flames. The fire department appeared on the scene, but no injuries were reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 85,000. Updated 08/31/11 the consumer stated the windshield wipers began acting a erratic a week prior. Prior to the fire, the gas and brake pedal became hard and the engine light illuminated. Updated 09/12/11
An electrical fire started in the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel in my 2005 Ford Taurus car on Monday September 29, 2008 at 6:30 am. Within 5 minutes of smelling the smoke my entire car burned to the ground. I complained to Ford about this happening and they were not willing to do anything. They do not stand behind their vehicles at all. The worst part is that I still have 12 months of payments on the car and they still want their money. Ford vehicles are so out of favor with the public that the insurance company is only offering me $8000.00 for the car and I paid $30,000.00 in 2005 for it. This leaves me with insufficient funds to buy another 2005 full size sedan. Ford has indicated that I did not miss any recalls. I am not sure if there are others out there with similar complaints...
Waiting at a green light (due to heavy traffic and a congested intersection), there was a sweet burning smell, followed by white smoke. I made it off the road to a gas station parking lot when seconds later, the smoke coming from under the hood in the front driver's side turned black and flames erupted from the same spot. I took myself and my three children out of the vehicle and in less than a minute later, the entire car was engulfed in flames. Apparently, there was a recall on a recall of this make and model about the wiring for cruise control being too close to the brake fluid. This happened in front of witnesses and I discussed this with mechanics. Ford needs to wake up, because people can't just blow up in cars they take care of.
This vehicle was in motion on a busy street. It slowed down,sputtered,and would not move.it was in gear (d) drive. I was able to coast it off the main street to safety.the engine light and the check transmission alerts were on. Accelerator seemed stuck as well. There are only 77,000 miles. I am told that the transmission is gone. There are more that 170 complaints concerning this car. Ford needs to take responsibility and repair these transmissions. Some owners have been on the highway. I was fortunate,I was only on a busy street. Turning was also difficult. NHTSA please do something before someone is killed.
While pulling into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and jumped over a raised curb, smashing into the wall of the U.S. Post office in depere, wi. The airbags deployed and there was $2100 in damage to the vehicle. The damage has since been repaired. On March 13th 2012, I was notified by a friend that there was a probe into the Ford Taurus having this issue. I have notified Ford motor company and the vehicle is currently at broadway Ford in green bay, wi awaiting an answer as to what caused the sudden acceleration.
Tl contact owned a 2005 Ford Taurus. Upon starting the vehicle the contact began to smell a burning odor and noticed smoke underneath the dashboard. The vehicle was shut off. The contact opened the hood and observed that everything under the hood was on fire. The police and fire department appeared on the scene to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an independent repair shop where they were in the process of diagnosing the failure. The failure and current mileage was 107,000.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Ford Taurus. The contact plugged an air pump into the cigarette lighter of the vehicle and the wiring underneath the dashboard caught fire. By the time the fire department arrived, the fire had extinguished itself. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer; therefore, he does not know the cause of the failure. Currently, the engine does not start. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 43,000.
The car will start accelerating while parked going up to 4000 RPM, it will also while driving accelerate without foot being on pedal. Please call me if you can help [redacted].
The car would speed up by itself from fault of throttle control assembly, alternator had to be replaced, windshield wiper hose assembly, the ac compressor had to be completely replaced, accumulator or receiver drier had to be replaced, as well as replacement of the compressor drive belt, evaporator orifice belt, serpentine belt tensioner, idler pulley, belt tensioner, on another recent occasion, the Ford was idling high and when driving, would speed up to around 4000 to 4500 rpms, on its own replacement of gasket all spark plugs, valve assembly, and another kit 11794 to counter the revving engine and throttle. . Also the power steering was off in the car,and it could not maintain an alignment, as you drove the steering wheel would jerk and shake. Odd noises emanating from the left and right rear of the car resembling a wheel bearing also will probably result in further repairs. …
Electrical complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Ford Taurus, 4% of the model year's 774 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford Taurus electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2005 Ford Taurus. 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 2005 Ford Taurus electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 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.