Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 4% | 155,000 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% | 8,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% | 34,000 miles |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% | 5,000 miles |
| 2014 | 10 | 4% | 14,000 miles |
| 2013 | 8 | 1% | 56,000 miles |
| 2012 | 4 | 5% | 41,000 miles |
| 2011 | 13 | 7% | 73,000 miles |
| 2010 | 33 | 16% | 22,000 miles |
| 2009 | 5 | 8% | 83,000 miles |
| 2008 | 15 | 9% | 49,000 miles |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% | 135,000 miles |
| 2006 | 26 | 8% | 70,000 miles |
| 2005 | 36 | 5% | 97,000 miles |
| 2004 | 26 | 7% | 87,000 miles |
| 2003 | 44 | 4% | 70,000 miles |
| 2002 | 46 | 3% | 67,000 miles |
| 2001 | 97 | 9% | 44,000 miles |
| 2000 | 108 | 9% | 46,000 miles |
| 1999 | 107 | 12% | 78,000 miles |
| 1998 | 81 | 15% | 70,000 miles |
| 1997 | 73 | 9% | 77,000 miles |
| 1996 | 71 | 9% | 120,000 miles |
| 1995 | 86 | 7% | 115,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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 Ford sold us a car with a FLAT spare tire (donut). Dealership said no recalls, but coverup or fixed but not correctly previously? Car purchased used. Ford dealership said to go to body shop. Body shop couldn't do anything unless we paid $6,000.00 to get the seat belts replaced. That's 1/3 the price financed for the car!!!! Safety put at risk: flat spare tire & seat belts locked up. The dealership SAID nothing wrong with brakes & steering according to their electronic diagnosis. Didn't even LOOK at brakes & steering. 2 incidents total so far with brakes & steering. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that there was a loud noise coming from the brake pedal each time it was depressed. The contact also stated that when accelerated and then depressing the brake pedal, the loud noise occurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed but could not fine a failure and informed the contact that it could probably be the suspension. The vehicle was taken to cutter Ford, inc, 98-015 kamehameha hwy, aiea, hi 96701, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had mentioned that the vehicle was taken for an oil change and was informed that the oil was leaking somewhere and it was very dark. The contact mentioned that the tire sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was traded in.
Driving 65mph and the steering wheel locked up and the brakes weren't working as they should. Check engine light came on. Was able to pull off the road. Shut off vehicle for awhile. Then it worked as it should. No repairs at this time but sounds like it will continue to happen.
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 brake assembly and eventually breaks. This can cause the vehicle to roll unintentionally and increase the risk of an accident. This issue has already been reported for the same vehicle as mine under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11113016 and I suspect it has been reported under additional models and years as well since it is a commonly reported issue on internet forums, yet no investigation or recall has been performed. The only remedy is to purchase a new parking brake assembly from Ford for more than $300, plus labor. …
When placing the car in park, the brakes do not engage fully or right away. The vehicle rolls before coming to an abrupt and rough stop. When shifting the car out of park, the brakes make a loud noise. This causes a potential collision, or unintentionally hitting a pedestrian.vehicle has not been inspected due to cost related issues to the vehicle owner.
I'm not having any success with my local Ford Dealership or with Ford Customer Service getting my car covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program. I have fuel system issues, I need to replace both cats and 2 bad sensors, halfshaft, fuel system, and braking issues. The dealership said to contact Ford and Ford says it's the dealership's problem. If they don't fix it, I'm done with Ford. If they can't stand behind their products and their dealerships won't help the customers, then my loyalty is done. I've already had to replace a poorly designed PTU at my expense and now this, buyer beware on Interceptors. Let's hope I don't have any other issues. No one seems to be willing to help and I'm beyond frustrated with this experience.
Please allow submission of additional information regarding issues with my 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor. As stated on the previous complaint filed on 1/9/2024, I got my car service at AutoNation Ford Service Center on 12/16/2023, and I brought it back to the service center on Saturday, 12/23/2023 because of the car's poor performance and engine had laminated on 12/17/2023. I went to pick up the car on Thursday 12/28/2023 in the morning, the Ford representative said the car is fine, and there is nothing wrong with the car. I say thank you and drive off. So, I am driving the car for about 5 minutes, it feels sluggish. Then the engine light comes on, I make a U turn and return the car to AutoNation Ford for service. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Taurus. While driving 30 MPH, all the electrical systems failed. The contact had to coast the vehicle to the side of the road, wait ten minutes, and resume driving. In addition, while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes failed. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Related recalls (4)
Parking brake
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
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.
Remedy: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Brake fluid low warning › Lamp
The brake system fluid level indicator lamp switch can malfunction. This does not comply with FMVSS no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake system fluid level indicator lamp switches.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install the retainer clip.
NHTSA investigations
Brake/accelerator pedal application
Ms. Rodman reported that after her vehicle was inspected for the recall, her mother experienced a sudden acceleration and crashed the sable into a light pole.previously NHTSA had conducted an investigation for this issue (pe02-035) that resulted in the recall (02v-266) of 369,000 my 2000-2002 taurus and sable vehicles equipped with adjustable brake and accelerator pedals to insure that the separation between the…
Brake/accel pedal separation
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Taurus years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (108), 1999 (107), 2001 (97), 1995 (86) and 1998 (81) model years. Brake complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Ford Taurus brake problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 15V-464 (parking brake, Jul 24, 2015); 02V-266 (pedals and linkages, Oct 2, 2002); 96V-016 (lamp, Jan 25, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Taurus brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (207 mentions), followed by the foundation components (92).
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.