The Lemon Index2001 Ford Taurus.
The 2001 Ford Taurus is better than average by owner complaints: 323 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 84, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about suspension, it has 10 recalls, and it gets 19 to 20 mpg combined. The best Ford Taurus year is 2004.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 1,036 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Ford Taurus year. 2001 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 48K to 101K miles on the car (695 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- suspension complaints mostly came at 51K–93K miles
- speed control complaints mostly came at 91K–140K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 17K–75K miles
Recalls 10
- brakes 2016
A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- suspension 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPS…
- lights 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING.
Show all 10 recalls
- brakes 2002
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.
- visibility 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS.
- seat belts 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.
- lights 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS.
- lights 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER SEDANS WITH FACTORY OR DEALER-INSTALLED DECK LID SPOILERS WITH LED CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMPS (CHMSL).
- equipment 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE AFFECTED EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR OWNER G…
- seat belts 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 110 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Rattling or clunking noise from the front suspension under normal driving conditions
- Some vehicles with power seats built after november 28th, 2000 will not be equipped with…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedSpeed control cable damage2012–2013
- ClosedRear coil spring fracture2006–2007
- ClosedRear coil spring fracture2005–2006
- ClosedFrontal air bag non-deployment in crash2003–2004
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★☆☆ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving 30 mph rear driver side spindle snapped, cutting the brake line. This caused the vehicle to have extended stopping distance which resulted in a roll over. Consumer sustained neck and back injuries.
2001 Ford Taurus owner · NHTSA complaint 10064726
More owner reports
Left rear coil spring broke suddenly while drivng across a parking lot, rendering the vehicle inoperable.
NHTSA complaint 10082906
Brakes continue to shimmy/ rotors/pads replaced/drums cut. Dt
NHTSA complaint 768763
Quick answers
Is the 2001 Ford Taurus reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 84; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Taurus year by this measure since 2010 is 2018.
What are the most common 2001 Ford Taurus problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are suspension (20%), brakes (20%) and airbags (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2001 Ford Taurus have?
10 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Ford Taurus get?
19 to 20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Taurus problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 48,300 and 101,000 miles. The middle report was at 72,500 miles, from 695 complaints.
Does the 2001 Ford Taurus have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2001 Ford Taurus cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2001 Ford Taurus have?
3.0L 6-cyl.
What Ford Taurus year is better than the 2001?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2016 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works