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ProblemsByVinFile / 2005-FORD-TAURUSNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Ford
2005 Ford Taurus problems
The 2005 Ford Taurus has 774 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 1 active recall campaign.
The 2005 Ford Taurus has 774 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is cruise control at 473 complaints, typically surfacing around 98,289 miles (~$600 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2005 Taurus?
Avoid — the cruise-control
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the cruise-control was repaired or replaced.
1 fatality report and 1 fire-related complaint on the cruise-control
Engine: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 63,000–100,019 mi
Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2005 Ford Taurus? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
cruise control — 473 owner reports
· tends to show around 98,289 mi · ~$600 to fix
powertrain — 113 owner reports
· tends to show around 86,243 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
engine — 50 owner reports
· tends to show around 87,993 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
airbags — 23 owner reports
· tends to show around 79,595 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: cruise control is flagged
critical on this model
, showing up around 98,289 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2005 Taurus· cruise control
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated when the consumer hit some black ice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the throttle body had failed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 Ford taurus. While driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The issue occurred very frequently. In addition, the vehicle would stall and idle, but not completely shut off. The contact took the vehicle to an independent…
After it rains, the passenger side floorboard is soaked. There is also rust on the metal parts in the glove box as well as drip stains. I have reported this several times to the dealer since I purchased the car and was told it is just moisture causing the rust (such a lie).…
The car was started then it was being shifted from park to drive, the driver side air bag went off, before getting it in to drive (made it to neutral).this happened in the driveway.
Had a problem with your 2005 Ford Taurus?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598
A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.
Common questions
Is the 2005 Ford Taurus reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 774 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Ford Taurus has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2005 Ford Taurus?
On the NHTSA data, the 2005 Ford Taurus is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the cruise-control was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 1 fire-related complaint on the cruise-control; Engine: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 63,000–100,019 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2005 Ford Taurus?
Inspect the cruise control first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 473 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 98,289 miles. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2005 Ford Taurus a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 774 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is cruise control. Typical failure occurs around 98,289 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2005 Ford Taurus?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is cruise control, with 473 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 98,289 miles. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The cruise control is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 98,289 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford Taurus has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Ford Taurus?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 774 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $600, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Ford/Taurus.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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