2005 Ford Taurus brakes problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Among the 10 model years of Ford Taurus in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2005 Taurus has serious brake and throttle issues reported across multiple owners: ABS lockup preventing steering during emergency stops, stuck accelerators that brakes cannot fully control, and extended stopping distances. Avoid this model for safety-critical reasons.
Owners of the 2005 Ford Taurus describe four distinct brake-related failure patterns. Two rental customers experienced the same collision (narratives #1 and #2) where ABS locked during emergency braking, preventing steering evasion and resulting in a broadside crash with serious injuries to occupants of both vehicles.
Multiple owners (narratives #3–6, #8, #9) report stuck accelerators that don't respond when the pedal is released. Speed increases from 30 to 55 mph despite the driver's foot off the gas, and brakes cannot fully stop the vehicle without maximum pedal force. One owner had the throttle cable replaced at the dealer, only to have the cable tube jam with debris a month later. Another took the vehicle to a Ford dealer four times without resolution. A fleet operator experienced this on two 2005 Taurus vehicles purchased new.
One owner (narrative #7) reports brake squeak within a month of purchase and loss of braking effectiveness going uphill; the dealer blamed Ford's brake design. Another (narrative #11) simply states brakes take longer to stop the car than normal.
Owners also describe the vehicle lunging forward at stops and when parked. One reports high idle RPM (around 3,000) even in Park, and the vehicle revving uncontrollably unless placed in Neutral. A check engine light appeared in at least one case after the acceleration failure.
Same Ford Taurus brakes reports on nearby years: 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Anti-lock brake lockup under emergency braking
ABS engaged during hard braking, preventing driver from steering around obstacles. Narratives #1 and #2 describe the same incident where ABS locked, leaving 60 feet of skid marks and making evasive steering impossible.
When: 2005 model year, within months of rental (October 2005)
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes lock up during hard braking; Inability to steer while brakes engaged; Skid marks on roadway; Loss of directional control
Stuck throttle / uncontrolled acceleration
Gas pedal sticks or remains open after driver releases it, causing vehicle to accelerate. Occurs with and without cruise control engaged. Speed increases from 30–55 mph despite removing foot from accelerator. Owners report needing maximum brake force to control vehicle.
When: 4 years after purchase (2009) for fleet vehicles; various timeframes for other owners; up to 140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal clicks or sticks; Vehicle accelerates without driver input; Inability to slow vehicle with brakes alone; High RPM at stops even in Park; Requires two feet on brake pedal with maximum force to control; Engine revs to approximately 3,000 RPM at idle in Park; Difficulty turning cruise control off once engaged
Codes mentioned: Check engine light illuminated (reported in narrative #10)
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #4: throttle cable replaced, then throttle cable tube found filled with debris. Dealership stated no charge for second repair. Narrative #8: taken to Ford dealer 4 times, problem remains unresolved. Narrative #6: taken to private mechanic, not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #3 mentions article about investigation into stuck throttle on 2005 models. No recalls mentioned by any owner.
Brake squeak and loss of braking under load
Brakes squeak shortly after purchase. One owner reports brakes cut out (lose effectiveness) when going uphill. Another reports brakes take longer to stop vehicle than normal.
When: Within 1 month of purchase (2005 model); ongoing at high mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Brake squeak; Loss of braking effectiveness going uphill; Extended stopping distance; Brakes require longer engagement to stop vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #7: dealer attributed squeak to manufacturing defect and stated nothing could be done.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #7: dealer stated brake problem came from manufacturing with 2005 model, Ford Motor Company's fault for brake selection.
Forward lunge when parking or at stops
Vehicle lurches forward when parked and ignition key is removed, and when coming to a stop at traffic lights or stop signs.
When: Within 1 month of purchase (2005 model); ongoing intermittent issue
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lunges forward when parking with ignition off; Vehicle surges forward at stop lights/signs on flat surfaces; Constant need for brake application to keep vehicle stationary
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2005 Ford Taurus?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 76,680 and 135,000 miles, with the median around 88,453. A quarter of owners report trouble before 76,680; a quarter make it past 135,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.