According to Au7o's analysis of 2,800+ owner reports, the 2005 Ford Taurus has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are AX4S/AX4N Automatic Transmission Failure ($2,000-$4,500 repair) and 3.0L Vulcan V6 Head Gasket Failure ($1,200-$2,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Power Steering Pump Failure and Fluid Leaks with 1,600 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $40 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1996-2007 Ford Taurus, the AX4S and later AX4N automatic transmissions used in the Taurus are prone to premature failure due to torque converter clutch issues, valve body wear, and overheating. Common in high-mileage vehicles and those used for frequent stop-and-go driving.
Common Symptoms
Harsh or delayed shifting
Slipping between gears
Transmission warning light
Shuddering during acceleration
How to Fix
Confirm the failure with a road test and scan for transmission-related DTCs, then inspect fluid condition/level and line pressure to determine whether the problem is a worn valve body, failing torque converter clutch, or internal clutch/band damage. Minor cases may be improved by replacing the EPC/shift solenoids, installing a valve body repair kit or updated valve body, servicing the filter, and adding/repairing an auxiliary transmission cooler to control heat; if the unit is slipping badly, shuddering in multiple gears, or has contaminated/burnt fluid, a full rebuild or quality remanufactured AX4S/AX4N with a new torque converter is the proper fix. Typical costs are about $400-$900 for valve body/solenoid repairs and fluid service, $150-$400 for cooler repairs or installation, and roughly $2,000-$3,500+ for a complete rebuild or replacement transmission.
On the 1996-2007 Ford Taurus, the 3.0L Vulcan V6 engine is susceptible to head gasket failure, often presenting as coolant mixing with oil or external coolant leaks. The composite head gaskets deteriorate over time, especially with overheating events.
Common Symptoms
Coolant loss without visible leak
White exhaust smoke
Overheating
Milky oil on dipstick
How to Fix
Confirm head gasket failure with a cooling-system pressure test, combustion-gas/block test, and compression or leak-down test, then inspect for coolant in the oil and external seepage at the head-to-block mating surface. Repair requires removing both cylinder heads, checking head and block deck flatness, machining the heads if needed, and installing new head gaskets with new torque-to-yield head bolts; it is also wise to replace the thermostat, water pump if suspect, and thoroughly flush contaminated oil and coolant. If the engine was severely overheated or bearing damage is present from coolant-contaminated oil, a complete engine replacement may be more cost-effective. Typical repair cost is about $1,500-$3,000 for head gasket service, or $3,000-$5,500 for a remanufactured engine installation.
On the 1996-2007 Ford Taurus, the 1996-2007 Ford Taurus with hydraulic power steering (3.0L Vulcan and 3.0L Duratec V6 engines) is prone to power steering pump failure, often presenting as whining/groaning noises when turning, fluid leaks, and eventual complete loss of power assist. The Taurus Club of America forums document cases of sudden power steering loss that nearly caused accidents. RepairPal estimates replacement cost between $422 and $520 for most model years. The power steering pump bearings wear from heat and normal use, and the pump housing can develop internal leaks. The power steering hose connections are also prone to developing leaks at the high-pressure fitting. This issue is particularly common on Taurus models used for fleet/taxi service due to the increased steering load from constant low-speed maneuvering.
Common Symptoms
Whining or groaning noise when turning the steering wheel
Steering becomes heavy or difficult, especially at low speeds
Power steering fluid puddle under vehicle
Power steering fluid level drops repeatedly
Squealing noise from engine bay when turning
Sudden complete loss of power steering assist
Steering wheel jerks or pulses during turns
How to Fix
Replace the power steering pump and flush the entire system with fresh Mercon V ATF (Ford specifies ATF, not generic power steering fluid, for Taurus). Also inspect the high-pressure hose and return hose for leaks - if the hose is leaking at the crimped fitting, the entire hose must be replaced. Pump replacement cost is $422-520 at an independent shop per RepairPal. For preventive maintenance, check power steering fluid level monthly and flush every 50,000 miles.
Medium Confidence1,600 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
1,200 owners
On the 2000-2007 Ford Taurus, the 2000-2007 Ford Taurus experiences premature alternator failure, with some units failing as early as 34,000 miles according to Taurus Club of America forum reports. CarComplaints.com documents alternator failure as a reported issue for the 1997-2007 model years with an average repair cost of $270 at 135,750 miles. The 2002-2007 generation appears most affected based on forum complaint density. YourMechanic.com estimates alternator replacement between $533 and $695 for most Taurus model years. Symptoms include dashboard battery warning light, dimming headlights at idle, difficulty starting, and eventual complete electrical system failure and stalling. The internal voltage regulator is a common failure point, along with bearing wear that produces a grinding noise.
Common Symptoms
Battery warning light illuminated on dashboard
Dimming headlights, especially at idle
Difficulty starting or slow cranking
Vehicle stalls while driving (complete alternator failure)
Grinding or whining noise from alternator
Electrical accessories flickering or losing power
Battery drains overnight despite being new
How to Fix
Replace the alternator - the internal voltage regulator is not serviceable separately on Taurus alternators. OEM Motorcraft alternators are recommended over cheap rebuilt units that have high return rates. Cost is $533-695 at an independent shop per RepairPal/YourMechanic. When replacing, also inspect the serpentine belt and automatic belt tensioner - a worn tensioner can cause belt slippage that mimics alternator failure. Test the battery after alternator replacement - a chronically undercharged battery may have permanent sulfation damage.
Medium Confidence1,200 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2000-2007 Ford Taurus, on the 3.0L Taurus, both the pushrod Vulcan and the DOHC Duratec, P1506 usually turns out to be unmetered air rather than a dead idle air control valve. The PCV valve and its supply hose on these engines are cheap, high-mileage wear items that are awkward to access and notorious for rot; when the plunger sticks or the hose splits, far more crankcase air enters the manifold than the calibration assumes. Because that air enters downstream of the throttle plate and downstream of the MAF, the PCM cannot see it as airflow and cannot trim it out; it simply watches idle sit above target with the IAC already commanded to its minimum position and sets P1506. Hardened PCV hoses, a cracked or uncapped vacuum nipple near the throttle body, a leaking upper intake gasket, and a throttle plate that is not fully returning to its stop all produce exactly the same signature.
Owners describe a characteristic behaviour: idle flares high, falls back part way on its own, and then hangs there in park until the car is shifted into drive, at which point it drops toward normal. Some cars only misbehave intermittently, most often on a cold start or in cold weather. A second, less common cause on this platform is the IAC electrical circuit itself - a chafed harness or corroded connector - which Ford lists as an IAC circuit open or shorted condition and which will also set the code. The distinguishing test is whether idle falls when the IAC is unplugged; if it does not, the valve and its wiring are not the problem.
Common Symptoms
Idle flares to about 2,000 RPM then hangs near 1,500 RPM
Idle only drops to normal after shifting into drive
Intermittent high idle, worse on cold starts
Check engine light on
Poor fuel economy
Emissions test failure
How to Fix
Start with the free tests. With the engine warm and idling, clamp off the PCV hose. If idle drops several hundred RPM, replace the PCV valve and its grommet and hose - on a 3.0L this is an inexpensive part and often the entire repair. Next, unplug the IAC connector: idle should collapse toward 500-600 RPM or stall. If it stays high, keep hunting air rather than buying a valve. Smoke-test the intake from the MAF back, or spray carburetor cleaner around the vacuum lines and watch for an RPM change, and inspect the accordion inlet tube, the vacuum tree, the brake booster hose, and the upper intake manifold gasket, which is a known leak point as these engines age. Confirm the throttle plate closes completely and that the cable, cruise cable, and return spring are not holding it cracked open.
If testing does point at the valve, clean the throttle bore and IAC passage first, then replace the IAC with a Motorcraft unit - Taurus owners are emphatic that it is Motorcraft or nothing on this application, and several report that carefully cleaning the original OEM valve restored normal idle where a new aftermarket valve did not. Also inspect the IAC pigtail: normal operation is battery voltage on one wire and a PCM-driven ground on the other, so seeing 12 volts on both wires points to a wiring or driver fault, not a mechanical one. After any repair, clear the codes, reset keep-alive memory, and complete an idle relearn - a few minutes of warm idle with the headlights and A/C loaded, then a mixed drive cycle - before rechecking.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
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. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
Campaign #16E02600001/04/2016
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
Campaign #05V52000009/11/2005
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED.
Campaign #04V33000008/07/2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AIR FILTER PAPER IN THESE VEHICLES CAN SMOLDER OR BURN.
Campaign #04V10500002/03/2004
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELDS MAY POTENTIALLY EXHIBIT INCREASED WIND NOISE, WATER LEAKAGE, AND SQUEAKS AND RATTLES.
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,800+ owner reports, the 2005 Ford Taurus has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: AX4S/AX4N Automatic Transmission Failure, 3.0L Vulcan V6 Head Gasket Failure, Power Steering Pump Failure and Fluid Leaks. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Taurus reliable?
The 2005 Ford Taurus has 5 known issues documented across 2,800+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: AX4S/AX4N Automatic Transmission Failure and 3.0L Vulcan V6 Head Gasket Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Taurus problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Taurus issues range from $40 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, AX4S/AX4N Automatic Transmission Failure, typically costs $2,000-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1996-2007 Ford Taurus AX4S/AX4N Automatic Transmission Failure?
The AX4S and later AX4N automatic transmissions used in the Taurus are prone to premature failure due to torque converter clutch issues, valve body wear, and overheating. Common in high-mileage vehicles and those used for frequent stop-and-go driving. Repairs typically run $2,000-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1996-2007 Ford Taurus 3.0L Vulcan V6 Head Gasket Failure?
The 3.0L Vulcan V6 engine is susceptible to head gasket failure, often presenting as coolant mixing with oil or external coolant leaks. The composite head gaskets deteriorate over time, especially with overheating events. Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1996-2007 Ford Taurus Power Steering Pump Failure and Fluid Leaks?
The 1996-2007 Ford Taurus with hydraulic power steering (3.0L Vulcan and 3.0L Duratec V6 engines) is prone to power steering pump failure, often presenting as whining/groaning noises when turning, fluid leaks, and eventual complete loss of power assist. The Taurus Club of America… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2007 Ford Taurus Premature Alternator Failure?
The 2000-2007 Ford Taurus experiences premature alternator failure, with some units failing as early as 34,000 miles according to Taurus Club of America forum reports. CarComplaints.com documents alternator failure as a reported issue for the 1997-2007 model years with an average… Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2007 Ford Taurus Worn PCV Valve and Intake Vacuum Leak Drive Idle Above the IAC's Control Range?
On the 3.0L Taurus, both the pushrod Vulcan and the DOHC Duratec, P1506 usually turns out to be unmetered air rather than a dead idle air control valve. The PCV valve and its supply hose on these engines are cheap, high-mileage wear items that are awkward to access and notorious… Repairs typically run $40-$400. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
