Two problems related to brake fluid leak have been reported for the 2001 Ford Taurus. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Ford Taurus based on all problems reported for the 2001 Taurus.
I lost braking when a came to a hard stop. Noticed that brake fluid dripping out by driver's door. I found out the brake lines that go to the rear of the car ruptured. Most of the brake lines are visible and are in good shape under the vehicle. Part of the brake lines rise under a recess in the underbody floor. There a plastic shield protects it from the parking brake cable. It was there that the lines had corroded badly and ruptured. This is listed on sited on the internet and should be warned to all Taurus owners.
2001 Ford Taurus, lost brake pressure while driving (pedal to floor). After further investigation I found the steel brake lines running to the rear of the car on the driver's side were completely rusted through, and leaking brake fluid at a very fast / high rate. It was obvious that the corrosion was cause by (2) plastic guards used to protect the lines from the parking brake cable. The guards held water, salt etc. . .