Two problems related to engine cooling system have been reported for the 2002 Ford Taurus. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Ford Taurus based on all problems reported for the 2002 Taurus.
I had no heat from my 02 Taurus this past September and after 2 flushes it is now a clogged heater core. I noticed that I am not alone with this condition since I was told by an on-line blogger that there is a known defect in the Taurus' coolant systems having particles in them when they left the manufacturer, Ford.
The fan blower motor on my dad's 2003 Ford Taurus se with only 33,000 miles and on my 2002 Ford Taurus ses with 82,000 miles both failed recently. My dad passed away July 7th and I was attempting to seal the car when a prospective buyer mentioned that the fan wasn't working. I checked it out and it work sporadically. I ended up taking it to hiller Ford in franklin WI after talking to Ford - they wanted it diagnosed. The dealer replaced the blower motor, resistor and rain hat which cost $520. The day of my dad's funeral, the blower motor on my car began to work sporadically. I took my car to hiller Ford and authorized the repairs today. The estimate is $429 to replace the blower motor, resistor and a seal. The dealer service manager stated that it appears there is a leak in the post for the windshield and water was getting behind the dash soaking the blower motor unit. When I contacted Ford on August 22, 2008, they claim neither car was subject to the 2003 windshield replacement recall (NHTSA campaign id # 03v087000). I find it hard to believe that Ford is offering no relief because they claim the cars weren't subject to the recall and the windshield leak isn't related to the blower motor going bad. I'm out almost $1000 in repair costs and I've seen many comments from other owners who have had issues with the blower motor and leaks into the passenger compartment.