Two problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe 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.
Car was driven for approx. 100 miles, gas was low, so stopped to refill. When car was restarted, the car hesitated then sounded choked like it was not getting gas. Revved car to try to 'clear' system. Problem continued, at worst when idling. After a few minutes, engine light came on, so I turned off the car and called Ford dealer. Wrecker driver came out, revved car a few more times (approx. 3000 rpm) small backfire out of muffler each time. Problem seemed to go away. Wrecker driver blamed 'baffles' in muffler? drove car another 200 miles home. Three days later, after driving a bit, parked for short time then restarted car, same problem reoccurred.
Consumer states vehicle loses power when turning, and there is a fish odor in car. Dealer states that oil is burning on the manifold.