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2001 Ford Taurus: headlights failing or too dim

7 of the 1,036 complaints about the 2001 Ford Taurus describe headlights failing or too dim.

owner complaints
7
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below

Headlights failing or too dim by model year

What owners say

Filed Jan 24, 2021 · Electrical, Suspension · 130,000 miles · CA

Since I've owned the car the transmission on the dash has been off meaning ... To put it in drive it has to say 1 st. On the dash reverse is where drive is or d. ... Yesterday I came to a stop sign and there was a huge thunk and I could not drive the car had froze then after messing with the shift arm it went thunk again and I got it home but cant drive any farther ..I also have had electronic problems since I got it one dash lights inside wont work next day blinker next day radio next day head lights .... And the front end thunks when driving and is not connected to the road ...it feels

Filed Nov 7, 2019 · Acceleration, Electrical · IA

My high beam light indicator is on but the low beams are on. When I push the switch to turn my high beams on they turn on but the light indicator turns off and when switch my high beams on my speedometer starts kinda working, otherwise it doesn't work at all.

Filed Feb 15, 2008 · Electrical, Lights · VA

When rotating the headlamp control switch clockwise the instrument cluster (dash) lights do not come on. However, the exterior lights do come on.

Filed Jan 16, 2008 · Suspension · 101,575 miles · NY · crash

Heard a bang heading off an off ramp and car shot into guard rail with drivers side of car breaking headlight, bumper, bending hood, fender and door and various scratches along side of car. Had car towed to dealer where purchased upon investigation both front coil springs were broken and front tires were shredded. As repairs were being made I found there was a ford recall on the front coil springs for the fractures an shredding of tires. Never received recall notice. The ford motor company, after repairs were made, don't want to reimburse repairs made because the repairs weren't made through them and refuse to pay the body damage.

Filed Jan 2, 2007 · Lights · MI

Purchased a used 2001 ford taurus. After purchasing, noticed that headlight switch was broken off and was just resting in original place. Continued to operate headlight switch until plastic piece that fit into part broke off. Can still turn headlights on & off, but only with a lot of effort. Planning to call dealer to see if it can be replaced at no cost; otherwise will do the repair myself.

Filed Feb 27, 2004 · Lights · 31,800 miles · AL

While driving, the front headlight lens have fogged up. This would cause it to be hard for the consumer to see during night hours. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve. Please provide more information.

Filed Jul 15, 2003 · Lights · AL

Consumer called complaining about headlight problems. Has called the manufacturer, and they have not tried to answer any questions.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported March 2, 2004 · 938,789 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles are being recalled to correct a problem with a malfunctioning stop lamp switch and/or associated wiring. This malfunctioning could render the stop lamps inoperable or cause them to stay on all the time. This could cause confusion to a following driver, which could lead to a crash.
Risk
In addition, if the switch and/or associated wiring fail in the open position, the brake lights will not actuate and the driver will not be able to shift the vehicle out of "park" if they fail in the closed position, the brake lights will remain on, which will not allow the speed control to be activated. This could also cause the battery to discharge.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the stop lamp switch and associated wiring assembly and install a newly designed stop lamp switch and wire assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin on april 5, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 04V106000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: tail lights: switchReported March 12, 2001 · 157,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. If the grease from the adjustable pedal assembly enters the stop lamp switch, it can contaminate the contacts leading to carbon build up, and potentially, a short circuit.
Risk
A short circuit could lead to either the brake lamps staying on, or to a loss of brake lamp function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch and wipe down the adjustable pedal assembly to remove excess grease. Owner notification began march 22, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 01V078000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: back up lightsReported February 28, 2001 · 28,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger sedans with factory or dealer-installed deck lid spoilers with LED center high mounted stop lamps (chmsl). Vehicles produced with spoilers were manufactured from march 1 through october 31, 2000; and vehicles with spoilers installed by dealers were manufactured from january 1 thorough december 30, 2000. With the ignition switch in the start or run positions and the hazard warning lights operating, the chmsl can illuminate (at reduced intensity) even though the service brakes have not been applied. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." also, in some cases the vehicle brake-shift interlock would not function properly, allowing the shift lever to be moved from park without applying the brake.
Risk
Under the requirements of the standard, the chmsl shall be activated only upon appplication of the service brakes. Also, the vehicle could roll increasing the risk of a crash, if the shift lever can be shifted out of park without depressing the brake pedal.
Remedy
Dealers will install a jumper/resistor assembly at the spoiler that provides an electrical resistor to ground and corrects the chmsl and brake-shift interlock conditions. Owner notification began march 19, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 01V048000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2001 Ford Taurus headlights

Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 2001 Ford Taurus?

7 of 1,036 owner complaints about the 2001 Ford Taurus (1%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 1993.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2001 Ford Taurus?

There are 3 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2001 Ford Taurus

Coil spring 381Tire blowout 49Adaptive cruise 26No deployment 26Stalling 22Sudden acceleration 20Fire or smoke 19Airbag light 18Brake failure 16Grinding brakes 16Seat belt 14Harsh shifting 11Jerking 11Wipers 11Ball joint 10Check engine light 10Loss of power 10Water leak 10Door locks 9Won't shift 9Transmission failure 9Engine failure 7Hesitation 7Pulling 7Fuel smell 5Overheating 5

All model years of the Ford Taurus

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