Ford Taurus battery drain problems

Filed May 30, 2025 · Electrical · OR

After my battery died, my 2011 Ford Taurus defaulted my only working key to a ‘MyKey’ with volume limits, seatbelt mutes, and other safety limitations. I cannot undo it without spending over $200 to fix an issue caused by your faulty system design. This creates a safety issue and financial burden that Ford should be responsible for.

Filed Oct 23, 2019 · Acceleration · 145,700 miles · MI

My 2007 ford taurus was up to 3000 RPM's and my car wasn't letting me drive faster than 19 MPH. When pressing the gas pedal all the far would do it rev higher and jolt forward really fast. I turned my car off and began driving normal again except the fact my transmission was still working way too hard for the speed I was going (3000 RPM's at 45 MPH). This has happened to me 4 times in the past 2 days now. I'm guessing it's my transmission and my car doesn't even have 146,xxx miles on it and never have I beat on it! This problem follows my dead battery cell and starter relay problem. I have read somewhere else that these transmissions go out very soon. I really think they should be recalled. I don't have money to buy a new transmission or vehicle! No reason this transmission should be bad after 145,xxx miles!!

Filed Aug 29, 2019 · Brakes · 204,500 miles · MD

Reported earlier today under confirmation #11252283 about trying to move the gearshift from park into drive so car can be driven. Now gearshift still not working and remaining in park but also the brake lights and headlights refuse to shut off. The battery had to be disconnected so the brake lights wouldn't drain the battery dead. Now the mechanic is saying there's a recall on the brake stoplight switch on this 2004 ford taurus.

Filed Jun 17, 2019 · Electrical · AL

The break light are staying on draining the battery, ive replaced the paart with a part from advance auto , but lights stay on , found out that there is a recall for this problem but not for my VIN number.

Filed Dec 14, 2017 · Brakes, Electrical · 130,000 miles · VA

Brake lights came on would not turn off. Brake switch needs to be replaced. Battery died thanks .in motion on street

Filed Jul 21, 2014 · Lights · 96,976 miles · TX

I woke up on 7/19/14 to find my 2003 ford tauruses battery dead. This seemed strange since the battery was new and the alternator was in great shape. Not sure why my battery was dead, I jumped the car and drove somewhere. When I parked my car, I noticed the brake lights continued to illuminate after shutting the engine off. I tried tapping on the brakes, but the brake lights continued to illuminate. I researched the issue and found a ford recall (04s12) for 2003 ford taurus that said brake lights would stay on all the time. The recall covered the replacement of a brake light switch. The ford dealership said that my VIN did not qualify under the recall. I had the dealership replace the switch anyways at my cost. The replacement brake light switch fixed the issue. The recall needs to be expanded to cover my VIN.

Filed Apr 29, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 120,000 miles · OH

My battery discharge light came on then the ABS light, the brake light and others. I have taken it to a repair shop and neither he nor I can find the battery drain. The computer doesn't show anything. At times if its raining the wipers go as does the heat or air blower. I have also noticed the transmission not shifting correctly. My main concern is the engine stopping or the brakes not working and I have had my wipers not work in a rain storm . Any advice?

Filed Nov 29, 2013 · Electrical · 98,000 miles · MI

Oct 2012 bought my ford taurus 2003. In november as I drove home at 3 am at 55 MPH the cars dashboard lights all flashed across my dash then the headlights went out as I pulled to the side of the road the car stalled. I sat for approx 15 restarted car and got it home. The next morn the battery was dead. Purchased battery. Car ran fine for a year then changed coils in october 2013. Ion november I was driving 55 MPH and all of a sudden dash and headlights went out. I was able to move the car into a driveway before gettin hit by 2 cars. Car was towed to my house I charged battery check the alternator. Next day car was started 3 times. The fourth time no go. Car towed to mechanic. Or shall I say dealership where car is under warranty. They called next day to tell me it was a dead battery they have charged it for an hour. I let the car sit there for a few days then called back, they then said my neg term to my battery wasn't connected.. And the car is now fixed, the car has sat at dealership for three weeks. Im scared to drive it and don't want my four kids in that death trap.

Filed Jan 26, 2012 · Electrical, Visibility · 82,555 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford taurus. The contact stated that both the blower motor and the interior lights experienced failures. As a result, hot air would not blow from the vents and the windshield could not be defrosted. The interior lights illuminated constantly and drained the battery prematurely. The dealer reprogrammed the electrical system computer and corrected the interior light failure. The blower motor failure was not corrected. The failure mileage was 82,555 and the current mileage 85,754. Updated 03/05/12*lj updated 03/06/12

Filed Feb 8, 2011 · Body, Lights · 54,831 miles · OH

My 2005 ford taurus has been a headache since day one. Today on my way to work the car suddenly accelerated and applying the brakes was a challenge as I almost couldn't stop when pulling over for safety. Prior to this, over $2000 for a new engine, another $900 for a new transmission, another $250 for a power steering pump, and daily issues like the door not latching and me trying to hold driver's door shut while driving at the same time, and then having to tie a rope across the front seat to the passenger door. Also, the daytime running lights turn on on their own at any given time and drain the battery. This car is a piece of crap. If you buy this kind or car, make sure you have aaa too.