Ford Taurus problems
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Ford Taurus model years
Common Ford Taurus problems
The Ford Taurus is a popular sedan known for its comfort and value, but like any vehicle, it can have its share of problems. Here are some of the most common issues reported by Ford Taurus owners:
- Transmission System: The transmission system is a common problem with the Ford Taurus, with issues such as stalling, hesitation, and difficulty starting the car. These problems tend to appear at more than 100,000 miles and can be expensive to fix.
- Head Gasket or Cracked Cylinder Head: Some 1990-1994, 1997-1998, 2000, 2005, 2011, and 2013 Ford Taurus models have been reported to emit white smoke from the exhaust due to a blown head gasket or a cracked cylinder head. This issue can be resolved using a head gasket set or replacing the cylinder heads.
In summary, while the Ford Taurus is generally a reliable vehicle, it can experience several common problems, including transfer case failure, strut mounts and bearings, automatic lights switch issues, oil leaks, blend door actuators, engine oil pan gasket leaks, transmission system issues, and head gasket or cracked cylinder head problems. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these issues early on, potentially saving car owners from costly repairs.
Is the Ford Taurus a reliable car?
The Ford Taurus is a reliable midsize car with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal. Some of the top Ford Taurus problems include a cracked windshield, gasket leaks, and engine problems.
What are the bad years for Ford Taurus?
Quick Answer: The Ford Taurus surprisingly has very few years to avoid. Those include 2002, 2003, and 2005. For a vehicle that's been in the industry as long as the Taurus, there are only three years that stand out among the rest as being worrisome.
Why did Ford stop making Taurus?
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, sales of the Taurus declined as it lost market share to Japanese mid-size sedans and as Ford shifted resources towards developing SUVs. The Taurus was withdrawn after the 2007 model year, with production ending on October 27, 2006.
How long do Ford Taurus engines last?
The range for a Ford Taurus is typically 180,000-200,000 miles. Based on those numbers, anything above 150,000 would be considered high mileage for a Ford Taurus.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford Taurus years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford Taurus cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford Taurus model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford Taurus model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford Taurus years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford Taurus car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford Taurus , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Suspension problems
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford Taurus vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Taurus model years
A total of 1181 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Taurus model years
There were a total of 621 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Taurus model years
There were a total of 1060 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Taurus model years
There were a total of 44 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 19807 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford Taurus . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford Taurus vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ford Taurus 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 1FAHP2H82DG
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost all motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); the VIN was included, but had already been repaired in 2014. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Ford Taurus 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 1FAHP2H87EG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: rear view camera image is blank, distorted or inverted on 2014 Ford Taurus. Never know which will happen when car is put into reverse.
Ford Taurus 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 1FAHP2H89FG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Me and numerous other taurus owners (2013-2019) are experiencing catalytic converter issues with the catalytic converter(s). The sensors are throwing code P0420 and/or P430. This tells us emissions aren't up to emissions standards.
Ford Taurus 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-30
- VIN: 1FAHP2F82DG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The electric power steering has gone out. I am experiencing the exact same problem as other ford Taurus of the same year, make and model that have had recalls on the electric power steering.
Ford Taurus 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-19
- VIN: 1FAHP2KT1DG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. The contact drove to the residence, where the steering wheel seized. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic determined that the electric power steering gear had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Ford Taurus 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-12
- VIN: 1FAHP2KT2AG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while making a right turn, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated that the "Power Steering Assist Failure" message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,000.
Ford Taurus 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-11
- VIN: 1FAFP53U96A
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Intermittent accelerator sticking. After lifting foot from accelerator to prepare for braking/stopping the car continues to accelerate. Safety is at risk in traffic and intersections. There is online documentation related to previous NHTSA investigations. Ford and the local dealership has stated that there is not a defined recall. Although there may not be a “recall” this is certainly a safety problem!!
Ford Taurus 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-09
- VIN: 1FAHP2J82DG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while her husband was starting the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist had failed and that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Ford Taurus 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-09
- VIN: 1FAHP2F87FG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. In addition, the steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with power steering control module (PSCM) failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Ford Taurus 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-03
- VIN: 1FAHP2EW3BG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the camshaft, cam phasers, and connecting rod bearings. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Ford Taurus 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-01
- VIN: 1FAHP2F86DG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: When you go to steer it just like it locks up and cant steer ,have to turn the car off and start back up and it works , happen to me twice, no worries at all , very scary.
Ford Taurus 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-01
- VIN: 1FAHP2F86DG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: Back up camera It’ll work when you start to back up and then all of a sudden it just stops working it’s been doing this often for about month.
Ford Taurus 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-30
- VIN: 1FAHP2F83EG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: During my vacation in the USA 2014 i bought the used car with the named VIN. The car was exported from the USA to Switzerland. He is still in service until today. The car is not listed in your database. I can't imagine, that this car escapes from the "screen", after exporting, like "out of sight, out of mind". I am aware of various recalls for this type of vehicle and i suspect that my vehicle is one of them. There has not been an incident so far, but why am I not hearing anything? It's a matter of principle. Sincerely Yours [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Ford Taurus 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-22
- VIN: 1FAHP2KT9DG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering was inoperable, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely firm. The failure occurred while the contact's daughter was driving on the highway. The vehicle was driven over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was then driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 109,134.
Ford Taurus 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-21
- VIN: 1FAHP2E83DG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I was driving down the road about 50 mph when all of sudden my steering wheel locked up was nearly impossible to turn I had to try to keep it on the road and slow down as quickly as I could it took all my force to turn the wheel and it was not turning like it normally did it would like skip a beat and not really turn the wheel this is a common problem with 2013 ford taurus some are recalled mine However was not but after searching the web many other people have the same issue but not covered under the recall but exactly the same issue now ford turned a recall into a customer satisfaction program However I am the 2nd owner of this car was never notified by ford or the original owner of the customer satisfaction program so apparently they turned a recall into a csp and if it's past 10 years or 150 thousand miles ford will no longer fix it as I said before I was never notified by ford or the original owner this has caused 16 accidents all together almost caused me to crash I have seen many post of people doing 60 plus mph around a corner and lose steering causing a an accident these cars are not safe on the road with these steering racks it's a dangerous recall ford should have to cover it wether it's been 10 years or 150 thousand miles I'm the 2nd owner never notified I can't afford 3 grand just for the rack I can't get to work now because I live in the middle of no where and ford refuses to fix the problem this easily could have caused a head on accident killing me and the other people involved in the collision with iver 16 accident and 4 of them having injuries and not being notified of this issue I feel as it should be fixed by ford and a recall can't be turned into a csp with a restriction on how many miles or years u can have or they don't have to fix there own recall now im without a car without a job and ford refuses to fix the problem they know they created this is super dangerous and could lead to many more accidents please look into this
Latest 5 recalls Ford Taurus
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 165 recalls for different components of the Ford Taurus.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford Taurus 2014
- Report Received Date: 2020-11-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
- Consequence: The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
- Model: Ford Taurus 2015
- Report Received Date: 2020-11-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
- Consequence: The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
- Model: Ford Taurus 2015
- Report Received Date: 2020-02-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
- Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
- Model: Ford Taurus 2013
- Report Received Date: 2020-02-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
- Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
- Model: Ford Taurus 2018
- Report Received Date: 2020-02-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
- Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
Latest negative Ford Taurus car reviews
Latest positive Ford Taurus car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2009
In July '09, we made a great decision by trading our '04 Chevy Impala for this car. The Impala was constantly malfunctioning, but this car has been a reliable companion. We purchased it with 50,000 miles on it, and it rode and handled great from the start. After upgrading to better tires, the ride quality and noise level improved significantly. Even with 130,000 miles on it, it still runs like new. The only repair we needed was for the transmission oil cooler at 80,000 miles. Although the driver's side heated seat stopped working (which is normal), we haven't felt the need to fix it yet.
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Vehicle year: 2003
Hi there! I wanted to share some information about my 2003 ses. I bought it with 40,000 miles for $9,500 and it has been a great car for me. It has all the options I need, except leather seats which I swapped with my 2001 car that I gave to my kids. Currently, it has 135k miles and I am considering giving it to my kids. I have only had to do the brakes once and the stabilizer links once as well. Recently, I completely tuned it up. From day one, the transmission has hesitated when starting, but I have learned to drive off easy. On a tank of gas, I consistently average 22 mpg. I did notice some bubbling paint in the wheel well, but overall, the car is cheap and easy to fix. I also own a 97 and 2-98's that my kids drive, and I love them. Let me know if you have any questions!
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Vehicle year: 2002
I'm so glad to hear that you were able to find a great deal on a car that you love! It sounds like this Taurus is a real winner, especially compared to your previous Honda Accord. The smooth ride and comfortable interior must make for a really enjoyable driving experience. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with us!
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Vehicle year: 2008
Congratulations on your purchase! Your car sounds like a great choice, with plenty of space and comfortable seats for your family. It's great to hear that the brakes work well and the engine has plenty of power. The fact that you were able to find a good deal on a used car is also a plus. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
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Vehicle year: 2008
I bought my 2008 used in 2009 with 22,000 miles on the odometer. Now, with 106,000 miles, it still runs great with no issues other than scheduled maintenance. As a 75-year-old, I can say that this is the best car I have ever owned. It is comfortable, safe, has great visibility, and a large cargo area in the trunk. The mileage is fantastic at 26 mpg and the acceleration is fast. We recently purchased a 2018 Focus with the DTC transmission to save miles on the Taurus, and it has also been a great performer. It's a shame that more people didn't buy the Taurus, as it was a great car in all respects!
Are you having problems with your Ford Taurus?
Marcos Schiller 2025-07-14
Vehicle year: 1999
I bought this car after my last one was hit. I was initially interested in the mid-size Mitsubishi, but it was a bit out of my price range. Luckily, I found a few Tauruses available. I ended up purchasing one with 81K miles on it, and a year later it has 100K miles. Despite the high mileage, I only paid $1800 for it. The Taurus is incredibly comfortable and easy to get in and out of, and it's a breeze to park. It has decent power, and for a car of this size and type, it's actually quite fun to drive. While these cars may not hold their value as well as some others, I find them to be quite reliable. They may not be flashy, but that's actually a plus - it's the perfect car for flying under the radar and avoiding unwanted attention. It's great for commuting or taking road trips, as it's roomy and easy to drive for long periods of time.
Oswald Ondricka 2025-07-12
Vehicle year: 2007
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with this car. I bought it with 32K miles for $10,000 and now it's got 143K miles. It's been through a lot over the years, with some problems like an alternator, wheel bearings, idle valve, and an AC compressor. But despite all that, it's been a reliable car that has taken me through 14 states and lots of highway miles. I've even used it for business and now it's my son's car. Overall, it's been a great value for the price. The AC cools really well in the Texas heat, it rides and drives smoothly, and it's quite comfortable. It gets about 20mpg around town and 26/27 on the highway. I highly recommend it as a good value car!
Isac Mertz 2025-07-10
Vehicle year: 2008
The steering rack of this car has been known to have issues, which may not be immediately apparent without specific research into steering problems. In some cases, the power steering may fail, making it extremely difficult to turn. Despite this being a common problem, Ford has not issued a recall. It is worth noting that I had to have the steering rack replaced just 6 months after purchasing the vehicle last year. Therefore, I would advise avoiding this particular model.
Jayde Shields 2025-07-08
Vehicle year: 1996
I bought my 96 Taurus in 2003 with 65 K on it for $3500. It was a great investment as it lasted me for 8 years and over 200K miles. I only had to replace the normal stuff like brakes, a radiator, oil sending unit, and valve cover gaskets. The only downside was that the seats hurt my back, but I found a solution by cutting out a piece of foam for back support. I was really sad to see it go after it got rear-ended and was totaled due to its age. On average, I only had to put about $300 to $500 into it. Although it may not be the most stylish or cool car, the total cost of ownership was the most important factor to me. Recently, I purchased a 2003 Taurus SES and I hope it will be just as reliable as my previous one.
Caesar Cummings 2025-07-07
Vehicle year: 1997
I bought this car on a whim, and a week later I was thinking, 'What have I done?' However, it has grown on me. The drive is smooth and the design is like a spaceship or something. At first, I thought I was going to sell it soon, but as time goes on, I want to keep it! It's roomy and fun, has a nice sound system, and hasn't cost me much in upkeep. I hope that continues. I've already had family members offering to buy it when or if I plan to sell it.