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 The Taurus was withdrawn after the 2007 model year, with production ending on October 27, 2006.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: 2015
This is America's full-size road car. I have rented it several times during work travel and then went out and purchased it. I have also rented the 300 and Impala, as well as several SUVs, but I prefer the road car and the Taurus is the best bang for the buck. It is actually the largest of the three by an inch all around, slightly higher beam, and heaviest. It has the best safety rating. But for me, it came down to road comfort for myself, family, associates, and golf friends. Most of my male associates are 6' plus and tip 200. You get the legroom, headroom, and ease of getting in and out. This Taurus is smooth, has a huge trunk that can fit 4 golf bags, luggage, kitchen sink, and more. I can see why law enforcement guys have it. The technology is good+, powertrain, engine very good, and I would recommend the 4-wheel drive if you can get it (Midwest winters). On the open road and highway, you feel secure and like the
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Vehicle year: 2003
The 2003 Taurus is an excellent choice for a family sedan. With generous rebates offered by Ford, the Taurus becomes extremely competitive with its main rivals, the Camry and Accord. My experience with past Taurus ownership has been very positive, with good reliability and very few problems. The build quality is impressive, and the controls and accessories are well designed and easy to operate. The car also boasts a roomy trunk for its size. The 24V six engine provides a gas mileage range of 22 mpg in the city to 29 mpg on the highway.
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Vehicle year: 2011
I love this car! It's been 6 years and I've never had to put anything into it except for a battery. It drives so smoothly and quietly. I feel safe driving it, even in the snow. I would highly recommend it!
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Vehicle year: 2013
I've owned quite a few cars, and I must say, most of them have been Fords. Not because I don't like other cars, but because I usually find that I get more for my money through Ford. In the Ford family, I've had two Explorers (probably my favorite automobile of all I've owned), a Thunderbird (old style), a Fusion, a Mustang and a Focus. My husband has a Bronco and is on his second Expedition. All of them have been great cars. I prefer to drive an SUV, but when gas prices went up, I scaled down, but found that a smaller car didn't suit me, especially when I had to put a car seat in the back for my granddaughter. I purchased the Taurus used with about 24K miles on it. I've had it for a year and a half, and I have 62K miles on it. I have a very long commute to work, so I like to be comfortable. The Taurus is perfect for all that - it gets good gas mileage, plenty of space and a trunk that will hold a couple of bodies. Love the way it handles. I have a rear camera on mine, and I have to say that I would really struggle backing up without it. The only tiny thing that I don't like (and it is a very small issue) is the directional stick. It's got variable options so you can blink the directional only once, three times or full on. I find that whenever I want to turn the signal full on, I guess because you have to push it a little harder, I frequently end up flashing the person in front of me. I have to really concentrate on making sure I don't pull forward on it with my finger when I'm putting the direction on. Other than that, not one complaint. If I end up buying another sedan when I'm ready to trade, I would get another Taurus. It's the perfect car for me!
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Vehicle year: 2007
I'm so glad I bought this car! It has a great warranty, looks amazing, and was priced affordably. The alloy rims, spoiler, console option, and power seat make it feel like a luxury car. The maroon color is beautiful and everyone compliments it. While the seat could use some lumbar support, I still love driving it. I traded in my 2005 Chevy Malibu for the Taurus and I have no regrets so far!
Are you having problems with your Ford Taurus?
Clifford Sauer 2025-11-08
Vehicle year: 2002
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with this car. I bought it used with 18K for $10,500 and it has been a very reliable and solid car. I haven't had any major problems so far, which is great! It rides really well and has a solid feel, with firm almost sporty handling for a wagon. It's also really quiet on the highway and gets good mpg. I average 22 city/hwy without even trying! Before buying this car, I looked at SUVs but they were about 5K more expensive. I use it mostly for business, constantly loading paper in and out (I own a printing company). Even with 800lbs of paper, it handles soundly with no surprises. This car may not be the sexiest or fastest, but if you want to get around with lots of stuff or a family and not spend a fortune, then it's definitely worth looking into. Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase. This car is a good fit for my needs.
Hipolito Marvin 2025-11-05
Vehicle year: 1991
This car was a great performer - fast, handled great, and was very comfortable. Unfortunately, after 6 months, the transmission went out. I took it to a Ford dealer to have it fixed for $2500, and they assured me that it would be guaranteed and covered at any Ford dealer in the US. However, when I moved to GA, the transmission went out again. The dealer claimed it was my fault for not checking the trans fluid, but it was a manual and there was no way of checking it. I had it repaired again for $2500. Unfortunately, just 10 miles after the warranty expired, it went out again and they would not fix it unless I paid another $2500. At that point, I decided to give the car away.
Rashawn Jenkins 2025-11-02
Vehicle year: 1996
Hey there! I'm having a bit of trouble with my car. Unfortunately, Ford wouldn't replace the pawl pin in the transmission because it was just a month over warranty, even though the car only had 30,000 kms at the time. The rack and pinion is also faulty, but Ford won't fix it. I had to replace the transmission for $2,600 at 120,000 kms with no warranty. On top of that, the emission pump failed and cost me $800. I've already spent over $1,000 on AC repairs and it looks like I might have to go in again. Do you have any suggestions or should I just call a scrap dealer instead?
Webster Blanda 2025-11-02
Vehicle year: 2001
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with a reliable and affordable family sedan that I purchased back in 2003 with less than 15,000 miles on it. I found that the maintenance costs were quite low compared to other cars, which was a pleasant surprise. While the styling may not have been the most exciting, I took great care of this vehicle with regular oil, transmission, and antifreeze changes, and it really took care of me in return. The only major repairs I had to make were a broken rear coil spring and a rebuilt air conditioning compressor at 110,000 miles. Unfortunately, the car was rear-ended in July 2009 and was totaled by the insurance company, but if it weren't for that, my son would still be driving it today. Overall, I found this car to be a great value for the money and very reliable. Thanks for listening!
Mack Witting 2025-10-29
Vehicle year: 1993
Hey there! Your car is great, but it could benefit from some transmission improvements.