AI DamageFord Taurus: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Ford Taurus across 5 model years: 199 owner complaints and 86 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Backover prevention 27% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 13% of all complaints
- 3 Structure 13% of all complaints
- 4 Engine 10% of all complaints
- 5 Suspension 8% of all complaints
- 6 Steering 7% of all complaints
- 7 Powertrain 6% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel/propulsion system 6% of all complaints
- Backover prevention: 54 complaints (27% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 5.
- Electrical system: 25 complaints (13% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 83.
- Structure: 25 complaints (13% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 6.
- Engine: 20 complaints (10% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 9.
- Suspension: 16 complaints (8% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl 2013–2017
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl 1986–1990
- 3 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1986–2007
- 3.2 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1993–1995
- 3.4 L · petrol · 8 cyl 1996–1999
- 3.5 L · petrol · 6 cyl 2008–2019named in 1 complaints
- 3.5 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cyl 2010–2019named in 1 complaints
- 3.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1988–1995
- automatic, 3-speed 1986–1990
- automatic, 4-speed 1986–2007
- automatic, 6-speed 2008–2019
- manual, 5-speed 1986–1995
Drive: FWD, AWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 199 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backover prevention | 54 | 1 | 5 |
| Electrical system | 25 | 1 | 83 |
| Structure | 25 | 0 | 6 |
| Engine | 20 | 1 | 9 |
| Suspension | 16 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 13 | 3 | 1 |
| Powertrain | 11 | 1 | 27 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 11 | 1 | 2 |
| Engine and cooling | 9 | 0 | 15 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 2 | 12 |
| Air bags | 7 | 3 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Lane departure | 3 | 1 | 3 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Seat belts locked up. Air bags did not deploy. Front passenger tire flat. Car towed next day. Ford dealership did NOTHING even when it was discovered Ford sold us a car with a FLAT spare tire (donut). Dealership said no recalls, but coverup or fixed but not correctly previously? Car purchased used.
There were no warning lights illuminated. The child passenger who was using a car seat positioned in the rear passenger seat sustained injuries that left the occupant in a coma, and medical attention was provided.
Rear adjustable lataral arm and ball joint (RH) on rear wheel broke, while driving spun car in the road. Had to replace part and take vehicle to Ford dealership to get car allined and have car inspected for other damage. Purchased from Oreilly Auto Parts. Part number 2CB40582 $103.99. Precision Lateral Arm and Joint.
I don't know if the car has a blind spot. I don't know if the air bag broke my wrist. I don't know why my wrist was broken because both of my hands were on the steering wheel during my collision on May 9, 2022. There were not any warning messages that I recall seeing or hearing.
I had started breaking for impact of a dog on the freeway (had started tapping my breaks as I was slowing down, as there was no way to avoid the dog)…I was hit from the back by a F350 (pulling a full-size horse trailer w/ living quarters & 3 to 4 horses), which was traveling 70 to 75 MPH.
The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The front passenger sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was totaled and was towed to a tow yard. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided a case number.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Backover prevention. Rear camera and parking sensors after a rear impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- 25E10-S1 Owner letter
- NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E10 - Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2020 Model Year F-150…
- Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines…
- Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless…
- This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure
- Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes…
- While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal…
- This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure
- All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code
- Various vehicles have had pinpoint tests, guided routines and the Warranty and Policy Manual…
- For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an…
- During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper,…
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
- 2016 ford Taurus with transmission issues, finally resolved
- Ford Taurus 2016 , 3.5 АКПП
- Unexpected Thrills: My 2016 Ford Taurus Transformed into a Powerful Police Interceptor
- Radiator Replacement - Ford Taurus (2010-2019) 3.5L V6 in less than 60 seconds! #mechanic #ford
- Top 5 Problems Ford Taurus Sedan 2010-2019 6th Generation
- Rear Crash Impact Bar Replacement 2011-2019 Ford Taurus
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.