Ford Taurus years to avoid (and the best years)
1,745 NHTSA owner complaints and 19 recalls across 10 model years, 2010 to 2019. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 1,745complaints
- 19recalls
- 86reported crashes
- 20reported fires
- 82reported injuries
- 3reported deaths
Which Ford Taurus years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Ford Taurus years to avoid are 2013 and 2015. The typical Ford Taurus year has 134 complaints on file.
- 2013: 583 complaints, 4.4 times the typical year. Most complaints name the steering (51% of complaints) and the fuel system (18% of complaints).
- 2015: 275 complaints, 2.1 times the typical year. Most complaints name the fuel system (27% of complaints) and the backup camera (21% of complaints).
What are the best Ford Taurus years?
The Ford Taurus years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2019 (15), 2017 (44) and 2018 (49). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 15 | 0.1× | 2 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Backup camera |
| 2018 | 49 | 0.4× | 4 | 3 | 6 | Few red flags | Backup camera |
| 2017 | 44 | 0.3× | 4 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2016 | 81 | 0.6× | 4 | 4 | 3 | Few red flags | Backup camera |
| 2015 | 275 | 2.1× | 6 | 12 | 6 | Approach with caution | Fuel system |
| 2014 | 229 | 1.7× | 5 | 13 | 9 | Some concerns to check | Fuel system |
| 2013 | 583 | 4.4× | 9 | 20 | 25 | Approach with caution | Steering |
| 2012 | 78 | 0.6× | 5 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Body and structure |
| 2011 | 187 | 1.4× | 4 | 14 | 15 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2010 | 204 | 1.5× | 3 | 17 | 16 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 397 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain155 (39%)
- Steering, suspension & tires68 (17%)
- Electrical & infotainment54 (14%)
- Brakes44 (11%)
- Structure & body33 (8%)
Recalls (19)
Safety · 25V695000 · Oct 2025 · model years 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure · 25V611000 · Sep 2025 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 20V692000 · Nov 2020 · model years 2014, 2015
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.
Suspension · 20V072000 · Feb 2020 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 18V141000 · Mar 2018 · model years 2017, 2018
If the key is removed from the ignition while the vehicle is not in the PARK position and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 17V530000 · Aug 2017 · model year 2017
If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 16V925000 · Dec 2016 · model year 2016
An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Fuel system · 16V621000 · Aug 2016 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 16V247000 · Apr 2016 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fuel system · 15V812000 · Dec 2015 · model year 2013
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fuel system · 15V605000 · Sep 2015 · model year 2015
If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Safety · 15V464000 · Jul 2015 · model year 2015
If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 15V340000 · Jun 2015 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Structure · 15V040000 · Jan 2015 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Transmission · 14V393000 · Jul 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Exterior lighting · 14V285000 · May 2014 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
This corrosion may result in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Safety · 13V270000 · Jun 2013 · model year 2013
If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.
Fuel system · 13V227000 · May 2013 · model year 2013
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fuel system · 13V109000 · Mar 2013 · model year 2012
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.