Owners have filed 280 complaints
about the 2010 Ford Taurus with NHTSA between 2010 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 27 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 19
Against the median year of the Ford Taurus. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 85
16.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 77
45% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
836.4%
Body
522.7%
Engine
29.1%
Pedals AND Linkages
29.1%
Door
29.1%
Control Module
14.5%
Blind Spot Detection
14.5%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
14.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
2510.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
4017.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2310.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3615.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3314.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2510.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4218.2%
150,000+ miles
73.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2010 Ford Taurus 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
11.3% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2010peak 12Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2010 Ford Taurus
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201928112,211 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, a buildup of dirt and mud could cause the rear suspension toe links to break. This could result in a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Note: This problem affects vehicles operated in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The unique soil properties in this region could make a toe link more likely to break. Safety Risk: A loss of stability could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to install improved rear suspension toe links.
Recall 20150359,956 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, the return spring within the interior door handle assembly could become unseated, resulting in an interior handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation. This could allow a door to unlatch during a side impact crash, which could increase the risk of injury to a seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect, and repair or replace the interior handles as necessary.
Recall 201419613,200 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles registered and operated in areas where road salt is used on the roadways during winter months for extended time periods (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland-Labrador), corrosion may occur inside the license plate lamp assembly which could result in high electrical current draw, excessive heat or a fire. This could increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the license plate lamp assembly.
Recall 20093281,977 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 205 - Glazing Materials. The Standard specifies that glazing which meets the testing requirements be marked with the characters "ASI" in close proximity to the designation of the trademark. This information was inadvertently omitted from this location; however, it is marked in the upper portion of the windshield, on both sides. Correction: Since this does not pose any safety risk, no corrective action is required.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Washington, MICrash6 injured2 killed
AIR BAGS
Unknown. Car was going 100 mph. Driver, my son , was killed in this car accident. This year make AND model is known for throttle acceleration issues with brake afail override non existent until later models. Case number [XXX] sterling heights police department INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11666028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, MICrash6 injured2 killed
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Unknown. Car was going 100 mph. Driver, my son , was killed in this car accident. This year make AND model is known for throttle acceleration issues with brake afail override non existent until later models. Case number [XXX] sterling heights police department INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11666028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, MICrash6 injured2 killed
SERVICE BRAKES
Unknown. Car was going 100 mph. Driver, my son , was killed in this car accident. This year make AND model is known for throttle acceleration issues with brake afail override non existent until later models. Case number [XXX] sterling heights police department INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11666028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesGainesville, GACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the vehicle accelerated on its own at high speed without any warning, causing the vehicle to airborne and struck his neighbor's home. The contact desperately pressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle would not stop. The contact's wife had severe injuries and sought medical attention. The vehicle was towed but the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11498232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesJacksonville, FLFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE ENGINE WAS SHAKING AND SMOKE WHITE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT HAD SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE TO EXTINGUISHED THE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TWO OTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11350017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesGarrettsville, OHFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE INTERIOR FILLED UP WITH SMOKE, THE CONTACT MANAGED TO GET OUT THE VEHICLE WHERE IN A FEW MOMENTS THE VEHICLE WENT UP IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS MADE. PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE WAS CONTACTED, CAME OUT AND DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. NO DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 142,000.
NHTSA complaint #11340640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Detroit, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11749890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11749891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
STEERING
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11749891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11749890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
ENGINE
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11749891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11749890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11718868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, MICrash6 injured2 killed
AIR BAGS
Unknown. Car was going 100 mph. Driver, my son , was killed in this car accident. This year make AND model is known for throttle acceleration issues with brake afail override non existent until later models. Case number [XXX] sterling heights police department INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11666028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, MICrash6 injured2 killed
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Unknown. Car was going 100 mph. Driver, my son , was killed in this car accident. This year make AND model is known for throttle acceleration issues with brake afail override non existent until later models. Case number [XXX] sterling heights police department INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11666028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, MICrash6 injured2 killed
SERVICE BRAKES
Unknown. Car was going 100 mph. Driver, my son , was killed in this car accident. This year make AND model is known for throttle acceleration issues with brake afail override non existent until later models. Case number [XXX] sterling heights police department INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11666028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,000 milesMemphis, TN
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11614204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, MI
POWER TRAIN
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11591972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, MI
AIR BAGS
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11591972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Orion, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11591973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, MI
ENGINE
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11591972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Orion, MI
ENGINE
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11591973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Orion, MI
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11591973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, MI
SEATS
Upgrades allowed a low MPG.
NHTSA complaint #11574103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, MI
AIR BAGS
Upgrades allowed a low MPG.
NHTSA complaint #11574103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, MI
ENGINE
Upgrades allowed a low MPG.
NHTSA complaint #11574103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, MI
SEATS
O2 System failed. System checked. The service light is still on. Agents assisted with inspecting. Dealership had the vehicle non-recall. Seat belt light appeared and Agent was contacted. System is collected for revisiting my claim.
NHTSA complaint #11573851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, MI
SEATS
O2 System failed. System checked. The service light is still on. Agents assisted with inspecting.
NHTSA complaint #11573857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, MI
SEATS
O2 System failed. System checked. The service light is still on. Agents assisted with inspecting.
NHTSA complaint #11573858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, MI
AIR BAGS
O2 System failed. System checked. The service light is still on. Agents assisted with inspecting. Dealership had the vehicle non-recall. Seat belt light appeared and Agent was contacted. System is collected for revisiting my claim.
NHTSA complaint #11573851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, MI
AIR BAGS
O2 System failed. System checked. The service light is still on. Agents assisted with inspecting.
NHTSA complaint #11573857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
