Owners have filed 251 complaints
about the 2011 Ford Taurus with NHTSA between 2010 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 17 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 — 17
Against the median year of the Ford Taurus. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 76
14.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 62
36% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
73.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2010.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2211.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2815.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3820.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2915.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3317.8%
150,000+ miles
84.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole 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
2011 Ford Taurus 4 DR AWD
11.3% risk
2011 Ford Taurus 4 DR FWD
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.
Oct 2010peak 9Dec 2025
Recalls on the 2011 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.
United States — NHTSA
16V247000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
15V340000
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
Risk: 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.
15V040000
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
Risk: 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.
14V285000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Taurus vehicles manufactured November 24, 2008, through February 28, 2014, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. When used in areas that use road salt, the license plate lamp assembly may experience an electro-chemical reaction and corrosion as a result of water intrusion.
Risk: This corrosion may result in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
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 201522425,195 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, a fault in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system could result in an immediate loss of power steering assist without warning to the driver. This would unexpectedly increase the steering effort force necessary to steer the vehicle at lower vehicle speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs as necessary and will reprogram the EPS controller with updated software. In the event that an EPS fault occurs, this updated software would allow for continued EPS function while displaying visual and audible warnings to the driver until the end of the drive cycle.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Groton, VTCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
I hit a dirt embankment the seatbelts did not lock and I ended up smashing my head off of my steering wheel and my passenger ended up smashing their head off of my dashboard.
NHTSA complaint #11704995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suamico, WICrash1 injured1 killed
STRUCTURE:BODY
Car went from park position to reverse jumped gear?
NHTSA complaint #11564615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesUnion, NJCrash
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the vehicle had independently surged forward without warning. In all three incidents, the contact either hit another vehicle or an object due to the failure. The contact also stated that the vehicle would accelerate upon the depression of the brake pedal. The contact stated that all three accidents were minor; the air bags did not deploy and there were no injuries. A police report was filed when the contact hit another vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be serviced or diagnosed. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11493773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesUnion, NJCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the vehicle had independently surged forward without warning. In all three incidents, the contact either hit another vehicle or an object due to the failure. The contact also stated that the vehicle would accelerate upon the depression of the brake pedal. The contact stated that all three accidents were minor; the air bags did not deploy and there were no injuries. A police report was filed when the contact hit another vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be serviced or diagnosed. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11493773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesWheatland, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE CONTACT LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AFTER A BUCK COLLIDED WITH THE FRONT OF HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECALL IF THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY HOWEVER SMOKE WAS RELEASED FROM THE AIR BAG AFTER IT RUPTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP HOWEVER THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. THE IMPACT OF THE CRASH WAS ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MULTIPLE INTERNAL INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE CONTACT WAS REFERENCING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V247000 (AIR BAGS) AS A CAUSE OF THE FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11311422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,300 milesClearwater, FLCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY TRUNK LEAKED ONCE IN 2017 SOAKING LEGAL PAPERWORK. FOUND SOURCE OF LEAK THROUGH FAULTY GASKETS, USED SILICONE AND PERFORMED MY OWN WATER TEST WITH HOSE. FRONT LEFT HEADLIGHT LEAKED THROUGH RUBBER GASKET. I HAVE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO FIX MY CAR AND REPORTED ALL THIS TO FORD BUT WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO RECALLS AND SAFE MY RECEIPTS. AC COMPRESSED DIED PAID 1,000, SMART JUNCTION BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND PAID 500 TO REPLACE PART THAT CIRCULATES INSIDE AIR. LOVE MY CAR PAID 37 TH BACK IN 2011 BUT SINCE OUT OF WARRANTEE AND BOUGHT EXTENDED WARRANTEE NOTHING MUCH IS COVERED. ONLY 58,400 MILES ON MY TAURUS SEL MODEL. WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #11307973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Groton, VTCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
I hit a dirt embankment the seatbelts did not lock and I ended up smashing my head off of my steering wheel and my passenger ended up smashing their head off of my dashboard.
NHTSA complaint #11704995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merrimack, NH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear view backup camera visual is located in my rearview mirror it is just a blue screen whenever I put the car in reverse it just one day stopped working I've been waiting for it to be on the recall list and for some reason this year a 2011 is not on the recall list but it should be
NHTSA complaint #11695639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Osakis, MN
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Last June I noticed the car constantly shaking. Took it to Goodyear plaza tire in Alexandria mn and they said they didn't find anything wrong and it's normal to have tires feel like they are shaking while driving. The tires are 255/45R19 Then in July of 2025, I wanted a tire rotation and wheels balanced. The mechanic says they can't because the tread is almost gone and I'd have 5000 left before I could get new tires. About 2000 miles later I noticed the tread separating from the wires on 3 of the 4 tires. They have been kept properly inflated and rotated every 5000 to 6000 miles. Usually every other oil change. Again I was told it's normal since the tires mostly last 30,000 miles and is rated for 40,000. I don't think it's right.
NHTSA complaint #11689907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
ENGINE
Driving on access rd. Car stalled in middle of traffic. Glad I was not driving on highway. Lucky several drivers helped push car into a gas station. Saw water leak under car. There were no codes or indicators of over heating. Let car cool off. Noticed water in coolant reservoir. still was able to add 1 gal and half of water. Car turned on, drove it home which is about 3 miles. Water leak near the oil pan and block. After a long cooling period, noticed 3 hairline cracks on the bottom part of block. Cracked block Checked oil and noticed the oil was real thin and milky. Signs of water pump failure. Car is sitting on driveway. Only option is to replace the 156k miles engine. Cost is very expensive. Don't have money to fix. There should be a recall for this issue. Very dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11688951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2011 Ford Taurus Limited 37'000 miles Original owner Like New Condition. Engine and all systems working perfectly no check engine or other lights showing. I was driving on city street about 25mph and with no warning engine and dash all shut down I had no crank and no dash lights at all. while I waited for tow truck dash lights did come on and anti theft light was flashing very fast. If I had been driving on Interstate 80 I may have been killed with all the Semi's that are always there. This happened August 7th 2025 It has been at the FORD dealership by my house for 25 work days and all they have done is checked the computer and said no power so replaced comp with rebuilt one and still no power so that is where I'm at. If you have seen this before please tell me ,they have no clue THANKS
NHTSA complaint #11687134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, TN
SEATS
The inside rear view mirror camera only works on occasion.
NHTSA complaint #11686333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The inside rear view mirror camera only works on occasion.
NHTSA complaint #11686333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Normal, IL
ENGINE
The water pump failed on my Taurus, leaking coolant my into the engine, causing irrepairable damage
NHTSA complaint #11685997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,000 milesRittman, OH
STEERING
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were 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: 15V340000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. 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 199,000.
NHTSA complaint #11675109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portage, WI
SUSPENSION
Rear tow link nut in the frame rusted out and I can't get the bushing out of the frame. No way to install new tow link if the old one is cut out.
NHTSA complaint #11667251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marshall, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while idling at a stop sign or stop light, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and slightly hesitated while attempting to accelerate. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occasionally occurred after driving approximately 500 miles. The failure became more progressive over time. The contact stated that the gear shifter was able to be removed from the socket, causing the contact to have to apply pressure downward while changing gears to keep the shifter in the proper position. While driving at various speeds, the transmission felt like it was going to unexpectedly downshift or change gear. The contact had to hold the gear shifter to prevent the shifter from unintendedly changing gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11665967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gresham, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After my battery died, my 2011 Ford Taurus defaulted my only working key to a ‘MyKey’ with volume limits, seatbelt mutes, and other safety limitations. I cannot undo it without spending over $200 to fix an issue caused by your faulty system design. This creates a safety issue and financial burden that Ford should be responsible for.
NHTSA complaint #11664037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gresham, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
After my battery died, my 2011 Ford Taurus defaulted my only working key to a ‘MyKey’ with volume limits, seatbelt mutes, and other safety limitations. I cannot undo it without spending over $200 to fix an issue caused by your faulty system design. This creates a safety issue and financial burden that Ford should be responsible for.
NHTSA complaint #11664037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Racine, WI
WHEELS
While driving down the road, a loud humming started to get loud from the front of my car. Then loud clunking/dragging noises. My car started to slow down and the noises got louder. I had to turn on my hazards and slowly drive back home block by block. There is nothing visibly dragging. But I now have to get my car towed from home as it’s not safe to drive. This isn’t the first time this car has had issues with the steering hub, suspension, tie rods, ball joints, control arms, sway bar, etc. I have had to fix and replace that entire area a multitude of times since I’ve had this car.
NHTSA complaint #11661825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Racine, WI
STEERING
While driving down the road, a loud humming started to get loud from the front of my car. Then loud clunking/dragging noises. My car started to slow down and the noises got louder. I had to turn on my hazards and slowly drive back home block by block. There is nothing visibly dragging. But I now have to get my car towed from home as it’s not safe to drive. This isn’t the first time this car has had issues with the steering hub, suspension, tie rods, ball joints, control arms, sway bar, etc. I have had to fix and replace that entire area a multitude of times since I’ve had this car.
NHTSA complaint #11661825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Racine, WI
SUSPENSION
While driving down the road, a loud humming started to get loud from the front of my car. Then loud clunking/dragging noises. My car started to slow down and the noises got louder. I had to turn on my hazards and slowly drive back home block by block. There is nothing visibly dragging. But I now have to get my car towed from home as it’s not safe to drive. This isn’t the first time this car has had issues with the steering hub, suspension, tie rods, ball joints, control arms, sway bar, etc. I have had to fix and replace that entire area a multitude of times since I’ve had this car.
NHTSA complaint #11661825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from under the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated there was a fuel burning odor coming from the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the electrical system had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11659992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,900 milesSewaren, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while his wife was driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to a parking lot. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The contact stated that an independent mechanic drained the oil and became aware that there was coolant mixed in with the engine oil. The contact diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,900.
NHTSA complaint #11646686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,900 milesSewaren, NJ
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while his wife was driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to a parking lot. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The contact stated that an independent mechanic drained the oil and became aware that there was coolant mixed in with the engine oil. The contact diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,900.
NHTSA complaint #11646686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesDuquesne, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle started rolling backward. The contact attempted to stop the vehicle however, the vehicle lost its brakes and the power steering assist functionality. The contact was able to apply the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact had attempted to restart the vehicle and observed that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic had diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the anti-theft system had caused the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11639277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle started rolling backward. The contact attempted to stop the vehicle however, the vehicle lost its brakes and the power steering assist functionality. The contact was able to apply the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact had attempted to restart the vehicle and observed that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic had diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the anti-theft system had caused the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11639277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesGlassboro, NJ
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11612419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
STEERING
Had several wheel alignments car would read straight but is not straight I have all new front extension work done my car is still going out of control going into different lanes while I’m going g straight I took it to the ford dealership they can’t even find the problem
NHTSA complaint #11602760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
SUSPENSION
Had several wheel alignments car would read straight but is not straight I have all new front extension work done my car is still going out of control going into different lanes while I’m going g straight I took it to the ford dealership they can’t even find the problem
NHTSA complaint #11602760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Had several wheel alignments car would read straight but is not straight I have all new front extension work done my car is still going out of control going into different lanes while I’m going g straight I took it to the ford dealership they can’t even find the problem
NHTSA complaint #11602760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
