3,716 of the
23,971 complaints filed about the Ford Taurus
are about the engine —
16% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1993.
I seen that you are looking into the timing issues on Ford vehicles, My 2015 Taurus had its timing chain replaced just last Christmas 2025 that cost me over $6,000 to repair, I would not be even saying anything about this but my wifes 2014 Ford Edge did the same thing just 3 month before mine where we paid over $3,000 to try and fix but failed to fix so we just purchased her a new car, but with mine I could not afford another car payment so we just ended up fixing my Taurus, it had to go back twice to get it right but that is after $6,000 to fix. They said this is because of oil change issues but we always had our oil changed on time every time at the Ford dealership in my area. The dealer I took mine to for repairs told me also if the oil filter did not get replaced with the oil change this could cause this issue so I am assuming that this is the issue the dealership we were taking both our cars to for oil changes may have not been replacing the oil filter everytime we got it done. If there is anything I can do to recoup the loss I took on this please let me know. I can provide invoices if needed
NHTSA complaint #11754687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. Additionally, the message "Key Not Detected" was displayed while the fob key was inside the vehicle, and the rearview camera displayed a blank image while reversing. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the manifold, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who determined that the manifold needed to be replaced for a second time, and an unknown module software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
NHTSA complaint #11733576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the vehicle was left at the independent mechanic for the oil change. While riding the bus, on the way home they mechanic called the contact to inform them that the vehicle had caught fire and the engine had burned while in their parking lot. The fire possibly originated from the battery, per the mechanic center however the contact mentioned the battery was recently replaced with a new battery. The contact had not been able to retrieve the vehicle and was unsure if the vehicle was totaled. The dealer had been reaching out to the contact to offer a trade-in or buy-back option. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11721412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was a significant puddle underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that upon checking the fluid reservoirs, the contact noticed that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant to the vehicle, but the coolant leaked onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to Fast Lane, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced, and the contact was informed that the warranty coverage had expired. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost and was taken back to the residence. The dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #11697637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
No heat gauge, oil pressure gauge on vehicle. Blend door issue, one side blows hot, other cold. Radio not working. Weird noise in dash by ignition. Ignition sticks when trying to start car, keeps turning over. Dimmer switch doesn't work. Car can be tracked by unknown people, without permission.
NHTSA complaint #11695650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while his wife was operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and the message "Engine Overheated" was displayed. The contact inspected the vehicle and determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The local dealer and manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #11668811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, added coolant to the vehicle, and allowed the engine to cool down. The vehicle was taken to a Walmart, where the contact was informed that coolant was leaking from the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing, and Goodwill Assistance could be considered. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the coolant pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer later informed the contact that no assistance would be provided and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,500.
NHTSA complaint #11654572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the heater and air conditioning system failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the water pump was leaking coolant. The dealer replaced the water pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and reimbursed the customer for half of the repair costs. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
NHTSA complaint #11653744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Airbags failed to deploy in a right front collision with a deer. Banged head off steering wheel. GEICO repaired over 8000 in damage. Took 19 days to repair.
NHTSA complaint #11647554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated upon approaching the vehicle, there was an excessive coolant leak underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the coolant reservoir was draining abnormally fast. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the water pump was leaking. 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 99,500.
NHTSA complaint #11641152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving down CR 230 in Wyoming, the situation started if I have to estimate, 7 miles west of Woods Landing, I heard a metal on metal grinding noise from the engine bay, and a loss of power on the throttle. I look at my RPM gauge and notice it is a zero. No check engine light, all electronics working as normal along with the brakes, and I slow the vehicle down to 30 MPH. Shortly after noticing, I get a "Check Brake System" flash on my instrument panel cluster, also the light which illuminates for my parking brake turns on, and I lose power brakes, the brake pedal turned extremely stiff. I immediately look for a pull off zone, but because I had lost brakes I did not want to risk keeping the vehicle moving. I get the vehicle stopped on the side of the road, and instantly put it in park along with the parking brake and shut the vehicle off. The vehicle would not start or crank, just a flash across all of the electronics, the lights go dark, then illuminate again as if normal. This is an extremely dangerous situation, the vehicle had not notified me that the motor had stopped turning; not a check engine light or ring at all, and shortly after that the power brakes stop working. This is very dangerous for motorists because of the lack of notification from the vehicle, and the incredibly weak breaking ability. If the vehicle had been moving at highway speeds, any sort of traffic, I could've ended up injured or dead, and even worse, killed another driver. The vehicle was towed to the nearest town where it would be inspected by a dealership; they reported to have found coolant in the oil and that the vehicle needed a new motor. No other details have been confirmed, and the problem has not been reproduced by the dealership. It is unknown if the dealership inspected the braking system.
NHTSA complaint #11636388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.