Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 18 | −93% | 2 | Collision Avoidance | Good |
| 2018 | 52 | −79% | 4 | Collision Avoidance | Good |
| 2017 | 44 | −87% | 4 | Electrical | Good |
| 2016 | 85 | −86% | 4 | Collision Avoidance | Good |
| 2015 | 279 | −46% | 6 | Fuel System | Good |
| 2014 | 229 | −44% | 5 | Fuel System | Good |
| 2013 | 585 | 1.8× | 9 | Steering | Caution |
| 2012 | 79 | −81% | 5 | Steering | Good |
| 2011 | 187 | −60% | 4 | Electrical | Good |
| 2010 | 204 | −52% | 3 | Engine | Good |
| 2009 | 64 | −83% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2008 | 175 | −60% | 1 | Transmission | Good |
| 2007 | 149 | −66% | — | Acceleration | Good |
| 2006 | 318 | −26% | 2 | Acceleration | Average |
| 2005 | 774 | 2.4× | — | Acceleration | Avoid |
| 2004 | 375 | −31% | 1 | Acceleration | Average |
| 2003 | 1,223 | 3.8× | 3 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 2002 | 1,426 | 4.9× | 3 | Suspension | Avoid |
| 2001 | 1,037 | 3.5× | 9 | Suspension | Avoid |
| 2000 | 1,195 | 4.2× | 8 | Suspension | Avoid |
| 1999 | 874 | 3.1× | 5 | Suspension | Avoid |
| 1998 | 545 | 2.0× | 2 | Acceleration | Avoid |
| 1997 | 770 | 2.9× | 3 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 1996 | 825 | 3.1× | 6 | Engine | Avoid |
| 1995 | 1,205 | 4.5× | 5 | Transmission | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Taurus year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford Taurus problems
Latest Ford Taurus recalls
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years.
Structure › Exterior trim
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Taurus vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020.
Suspension › Rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020.
Electrical system › Ignition
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford Taurus vehicles equipped with mechanical key ignition systems. The keys for these vehicles may be able to be removed from the ignition when transmission is not in the PARK position.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C02.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford Taurus should you avoid?
2005, 2013, 2002, 1995, 2000 and 2003 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Taurus years at the same age, led by speed control & acceleration problems in the 2005.
What is the best year for the Ford Taurus?
2019 has the fewest complaints compared with other Taurus years at the same age, followed by 2017 and 2016. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford Taurus problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the suspension (2,734), transmission & drivetrain (1,895) and speed control & acceleration (1,800). Suspension complaints peak in the 2002 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford Taurus had?
52 recalls across 1995–2019. The model year with the most is 2001. See all Ford Taurus recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.