Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Purchased vehicle on 10/06/2022. Within a week noticed surging and /or loss of power. I also smelled buring of some sort. Contacted the dealership and tried to make arrangements for car to be diagnosed and repaired. Codes began to show on the dash. When I took it to be read it showed throttle issues. On 10/18/2022 I was at a complete stop at a stop sign. When I released the brake and touched the gas the car unexpectedly sured at high speed on its own. My vehicle hit another vehicle causing major damage to both cars. It was extremely terrifying having my car take off at a high rate of speed without me in control. This now has caused tremendous hardship financially, Emotionally and I now have legal issues due to this accident that was no fault of my own.
The contact's mother owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, several unknown warning lights illuminated when turning off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the dashboard. In addition, the gear shifter had seized in park(P). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had several previous ongoing failures. The contact stated that the failure started shortly after the vehicle was purchased in 2013. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at the residence, she was unable to start the vehicle. Additionally, there was an abnormal burning electrical odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
On 9/26/21, I was driving my 2013 Ford Taurus on the highway, when suddenly lost power steering. Two error messages immediately appeared on the dashboard: "Service Advancetrac" and "Power Steering Fault". I managed to pull the car over safely, however this was an extremely dangerous situation that could have led to an accident. The car was brought to Watertown Ford, 26 Seyon Street, Waltham MA, 02453. The Ford technician confirmed that multiple diagnostic codes were present (related to the steering rack and PCSM - power steering control module), and indicated that the power steering rack needed to be replaced at a cost of $2,700. Upon further research, I noticed that Ford opened a recall program for 2013 Ford Taurus models pertaining to this exact issue. I called Ford, but was informed that my VIN number was not included in the recall, and did not receive an explanation why. …
Was driving and my electrical power assist came on and I ran off the road twice because I had no steering. So I eventually got it home and called Ford and talked to a rep and they said there is a recall but it is VIN sensitive. But of course my vin wasn't one in the recall. Which is crazy because it has all the symptoms as the recall but won't cover mine. I could have been really hurt as well as my daughter and it's just crazy if there's a recall then it should cover all the vehicles with in the year and model. Not just certain ones especially when I have same exact symptoms as recall
Started my car up then put it in drive, when my traction control light turned on, and my power steering assist light also turned on my dashboard as I was driving out of my on street parking spot. I lost all power to my steering wheel , and was unable to turn it so I could attempt to safely move back over to far right lane, as I was in downtown traffic. This is so scary and terrifying. It's my second car ever which I worked really hard for. I tried to turn car off, and restart it like Google said, but it was the same loss of steering. The car is sitting at my parents house.
In March of 2025 my vehicles driver assist lights started blinking coming out of my apt complex and within 15 seconds I couldn't even turn the wheels at all. Ive had several mechanics run their computer to diagnose the issue and was told that this make model and year has a recall for loss of steering which is an electrical issue. I called Ford themselves and they refused to even look at my car. I cannot find a mechanic who will even repair this electrical issue. Car is in perfect condition. Just replaced all 4 tires in January 2025 and oil change.
I was driving, with absolutely no warning the steering wheel tightened up and wouldn't turn. I had to take evasive actions to avoid a crash and park. My vehicle has a recall in the system but was apparently not apart of it. I am unsure exactly what part is causing the issue whether it is the electronic power steering motor or the power steering rack itself. Upon request I can provide the item for inspection. The vehicle and parts have not been assessed by any outside source.
While driving my vehicle at 50 mph, the power steering went out and the stability control light went off. The vehicle almost crashed. There was no water, rain, or slippage of any kind. After pulling over, shutting the car off, and restarting, did the car resume normal operation. After researching this problem, I located a recall, 15s18, which describes my exact situation. However, after contacting my local dealer they said my vehicle was not included in the recall.
The backup camera has failed. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. I have seen other reports on NHTSA here specifying the same problem. Visibility in this car is poor and is augmented by the backup camera. Car serviced by ford dealerships only. If left unrepaired, other drivers of this make and model 2013-2019 Taurus have an increased susceptibility to collisions.
Electrical complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Ford Taurus, 10% of the model year's 585 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Ford Taurus electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2013 Ford Taurus, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Ford Taurus electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.