Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was white-colored smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact replenished the coolant fluid soon after noticing the smoke. The following day, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. The "Power Steering Assist" message was displayed on the instrument panel. Two unknown dealers were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); and linked the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. …
I'm not having any success with my local Ford Dealership or with Ford Customer Service getting my car covered under the Customer Satisfaction Program. I have fuel system issues, I need to replace both cats and 2 bad sensors, halfshaft, fuel system, and braking issues. The dealership said to contact Ford and Ford says it's the dealership's problem. If they don't fix it, I'm done with Ford. If they can't stand behind their products and their dealerships won't help the customers, then my loyalty is done. I've already had to replace a poorly designed PTU at my expense and now this, buyer beware on Interceptors. Let's hope I don't have any other issues. No one seems to be willing to help and I'm beyond frustrated with this experience.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. After retrieving the vehicle, the failure immediately reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who determined that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 77,880.
The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted and veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the engine and valves needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the cause of the failure was due to the water pump not operating as needed, and that antifreeze had intruded into the engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle shutoff without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that water was leaking, the water pump had failed, and the timing chain was fractured. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he observed condensation underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
On 7/31/2022, and also about a month ago, my 2013 Ford Taurus Limited stalled out while driving and the wrench light came on. The car limped along until I could pull it over, but this could have been serious as I was on the highway doing 65mph just 2 minutes prior to it. It stalled coming up the upramp here in Phoenix. I got it into the parking lot, and gave it gas and nothing at all, the engine just sputtered as the wrench light was on. I turned it off for 2 minutes, and restarted and able to get home 4 minutes away. This is the 2nd time this has now happened, and this is a huge safety concern. Ford Taurus had recalls on the Powertrain Control Module for other years of the Taurus, but I do not want to pay for this fix as this is a Ford safety issue for my model year 2013. I could have caused an accident on the highway if this stalled like this. Who do I contact to get this looked at. …
I believe there is a an unissued recall for my Engine type. The cost to replace a water pump exceeds normal circumstances due to Ford engineers placing the water pump inside of the engine instead of outside making it a $2000 to $5000 job instead of a $200 job. Instead of a water pump simply leaking onto the ground while mounted outside of the Engine the way they have designed it it leaks into the engine and causes the engine to fail due to Engine coolant leaking into the engine through the water pump.
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.
Malicious use of AI. Vehicle was shut down in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the road, right on the crest of a hill, just around a curve in the middle of the night, at approximately 12:00 AM. I had to wait for about 5.5 hrs for a tow truck.
Engine complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 75 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Ford Taurus, 13% of the model year's 585 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Ford Taurus engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.