Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 17% | 93,000 miles |
| 2018 | 7 | 13% | 105,000 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 11% | 26,000 miles |
| 2016 | 14 | 16% | 45,000 miles |
| 2015 | 34 | 12% | 43,000 miles |
| 2014 | 21 | 9% | 84,000 miles |
| 2013 | 75 | 13% | 76,000 miles |
| 2012 | 13 | 16% | 50,000 miles |
| 2011 | 47 | 25% | 71,000 miles |
| 2010 | 48 | 24% | 54,000 miles |
| 2009 | 24 | 38% | 6,000 miles |
| 2008 | 30 | 17% | 80,000 miles |
| 2007 | 29 | 19% | 64,000 miles |
| 2006 | 43 | 14% | 95,000 miles |
| 2005 | 107 | 14% | 94,000 miles |
| 2004 | 44 | 12% | 90,000 miles |
| 2003 | 90 | 7% | 75,000 miles |
| 2002 | 61 | 4% | 62,000 miles |
| 2001 | 66 | 6% | 75,000 miles |
| 2000 | 108 | 9% | 74,000 miles |
| 1999 | 83 | 9% | 72,000 miles |
| 1998 | 64 | 12% | 98,000 miles |
| 1997 | 150 | 19% | 97,000 miles |
| 1996 | 216 | 26% | 95,000 miles |
| 1995 | 355 | 29% | 80,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
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.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that there was a fluid leak seen underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.
As I was driving on the highway and trying to accelerate, when the car got to about 55 MPH the engine dropped down to about 10 miles per hour. It stayed there for what felt like 15 or more seconds. The first time was back in November. It happens in February as well
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. …
my vehicle's oil lines to the turbo charger failed and caused a huge oil leak and my car was smoking all over the highway. I had the vehicle towed to a nearby service station recommended by AAA. After discovering the issue, the repairman indicated there was a recall on this exact issue. However, I was never notified by Ford of the recall. When I called Ford I was informed that the recall only applied to vehicles built between Oct and Nov 2016. My vehicle was built in April. I feel that this issue couldn't have been limited to that small window of time, obviously Ford is not sharing the appropriate information with NHSTA. I had to pay $3000 to fix my vehicle for a problem that Ford is well aware this vehicle is still having. I'm deeply disappointed in Ford.
Related recalls (4)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017.
Engine and engine cooling
On certain vehicles, the air filter paper in these vehicles can smolder or burn.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air filter element. Owner notification began on March 10, 2004. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
Vehicle description: taurus/sable vehicles equipped with 3.0l and 3.8l engines and mustang vehicles with 3.8l and 5.0l engines. It is possible for the engine cooling fan bearing to seize.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine cooling fan assembly and install a circuit breaker. If the cooling fan is inoperative, the fan and motor assembly will be replaced. Owner notification began December 28, 2001.
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
These vehicles are originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, iowa, minnesota, nebraska, north dakota, and south dakota. The vehicles involved are 1992-1994 tempo/topaz vehicles with 3.0l engines; 1994 tempo/topaz with 2.3l engines; 1992-1995 taurus/sable with 3.8l engines; 1994-1995 taurus/sable…
Remedy: Dealers will install an electrical jumper harness containing an automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the fan motor low speed circuitry from overheating.
NHTSA investigations
Engine cooling fan fires
In December 1995, Ford recalled 119,313 vehicles in Canada to remedy the subject condition in certain 1992-95 taurus, sable, tempo, topaz and continental vehicles.Ford is aware of similar incidents occurring in northern regions of the united states, but maintains that the frequencies do not warrant a finding of an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.
Engine cooling fan fires
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Taurus years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (355), 1996 (216), 1997 (150), 2000 (108) and 2005 (107) model years. Engine complaints make up 29% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Ford Taurus engine problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 16V-925 (turbo/supercharger, Dec 22, 2016); 04V-105 (engine and engine cooling, Mar 2, 2004); 01V-390 (fan, Dec 21, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Taurus engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (357 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (299).
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.