Wheel & Tire complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 0% | 15,000 miles |
| 2014 | 6 | 3% | 90,000 miles |
| 2013 | 6 | 1% | 73,000 miles |
| 2011 | 6 | 3% | 26,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% | 76,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 6% | — |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% | 20,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% | 28,000 miles |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% | 125,000 miles |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% | 22,000 miles |
| 2004 | 9 | 2% | 18,000 miles |
| 2003 | 25 | 2% | 82,000 miles |
| 2002 | 48 | 3% | 86,000 miles |
| 2001 | 42 | 4% | 43,000 miles |
| 2000 | 64 | 5% | 70,000 miles |
| 1999 | 28 | 3% | 78,000 miles |
| 1998 | 15 | 3% | 141,000 miles |
| 1997 | 25 | 3% | 64,000 miles |
| 1996 | 32 | 4% | 84,000 miles |
| 1995 | 22 | 2% | 133,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
We were returning to our farm from a trip to town. The cruise control was set at the 70mph speed limit. A recent construction project gave us a newly paved road. It was a beautiful sunny day with no wind and temps in the low 80's. We were enjoying the ride and noted what an improvement the newly paved road was. Without warning the tires began squealing and the control characteristics of our Taurus changed dramatically. The steering became labored (I believe from the automated anti lock and traction control systems engageding). My attempt to compensate for the violent change in vehicle operation and regain control were quickly futile. We succumbed to the laws of motion spinning hopelessly out of control across the oncoming lane into the opposite ditch at a high rate of speed. …
Pulling into a parking spot at a store my 2014 Ford Taurus surged ahead. The car went across the parking stop and crashed into the front of the store. The front of the car was damaged and the front of the store was damaged. The weather was dry and about 70 degrees. I was going less than 5 MPH at the time the car surged ahead. It was as if I had stomped on the gas but I had my foot on the brake. This vehicle has less than 10,000 miles on it. I assume it was some sort of problem with the throttle system. This happened in league city texas and the police department case number is 16-1961. I had the vehicle towed to mcree Ford in dickenson texas for repairs.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was significant play and vibration in the steering wheel, and the vehicle was pulling to one side. The contact stated that the traction control warning light illuminated when the steering wheel was completely steered to the right or to the left. The contact also stated that The TPMS warning light remained illuminated even though the tires were fully inflated. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear had failed. The mechanic determined that both the steering gear and the ball joint needed to be replaced. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. …
Without warning and while driving ,the steering was very very very hard to steer in yhe proper direction almost causing a head on collision at 50 MPH and the oncoming traffic aswell 45mph plus = 95 to 100 MPH collision on a two lane two direction highway.when this occurred the power steering info came on said service power steering now and stability control system light came on
Last June I noticed the car constantly shaking. Took it to Goodyear plaza tire in Alexandria mn and they said they didn't find anything wrong and it's normal to have tires feel like they are shaking while driving. The tires are 255/45R19 Then in July of 2025, I wanted a tire rotation and wheels balanced. The mechanic says they can't because the tread is almost gone and I'd have 5000 left before I could get new tires. About 2000 miles later I noticed the tread separating from the wires on 3 of the 4 tires. They have been kept properly inflated and rotated every 5000 to 6000 miles. Usually every other oil change. Again I was told it's normal since the tires mostly last 30,000 miles and is rated for 40,000. I don't think it's right.
While driving down the road, a loud humming started to get loud from the front of my car. Then loud clunking/dragging noises. My car started to slow down and the noises got louder. I had to turn on my hazards and slowly drive back home block by block. There is nothing visibly dragging. But I now have to get my car towed from home as it's not safe to drive. This isn't the first time this car has had issues with the steering hub, suspension, tie rods, ball joints, control arms, sway bar, etc. I have had to fix and replace that entire area a multitude of times since I've had this car.
The rim to my 2010 was bent for the second time in the last four months. The first time I had to go to the dealer and get a new rim which was $860. The first time my wife was driving on a michigan road and tire lost pressure. When she stopped she noticed a leak and the rim was bent. She must have hit a pot hole but there was no noticeable jarring of the vehicle. The second time was just this past weekend. I was driving down the highway and there was a small chunk of concrete that I could not avoid. It was nothing that was huge but bigger than a normal rock and big enough to notice while approaching it at 70 MPH. When I hit this concrete the tire pressure sensor instantly when off. I pulled over and noticed that the rim was bent again. There is no reason that two rims should have bent from normal driving conditions. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford Taurus. While driving unknown speeds, the traction control, low tire pressure, and check steering warning lights illuminated and the power steering stopped working. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and went off road. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The dealer stated that the steering column motor might need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 98,000.
NHTSA investigations
Tire valve cracking
On October 14, 2008, odi opened pe08-060 to investigate allegations of cracked and leaking snap-in tire valves in model year (my) 2007 vehicles manufactured by Ford motor company.the valves were supplied to Ford by topseal auto-parts, a subsidiary of the shanghai baolong automotive corporation in china.valves made by topseal for aftermarket sale were the subject of two recent safety recalls by tech international…
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Taurus years have wheel & tire problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (64), 2002 (48), 2001 (42), 1996 (32) and 1999 (28) model years. Wheel & Tire complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Ford Taurus wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for any Ford Taurus model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Taurus wheel & tire problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 38% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the tread/belt (77 mentions), followed by the sidewall (19).
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.