Ford Taurus 6th generation (2009–2019)
Generation-specific owner insights from 148+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2009–2019 Taurus?
1,831
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2009–2019
46
recall campaigns
steering
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2009-2019 Taurus generally describe it as a comfortable, spacious, and quiet highway cruiser that is reliable when maintained, but the ownership experience is heavily shadowed by two recurring mechanical fears: the internal water pump and the PTU on all-wheel-drive models.
17 problems reported (1 very frequent, 6 recurrent, 10 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentInternal water pump failure
Often leaking externally behind the alternator and occasionally mixing coolant into the oil.
- RecurrentPTU (power transfer unit) failure or fluid degradation on AWD models
- RecurrentRough cold shifts and transmission mount wear on the 6-speed automatic
+ 14 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentCoolant leaks traced to the water pump weep hole area near the alternator or AC compressor
- RecurrentOil pressure warning light and beeping
Sometimes traced to a leaking oil pressure switch on 3.5/3.7 engines.
- RecurrentAC clicking or blend door actuator failure
- RecurrentBluetooth and SYNC/APIM radio issues
- IsolatedBackup camera failure requiring repeated replacement
- IsolatedSunroof leaking
- IsolatedWindshield cracking attributed to body engineering
- IsolatedElectronic power steering assist issues and steering rack replacement
- IsolatedValve cover gasket and front cover oil leaks
- IsolatedTransmission pan seep
- IsolatedSeat control switch failure from spilled debris
- IsolatedBrake light switch failure causing AdvanceTrac warnings and shift problems
- IsolatedTurbo failure from oil starvation on EcoBoost models
- IsolatedEngine getting louder with possible timing chain guide wear
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal favors 2013 and newer cars over 2010-2012 for fewer reported problems, and the 2.0L EcoBoost FWD SEL is mentioned positively as a way to avoid the AWD PTU and reduce water pump risk exposure, though the 3.5L Duratec is repeatedly called a strong, long-lived motor.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Camry, Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKZ, Ford Fusion and Buick Regal GS.
Is a 2009–2019 Taurus right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2009-2019 Taurus generally describe it as a comfortable, spacious, and quiet highway cruiser that is reliable when maintained, but the ownership experience is heavily shadowed by two recurring mechanical fears: the internal water pump and the PTU on all-wheel-drive models. Praise centers on comfort, trunk space, ride quality, and the strong 3.5L Duratec and twin-turbo EcoBoost powerplants, while criticism focuses on expensive engine-out repairs, a heavy feel, poor rear visibility, and dated interior technology. Several owners note that 2013 and newer cars seem to have fewer problems than 2010-2012 models, and the 2.0L EcoBoost FWD SEL is occasionally cited as a lower-risk configuration. The SHO trim draws enthusiasm for its sleeper performance, but owners warn that major components can cost thousands to replace.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Taurus as the cheaper, roomier, and more comfortable alternative to the Camry, but concede the Camry is the safer and more fuel-efficient reliability choice. Against the Lincoln MKS and MKZ, owners treat the Taurus as the same car underneath with less interior content and steeper depreciation on the Lincoln side, making the MKS a better used value for some. Versus the G37x, owners see the SHO as easier and cheaper to tune with higher power potential but heavier and less balanced, while the G37x is viewed as more reliable and better handling. Against the Fusion, the Taurus is seen as the larger but thirstier option, with the Fusion 2.0T recommended as a middle ground. The Regal GS is mentioned as a fellow sleeper, and the CTS-V is referenced as the car one owner wished they had bought instead.
Recommended configurations
Owners repeatedly suggest avoiding AWD if possible to sidestep PTU concerns, favoring FWD configurations. The 2.0L EcoBoost SEL is cited as a "perfect spec" by one owner for being FWD and avoiding the V6 AWD headaches. For the SHO, owners advise budgeting for PTU fluid changes every 50,000 miles and note that 2013 and newer cars have upgraded brakes. Regular coolant flushes are recommended to prolong water pump life, and transmission fluid changes every 50,000-60,000 miles are advised. One owner recommends converting the timing chain to a dual roller setup when the water pump is replaced.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who want a large, comfortable, quiet sedan for highway cruising and can budget for potential major repairs. Owners advise preferring 2013 and newer models over 2010-2012, avoiding AWD unless PTU service history is documented, and getting a pre-purchase inspection. Buyers should specifically check water pump service records, coolant level and condition, PTU fluid, transmission behavior, and engine hours on ex-police cars. Owners warn that a cheap Taurus often means deferred maintenance, and that the water pump job can run $1,600 to $3,300 or more, so the purchase price should reflect that risk. Ex-police interceptors are cautioned against due to hard use and idling, with engine hours recommended over mileage as a wear indicator.
Remarks
Owners frequently compare the Taurus to its Lincoln MKS and MKZ siblings, noting shared mechanicals and steep depreciation on the Lincoln versions. The 3.5L Duratec is repeatedly praised as capable of 300,000-400,000 miles with maintenance, while the water pump remains the single most discussed risk. Ex-police interceptor buyers are advised to check engine idle hours rather than rely on mileage alone. Several owners report trouble-free ownership past 150,000 miles with original water pumps, showing the failure is not universal. Analysis based on approximately 148 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 17 | 2 | back over prevention |
| 2018 | 50 | 4 | back over prevention |
| 2017 | 44 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2016 | 82 | 4 | back over prevention |
| 2015 | 279 | 6 | back over prevention |
| 2014 | 235 | 5 | steering |
| 2013 | 590 | 9 | steering |
| 2012 | 79 | 5 | steering |
| 2011 | 187 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2010 | 204 | 3 | steering |
| 2009 | 64 | 0 | engine and engine cooling |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2019 · structure:exterior trimcampaign 25V611000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Taurus vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
2019 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V695000
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.
2018 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 18V141000
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
2018 · suspension:rearcampaign 20V072000
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.
2018 · structure:exterior trimcampaign 25V611000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Taurus vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
2018 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V695000
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.
2017 · steeringcampaign 17V530000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.
2017 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 18V141000
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
2017 · suspension:rearcampaign 20V072000
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.
2017 · structure:exterior trimcampaign 25V611000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Taurus vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
2016 · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/superchargercampaign 16V925000
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.
2016 · suspension:rearcampaign 20V072000
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.
13 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.