Avoid: 2013, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2017
20 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 24 model years, the Ford Taurus has 11,972 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 104 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and vehicle speed control. 2002 drew the most complaints (1,471), 2019 the fewest (17).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Ford Taurus vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $9,114–$14,953.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 17 |
| 2018 | 50 |
| 2017 | 44 |
| 2016 | 82 |
| 2015 | 279 |
| 2014 | 235 |
| 2013 | 590 |
| 2012 | 79 |
| 2011 | 187 |
| 2010 | 204 |
| 2009 | 64 |
| 2008 | 175 |
| 2007 | 149 |
| 2006 | 318 |
| 2005 | 774 |
| 2004 | 375 |
| 2003 | 1,223 |
| 2002 | 1,471 |
| 2001 | 1,049 |
| 2000 | 1,232 |
| 1999 | 954 |
| 1998 | 587 |
| 1997 | 867 |
| 1996 | 967 |
Highest: 2002 (1,471 complaints). Lowest: 2019 (17).
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and model variant, ranging from extreme frustration to high satisfaction.
Coolant leaks into the engine oil, leading to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed. A very expensive repair requiring engine removal.
Includes rough shifts between 2nd and 3rd gear, failure to shift into higher gears (stuck in 3rd), and feeling of being in neutral. Affects 6F50/6F55 transmissions.
Includes audio control module failure (resulting in no sound), malfunctioning wiper switches, interior lights that won't turn off, and failing airbag sensors.
Radiator explosions, rotting hoses, and thermostat issues, particularly in older high-mileage examples.
Intermittent power loss, flashing check engine lights, and engines shutting off while driving, often related to ignition components like the DIS module in older SHOs.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Taurus. Individual model years are broken down above.
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