2013 Ford Taurus: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Ford Taurus has 584 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and fuel/propulsion system. Owners most often flag internal water pump failure (3.5l & 3.7l engines) — coolant leaks into the engine oil, leading to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed. a very expensive repair requiring engine removal. frequency: very frequent (for 2010-2019 models).

Safety record for the 2013 model year

584
Owner complaints
9
Recalls
20
Crash reports
6
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Ford Taurus vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

steering
293
fuel/propulsion system
98
engine
70
electrical system
56
power train
44

Recalls affecting the 2013 Taurus

structure:body:door

Campaign 15V040000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011.

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 16V621000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehic

steering:electric power assist system

Campaign 15V340000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Linc

exterior lighting

Campaign 14V285000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Taurus vehicles manufactured November 24, 2008, through February 28, 2014, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illino

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and model variant, ranging from extreme frustration to high satisfaction. The sixth-generation (2010-2019) models, particularly non-SHO trims, attract significant criticism for major, costly mechanical failures, inclu

  • Internal water pump failure (3.5L & 3.7L engines) — Coolant leaks into the engine oil, leading to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed. A very expensive repair requiring engine removal. Frequency: very frequent (for 2010-2019 models).
  • Transmission shifting problems — 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. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Persistent electrical and module failures — Includes audio control module failure (resulting in no sound), malfunctioning wiper switches, interior lights that won't turn off, and failing airbag sensors. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Cooling system failures — Radiator explosions, rotting hoses, and thermostat issues, particularly in older high-mileage examples. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Engine misfires and stalling — 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. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Taurus.

Typical used price

Used Taurus listings typically run $8,910–$14,348 across 2003 to 2019 model years.

Other Taurus model years