2016 Ford Taurus: common problems and reliability
· 6th generationOne of the better Taurus years.
82 owner complaints, most about back over prevention. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Taurus?The 2016 Ford Taurus has 82 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are back over prevention and engine. Owners most often flag internal water pump failure: often leaking externally behind the alternator and occasionally mixing coolant into the oil.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Ford Taurus vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Taurus years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Taurus?
Across the 24 Taurus model years we track, complaint volume runs from 17 (2019) to 1,471 (2002). With 82 complaints, the 2016 Taurus sits below the model's median of 318.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Taurus
engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
Campaign 16V925000Ford 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.
suspension:rear
Campaign 20V072000Ford 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.
structure:exterior trim
Campaign 25V611000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Taurus vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 25V695000Ford 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.
What owners report on the 6th generation Taurus
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.
- 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
- 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.
Owner insights for the 6th generation Taurus. Read the full 6th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Taurus listings typically run $9,114–$14,953 across 2010 to 2019 model years.
Other Taurus model years
Compare every Taurus year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Taurus against its rivals
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