2012 Ford Taurus

Routine

Owners filed 79 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the body and frame. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the Ford Taurus years to avoid. Which Ford Taurus years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
41,493 milesMedian miles at failure

51 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2012 Ford Taurus problems

16 of the 79 complaints (20%) are about the body and frame.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering14
100
Electrical System14
000
Structure › Body · body and frame13
000
Engine10
010
Exterior Lighting · headlights9
000
Service Brakes · brakes4
000
Structure · body and frame3
000
Air Bags · airbags3
000
Unknown or Other2
000
Seats2
020

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal16V247000
Filed Apr 26, 2016695 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk. An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C06.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System15V340000
Filed Jun 2, 2015393,623 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.

Risk. If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

Structure › Body › Door15V040000
Filed Jan 28, 2015194,889 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

Risk. If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S02.

Exterior Lighting14V285000
Filed May 29, 2014183,425 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. When used in areas that use road salt, the license plate lamp assembly may experience an electro-chemical reaction and corrosion as a result of water intrusion.

Risk. This corrosion may result in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the license plate lamp assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S08. Note: Under program 14R01, Ford will notify owners in non-corrosion states, and, at the customer's request, dealers will replace the license plate lamp assembly.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly13V109000
Filed Mar 27, 20133,037 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank. As a result, the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact. The tanks may also leak.

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S03. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Sep 24, 2026MI

Complete power steering failure p07ae:09-c8 after recall complete 6/29/26

Steering
Filed Apr 19, 2025MS

My steering all of a sudden was stiff and I can barely turn at low speeds. Not safe due to uncontrolled steering. I replaced the pump thinking that would fix it, and it did not. I’m taking it to a dealer after the holiday weekend. No warnings at all.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 28, 2025CA

UNKNOWN

Steering
Filed Feb 5, 2024MN

The steering shut down and I could not steer the vehicle in a Holiday parking lot and I almost hit a pedestrian. My engine and oil light came on. I had to shut the car off and turn it back on and it worked again. This is the second time this has happened to me!

Steering
Filed Jun 23, 202393,000 milesAK

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the vehicle was extremely difficult to steer. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who found that the power steering pressure was low. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 28, 2023200,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several different warning lights were intermittently flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where she was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, and the contact was provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 23, 2023MS

Driving on the highway, when the car lights, radio, air conditioner, steering wheel, speed all goes out. The car wouldn’t crank back up and theft system keep coming on.

Steering
Filed Feb 7, 2023144,027 milesFL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and slowing to make a turn at a traffic signal, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering fault, power steering assists off, and the stability track warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he drove the vehicle back to his residence, turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to regain power steering functionality. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and determined that the failure was related to manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01 (EPAS Power Steering Efforts). The failure mileage was 144,027.

Steering
Filed Nov 29, 2022TN

Started car and power steering assist fault light came on making the wheel hard to steer. Turned off the car and restarted it and the same issue, power steering assist fault light has been on for 2 days now

Electrical System
Filed Oct 2, 2022GA

The rear backup camera is showing upside down. It is very difficult to see the blind spot area just to the rear of the vehicle when backing without the camera on this 2012 Ford Taurus. I consider it a safety issue in which I have had several close calls backing since the camera shows pointing upward toward the sky more than it did and upside down. I decided to report this problem when I missed seeing a kid behind me at a Wal-mart parking lot. This problem started in mid September 2022. I have researched this issue on line and there are many complaints about this problem from other people about the 2012 Taurus and other types of Ford automobiles and trucks.

Steering
Filed Jun 3, 202290,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the power steering assist fault and service tire mobility kit messages were displayed. The contact indicated that the failure was intermittent and would be corrected by turning off and restarting the vehicle. While parking the vehicle, the failure reoccurred but was not corrected after restarting the vehicle. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the e-pass power steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 14, 2022177,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and the vehicle was turned off, the exterior lights remained operational and the battery was drained the following day. The contact stated that the failure happened over several days. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

Steering
Filed Jan 13, 2022IA

In 2016 we had a recall fixed for power steering assist failure after I lost power steering going 55 mph down the highway and approaching a corner. Once again the power steering assist failure happened thank goodness I was not driving but started the car remotely and then when went to leave work I had no power steering! I contacted Ford got a case number and they are saying if fixed once that it is closed. How can something be of a safety concern 1 time but not the next. The parts are in and the vehicle will be serviced in the next week so I don’t have any invoice yet

Steering
Filed Mar 9, 2021130,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT CALLED TOWNE FORD OF REDWOOD CITY (1601 EL CAMINO REAL, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063, (650) 366-57440) ABOUT HAVING THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WOULD BE A FEE ASSESSED TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 19, 2020AZ

I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER MIKE WHO IS AT THE SCOTTSDALE, AZ LOCATION AT AUTONATION. I HAD MY VEHICLE WORKED ON THERE A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AGO. I PAID $1600 FOR REPAIRS; I WAS INFORMED AT THAT TIME THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERTY. I KNEW THE LIGHT WAS ON FOR A WHILE, BUT I DID NOT REALIZE THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT WORK. I ASKED WHEN I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED, WHEN THE SENSOR WILL BE IN. MIKE INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD CALL ME. EVER SINCE I LEFT THERE, NO ONE HAS CALLED TO GIVE ME AN UPDATES ON THE PARTS BEING ORDER. I CALLED 5 TIMES, INCLUDING CALLING MARSHALL WHO WAS MY SERVICE ASSOCIATE WHO PROVIDED NO RESPONSE. I TOLD HIM THAT I WAS GOING TO WRITE A BAD REVIEW BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN CALLING FOR WEEKS AND NO ONE WAS PROVIDING ME ANY ANSWERS, AND HIS RESPONSE WAS RESPONSE WAS, 'I'LL LOOK FORWARD TO THE BAD REVIEW.' THIS CLEARING SHOWS THAT MIKE DOES NOT CARE ABOUT MY SAFETY OR ANYONE ELSE WHO IN IN MY VEHICLE, INCLUDING MY CHILD. I HAVE BROUGHT SEVERAL FORD VEHICLES AND FEEL THAT I TRUST THE MECHANICS AND FEEL THAT I HAVE BEEN LET DOWN DUE TO THE UNCARING DEMEANOR THAT MIKE AND MARSHALL NOT RESPONDING TIMELY TO ADDRESS SAFETY CONCERNS. I FEEL THAT AT THIS POINT, MY FAMILY AND I ARE NOT PROTECTED WITH A VEHICLE THAT WE ENTRUSTED IN FORD TO PROVIDE US SAFETY WHICH WE ARE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. ADDITIONALLY, I TRULY FEEL THAT I'M GETTING TREATED THIS WAY BECAUSE I'M AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN LIVING IN SCOTTSD

Electrical System
Filed Nov 27, 2020102,002 milesNC

2012 FORD TAURUS. WHEN YOU FIRST START THE CAR WHILE ITS STATIONARY, THE FCIM (FRONT CONTROL INTERFACE MODULE) MALFUNCTIONED WHICH CAUSED THE DEFROST TO HAVE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. AND THE RADIO DOES NOT WORK.DEALER STATED THAT THE DEFROSTER MALFUNCTIONED AND BLEW HOT AIR AT 90 DEGREES. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING THE FCIM I WAS NEVER GIVING A PRICE FOR THAT PART EITHER AND SPENT 250 DOLLARS ON A POSSABLE IDEA OF WHAT COULD BE WRONG. I NEED TO GET THIS FIXED IT MY WIFE CAR AND SHE DRIVE MY SPECIAL NEEDS DAUGHTER AROUND IN THIS. AND THERE ARE OVER 5000 LETTERS LIKE THIS ALL OVER THE INTERNET IT SEEMS TO BE A FLAW IN THAT FCIM MODULE.

Engine
Filed Oct 11, 202088,000 milesCO

AFTER RESEARCHING, FORD HAS INSTALLED FAULTY WATER PUMPS IN THIS CAR ALONG WITH OTHERS THAT HAVE THE 3.5 ECOBOOST ENGINE. WATER PUMP FAILED ON ME AND SINCE THE WATER PUMP IS INSIDE THE ENGINE YOU DONT REALLY KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO GIVE OUT. LEAKING OF THE COOLANT ON THE HIGHWAY. MY MECHANIC WARNED ME THAT THIS FAILURE COULD LEAD TO COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE WHICH WOULD RESULT IN THE NEED OF A NEW ENGINE. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS!

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 18, 2020118,136 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE USING THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,136.

Engine
Filed Feb 17, 2020152,000 milesMI

ENGINE TEMPERATURE STARTED TO RISE VERY HIGH WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD CITY STREET AND HAD TO PULL OVER. ALL THE ENGINE COOLANT HAD LEAKED OUT BECAUSE OF A FAULTY WATERPUMP THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS FAILED TO RECALL ON ALL THE ENGINES. AS I CAN TELL THE COOLANT DID NOT ENTER THE ENGINE OIL AND DESTROY THE ENTIRE ENGINE TO MY KNOWLEDGE. HOW CAN THE STATE OR THE GOVERNMENT ALLOW THIS TO NOT BE A RECALL AND HAVE FORD REPAIR ALL VEHICLES WHEN THEY FAIL OR BEFORE THEY FAIL TO AVOID PEOPLE LOSING THERE LIFES BECAUSE OF IMMEDIATE ENGINE FAILURE.

EngineFire
Filed Jan 21, 202030,000 milesTX

WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE BURNING THE TOP OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND HOOD. IT HAPPENED SO FAST I CAN ONLY ASSUME IT WAS FUEL RELATED.

Steering
Filed Jan 11, 2020110,050 milesWV

WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING GOT SUPER TIGHT AND HARD TO STEER. DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD. GOT AN ALIGNMENT IT HELPED BUT TWO DAYS LATER IT WENT BACK TO HARD TO STEER.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 18, 201990,000 milesIL

THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND WITH NO LUCK OF DIAGNOSIS. BUT MY VEHICLE HAS LOST ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTION LIGHTS, DASH CLUSTER, HEAT, ETC. HAS DONE THIS ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS BUT SEEMS TO FIX ITSELF BUT THEN DOES IT AGAIN. WITH THAT BEING SAID NOW ON TOP OF THAT MY VEHICLE IS STUCK IS NOW STUCK IN ANTI THEFT MODE WHERE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. I CAN NOT START THE VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD KEYS REPROGRAMMED AND THE CAR LOOK OVER MULTIPLE TIMES WITH ABSOLUTELY NO HELP DIAGNOSING THE ISSUE. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON MY OWN AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH NO SUCCESS GETTING THE PROBLEM FIXED. THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED WAS 7/01/17 AND HAS CONTINUED OFF AND ON UP TO DATE AND HAS NOW LIKE STATED EARLIER HAS NOW MANIFESTED INTO THE ANTI THEFT NOT ALLOWING CAR TO BE STARTED RENDERING IN NON DRIVABLE AT THIS TIME

Electrical System
Filed Aug 11, 201924 milesMS

TAKATA RECALL.: THE CAR POWER'S DOWN WHILE DRIVING, AIR CONDITION,LIGHTS, SIGNALS SHUTS DOWN, THEFT ALERT COMES ON ALSO. ALL THESE THINGS HAPPENING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, IN THE CITY, AND WHILE PARK!!!!!

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 2, 2019106,000 milesTX

THE DRIVER'S SIDE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE FAILED TO OPEN THE DOOR TO ALLOW EGRESS. IT HANGS OUT LIMPLY ON ITS HINGES NOT ENGAGING THE DOOR LATCH. TO OPEN THE DOOR, THE WINDOW HAS TO BE ROLLED DOWN AND THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE PULLED UP AS THOUGH ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM WAS THE SUBJECT OF A PRIOR RECALL SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND THIS VERY SAME INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS REPAIRED BY A FORD DEALER.

Steering
Filed Jul 1, 2019117,000 milesMA

DRIVING NORMALLY , WHEN SUDDENLY THE STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. LUCKILY I WAS ON A CITY STREET GOING ABOUT 40 MPH AND I WAS ABLE TO MANAGE THE VEHICLE ENOUGH TO GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

Engine
Filed May 2, 2019190,000 milesOH

CAR WAS IN MOTION, ENGINE AND WRENCH LIGHT CAME UP AND CAR CAN'T BE ACCELERATED. WE CHANGED THE ENTIRE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY SYSTEM , STILL FAILING, AN NOW WE ARE UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR. IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT WILL SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY THE LIGHTS COME UP.

SteeringCrash
Filed Jan 8, 2019100,000 milesFL

I AM UNABLE TO TURN BROUGHT TO A MECHANIC WHO SAID THERE'S A RECALL 1 5V 340000. SET FORD WOULD FIX IT FOR FREE CALL FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE THEY AGREED SET THE RECALL IS ON EDMUNDS FOR THE 2011 THROUGH 2013 TAURUS. CALLED THREE FORD DEALERS WHO SAY IT'S NOT ATTACHED TO MY VIN CALLED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE BACK THEY SAID IT'S SO BROAD BECAUSE OF ALL THE TAURUS IS IT AFFECTED THAT GIVE HIM THE RECALL NUMBER THEY WOULD FIX IT STILL CANNOT GET THEM TO FIX IT NOW SOMEBODY IS HIT MY CAR CUZ I COULD NOT TURN IN MY REAR DOOR HAS A DENT VERY UNSAFE

Electrical System
Filed Dec 29, 201723,963 milesSC

A COMPLETE FAILURE OF ALL DASHBOARD CONTROLS OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. CONTROLS SUCH AS RADIO, VOLUMN , AC, HEAT, ETC ARE ALL NON RESPONSIVE! HOWEVER, THE CAR CONTINUALLY BLOWS HOT AIR REGISTERED AS 90 DEGREES THROUGH THE VENTS AND BLOWER CAN NOT BE SHUT OFF!. THE CAR WAS PARKED ON A LOT IN SC. THE PROBLEM SURFACED WHEN I STARTED THE IGNITION TO LEAVE, AFTER ATTENDING A MEETING. I CAUTIOUSLY DROVE THE CAR HOME AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER. IT HAS BEEN TWO MONTHS. YET, THE DEALER CAN NOT GET "BACK-ORDERED" PARTS FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO FIX IT. I CAN NOT /WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR IN THIS CONDITION. I WONDER WHAT OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS EXIST. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE -- ON A CAR WITH LESS THAN 24,000 MILES ON IT! I HAVE NO CAR TO DRIVE.

Engine
Filed Sep 29, 201750,000 milesNY

CAR STALLED COMPLTLY SHUT DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE TRAVELING AT 115 KLM AN HOUR IN HOT HUMID WEATHER.

Steering
Filed Jul 31, 2017NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VAN BORTEL FORD (71 MARSH RD. EAST ROCHESTER, NY 14445) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000(STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 26, 2017TX

AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL LETTER , I TOOK THE CAR BACK ON 2015, DEALER HAD IT FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS AND THEY NEVER FIX THE PROBLEM NOW THEY NOT HELPING ME GET THIS MATTER RESOLVED. THE DEALER IS WAYWEST FORD AT IRVING.

SeatsFire
Filed Jun 8, 2017NE

DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT STOPPED WORKING A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. THE LIGHT WOULD GO ON WHEN PRESSED FOR A SECOND THEN SHUT OFF. GOT AROUND TO GETTING IT FIXED. FOUND OUT IT WAS THE HEATING ELEMENT THAT WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. HAD IT REPLACED, AND FOUND OUT THE OLD ONE WAS BURNED OUT! SCARY!!

Steering
Filed Mar 23, 201751,000 milesTX

LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT LOW SPEED AND IT MAKES A NOISE WHEN IT DOES TURN.

SeatsFire
Filed Feb 13, 201790,000 milesCT

HEATED SEAT ELEMENT SHORTED, SMOKED, SMOTHERED FIRE IN SEAT. DID NOT COME THROUGH LEATHER SEAT - SMOTHERED WITHIN SEAT. NO INJURIES. WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND SMELLED SMOKE AND THEN HEATED SEAT STOPPED WORKING. PHOTO OF HEATING ELEMENT AND BAR CODE OF SAME IS ATTACHED.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 14, 201660,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN DURING NIGHT TIME AND THAT THE LOW BEAMS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE BRIGHT ENOUGH TO VIEW THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN, ADJUSTED THE BRIGHTNESS ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 7, 201638,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STATIONARY, THE FCIM (FRONT CONTROL INTERFACE MODULE) MALFUNCTIONED WHICH CAUSED THE DEFROST TO HAVE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROSTER MALFUNCTIONED AND BLEW HOT AIR AT 90 DEGREES. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING THE FCIM (FRONT CONTROL INTERFACE MODULE) REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 01/31/17*LJ *TR

Air Bags
Filed Sep 16, 2016VA

TOOK OUR 2012 FORD TAURUS IN FOR SERVICE & THEY ASK IF WE WOULD LIKE THEM 2 GO AHEAD & DO OUR STATE INSPECTION SO WE SAID THAT'S FINE! WE THEY LATER CAME IUT & SAID IT WOULD PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE OF AIR BAG & TAG LIGHT! WHEN WE PULLED IN TO THAT DEALERSHIP THE AIRBAG LIGHT WASN'T ON! WE TOLD THEM THIS!THE SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO RUN A TEST 4 ANOTHER $100 OR MORE! WE LOOKED UP ONLINE & FOUND WHERE THERE WAS A RECALLS BACK IN APRIL 2016 FOR AIRBAGS ON THIS MODEL!THEY SAID NOT ON THERE RECORDS IN THEIR COMPUTER! WE ASK 4 FORD PHONE # & ON 09/16/2016 WE CALLED FORD & NO HELP THERE EITHER! I'M CONCERNED! FOR CAR HASN'T BEEN WRECKER & WE FEAR FOR OUR SAFETY AS WELL AS OUR FAMILIES SAFETY RIDING IN THIS CAR!PLEASE HELP CHECK CHECK 4 RECALLS & COMPLAINTS & GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS MATTER! THANK U SO MUCH!

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 14, 201680,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ALL THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WAIT TEN MINUTES, AND RESUME DRIVING. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 1, 2016116,000 milesAL

HYDRAULIC LIFT SUPPORTS SUDDENLY FAILED WHEN LIFTING THE TRUNK LID ONE DAY IN JULY 2016. CAR HAS 116,000 MILES, PURCHASED NEW. TOOK TO ORIGINAL DEALER WHO SAID HE WOULD INSTALL IF I COULD FIND SOME. PARTS ARE SOLD OUT AT EVERY AUTO PARTS STORE I CAN FIND, AND ALSO SOLD OUT AT THE VENDORS FOR THE AUTO PARTS STORES. IF THERE ARE NONE TO BE FOUND, IS THIS A PROBLEM?

Engine
Filed Jun 2, 201650,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE AND ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 25, 201621,000 milesDE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER, PLACED IN PARK, AND RESTARTED ON THE INITIAL ATTEMPT. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER APPROXIMATELY SEVEN MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000. ON MAY 16, 2016 AFTER DRIVING A VERY SHORT DISTANCE, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF WARNING. IT STARTED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CONSUMER PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE CONSUMER HAD NO POWER BRAKES OR POWER STEERING. HOWEVER, THE TURN SIGNALS AND HORN WORKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 06/08/16.*JB STATUS UPDATE 07/06/16.*JB UPDATED 08/04/16.*JB

Electrical System
Filed Jan 7, 201686,250 milesNV

MY 2012 FORD TAURUS SHO WAS BROUGHT INTO JONES WEST FORD IN RENO, NEVADA. IT WAS AT JONES WEST FOR A POWER STEERING RECALL. WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE BACK HOME THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FAULTED AND CAUSED A WARNING TO APPEAR, AS WELL AS A COLLISION AVOIDANCE FAULT. AT THE DEALERSHIP IN FALLON, THE SERVICE ADVISOR INFORMED ME THAT THE ACC MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FALLON COMPLETED THE WORK BUT ON A QUALITY ASSURANCE RIDE TO ENSURE THE MODULE WAS WORKING CORRECTLY, THE TECHNICIANS FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING STEERING INPUTS WITHOUT THE DRIVER TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE TECHNICIANS RETURNED TO THE DEALER TO DIAGNOSE WHAT HAD CAUSED THE STEERING INPUTS. THEY TRACED THE PROBLEM BACK TO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE AND PUMP, AND ORDERED A BRAND NEW ONE. THEY ORDERED THE ABS MODULE AROUND THE 23RD OF NOVEMBER 2015, BUT DUE TO STOCKING PROBLEMS THE PART DID NOT ARRIVE UNTIL AROUND THE 24TH OF DECEMBER. I WAS NOT OFFERED A RENTAL VEHICLE BY THE DEALERSHIP, AN APOLOGY FROM FORD FOR THE INCONVENIENCE. AFTER THE DEALERSHIP FINALLY RECEIVED THE PART AND INSTALLED IT, THE TECHNICIANS RAN INTO A PROBLEM WITH THE PCM ACCEPTING THE NEW MODULE, A NEW PROBLEM AROSE; THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WOULD OPERATE NORMALLY FOR A TIME AND THEN THE LIGHTS WOULD DIM, AND THEN COMPLETELY TURN OFF. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS HOOKED UP TO THE OBDII SYSTEM, IT EVEN SHUT THE DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT DOWN AS WELL. THE TECHNICIANS AT FALLON AUTO MALL REALIZED THEY DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE PRO

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 4, 2015OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V040000 (STRUCTURE) WAS RECEIVED IN MARCH OF 2015. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 24, 2015TN

THE CONTROLS FOR MY HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM FAILED. THE CENTER CONSOLE WITH THE RADIO AND CLIMATE CONTROLS ARE INOPERABLE HOWEVER, THE HEAT IS STUCK ON 90 DEGREES FULL BLOWER. I DELIVERED VEHICLE TO FORD AUTONATION FOR SERVICE. FORD ADVISES THAT THE FRONT CONTROL INTERFACE MODULE (FCIM) ON MY VEHICLE WAS BAD AND THAT THE PART WAS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. I REQUESTED THE BLOWER BE DISCONNECTED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE INTERIOR CABIN OF THE VEHICLE TOLERABLE. FORD ADVISED THAT WOULD DO THIS, BUT THERE WAS NO RESULTANT CHANGE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE COMPARTMENT. WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, IN ORDER TO DEAL WITH THE EXTREME AMOUNT OF HEAT POURING INTO THE VEHICLE, I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE SUNROOF OPEN AND THE WINDOWS DOWN TO DRAFT HEAT FROM THE VEHICLE. ADVERSE DRIVING CONDITION INCLUDE: STEERING WHEEL HEATING UP (IT'S NOT A HEATED STEERING WHEEL), THE SMELL OF MELTING PLASTIC, EXTREME HEAT IN THE FOOTBOX OR FLOORBOARD OF THE CAR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP MY FEET IN THEIR NORMAL POSITION CLOSE TO THE BRAKE, EXTREME HEAT ON MY FACE CAUSING MY SKIN TO BREAKOUT, OVERHEATING GLOVEBOX, EXTREME PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT DUE TO HIGH HEAT IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE, AND DRIVING WITH THE SUNROOF AND WINDOWS OPEN IN THE RAIN WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THE FAILURE OF THIS PART HAS CREATED A SAFETY ISSUE AND THE LACK OF AVAILABILITY OF THE PART CAUSES ME GREAT CONCERN. THE JUNKYARD DEALER INDICATED THAT HE HAS HAD "A RUN ON THIS PART" AND THAT SUPPORTS MY IMPRESSION THAT DEMAND FOR THIS PART

Engine
Filed Nov 17, 201529,699 milesNJ

WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND ALL SYSTEMS SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY GOING STRAIGHT. HAD TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE ENGINE STARTED.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 19, 2015MI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V040000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER AND WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A TIME FRAME FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 1/20/16 LN. *CN

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 7, 2015GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V040000 (STRUCTURE) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 25, 2015PA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V040000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 18, 2015LA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V040000 (STRUCTURE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 1, 2015CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V040000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE RECALL PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Complaints 1-50 of 79, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1993
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201918200Routine
201852410Routine
201744400Routine
201687410Routine
2015283610Above average
2014229510Above average
2013585960Above average
2012 — this page79530Routine
2011187421Fatalities reported
2010204352Fatalities reported
200964010Routine
2008175170Routine
2007149100Routine
2006318341Fatalities reported
20057741102Fatalities reported
20043752132Fatalities reported
20031,2234122Fatalities reported
20021,4264110High concern
20011,03710155Fatalities reported
20001,1958251Fatalities reported
19998747164Fatalities reported
19985454144Fatalities reported
19977705124Fatalities reported
19968258121Fatalities reported
19951,2056542Fatalities reported
19949235233Fatalities reported
19931,5578493Fatalities reported
19926816212Fatalities reported
19916495210High concern
19903818230High concern

Compare every Taurus year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 26, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.