Ford Taurus Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Ford Taurus? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Ford Taurus — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019Best | Excellent | 2 | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2018 | Excellent | 3 | 35 | 3 | 12 | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2017 | Excellent | 2 | 26 | 1 | 1 | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2016 | Excellent | 2 | 39 | 7 | 7 | — | Back Over Prevention | Full report → |
| 2015 | Good | 4 | 161 | 6 | 5 | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2014 | Good | 2 | 138 | 15 | 2 | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2013 | Caution | 6 | 396 | 13 | 11 | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2012 | Excellent | 3 | 54 | 1 | — | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2011 | Good | 2 | 136 | 9 | 10 | 1 | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2010 | Good | 1 | 122 | 15 | 24 | 6 | Steering | Full report → |
| 2009 | Excellent | — | 42 | 2 | 3 | — | Engine And Engine Cooling | Full report → |
| 2008 | Good | — | 120 | 16 | 9 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2007 | Excellent | — | 80 | 5 | 6 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | Full report → |
| 2006 | Good | 1 | 187 | 8 | 4 | 1 | Vehicle Speed Control | Full report → |
| 2005 | Caution | — | 523 | 35 | 16 | 2 | Vehicle Speed Control | Full report → |
| 2004 | Good | 1 | 236 | 19 | 17 | 1 | Vehicle Speed Control | Full report → |
| 2003 | Avoid | 2 | 738 | 44 | 33 | 1 | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2002Worst | Avoid | 1 | 892 | 44 | 31 | — | Suspension | Full report → |
| 2001 | Avoid | 6 | 651 | 65 | 70 | 2 | Suspension | Full report → |
| 2000 | Avoid | 6 | 766 | 70 | 47 | — | Suspension | Full report → |
20 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Ford Taurus Problems
Based on 5,348 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Taurus Years to Avoid
Best Taurus Years to Buy
Years with fewest complaints and recalls.
Ford Taurus Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Ford Taurus Reliability
What year Taurus has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2002 Ford Taurus had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 892 complaints and 1 safety recalls. See the full 2002 report for specific defects.
Is the Ford Taurus reliable?
The Ford Taurus has accumulated 5,348 owner-filed complaints and 44 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 14 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2019 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Taurus.
What are the most common Taurus problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Suspension (1279 reports), Vehicle Speed Control (673 reports), Power Train (459 reports), Steering (344 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Taurus has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Ford Taurus VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Ford Taurus VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily