NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
12 reportsClear category filter177,000 miles · Feb 14, 2022
Exterior Lighting
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 w…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11451923
118,136 miles · Jun 18, 2020
Exterior Lighting
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 …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11329588
60,000 miles · Nov 14, 2016
Exterior Lighting
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 T…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10925717
40,000 miles · Nov 9, 2013
Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE A VERY DEFINITE LINE BETWEEN THE LIT AND UNLIT AREA OF THE ROADWAY AND SURROUNDING AREAS. THIS MAKES FOR A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHERE IN MY AND OTHER POSTERS OPINIONS CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHENEVER DRIVING AT NIGHT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10551647
1,200 miles · Aug 8, 2013
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHT SYSTEM IS POOR ON LOW BEAM. THERE IS A HORIZONTAL LINE MAKING DEFINITE DIVISION IN VISIBILITY THAT EXTENDS ACROSS THE COMPLETE HORIZONTAL LINE OF VISION. GOING TO HIGH BEAMS STOPS THIS. I NEARLY HAD AN ACCIDENT AS I CANNOT SEE WELL ON LOW BEAMS, UPPER GAZING AREA. THE SAME THING IS REPORTED BY MANY OWNERS. I STOPPED AT…
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HEADLIGHT SYSTEM IS POOR ON LOW BEAM. THERE IS A HORIZONTAL LINE MAKING DEFINITE DIVISION IN VISIBILITY THAT EXTENDS ACROSS THE COMPLETE HORIZONTAL LINE OF VISION. GOING TO HIGH BEAMS STOPS THIS. I NEARLY HAD AN ACCIDENT AS I CANNOT SEE WELL ON LOW BEAMS, UPPER GAZING AREA. THE SAME THING IS REPORTED BY MANY OWNERS. I STOPPED AT THE DEALER, WE LOOKED AT IT, TRIED THE LIGHTS AND I FIND THERE IS WHAT APPEARS A DOOR TO SHIELD SOME OF THE UPPER AREA OF THE LIGHT BULB SO THAT IT IS DARKER AT THE TOP. I ASSUME IT IS TO NOT BLIND ONCOMING DRIVERS WHILE ON LOW BEAMS. MY WIFE CONSTANTLY COMPLAINS OF THIS TOO, THAT SHE FLAT CANNOT SEE ON LOW BEAMS. IN REALITY, IF YOU WERE DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD AND A DEER WAS ON THE ROAD WITH ITS HEAD UP LOOKING AT YOU, THERE WOULD BE NO "DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS LOOK" THAT YOU COULD SEE. THIS LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT SYSTEM JUST PLAIN ROTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10534381
6,500 miles · Jun 20, 2013
Exterior LightingStructure
AFTER ABOUT 6,000 MILES WE BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT THE RIGHT HAND SIDE BLIS SENSOR AND SIGNAL LIGHT INDICATING A VEHICLE IS IN THE BLIND SPOT WHEN NO VEHICLE OR OTHER OBJECT ARE WITHIN THE AREA. OFTEN THE LIGHT WILL REMAIN ON FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. ADDITIONALLY, OCCASIONALLY STARTED TO GIVE FALSE WARNINGS WHEN NO CROSS TRAFFIC WAS…
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AFTER ABOUT 6,000 MILES WE BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT THE RIGHT HAND SIDE BLIS SENSOR AND SIGNAL LIGHT INDICATING A VEHICLE IS IN THE BLIND SPOT WHEN NO VEHICLE OR OTHER OBJECT ARE WITHIN THE AREA. OFTEN THE LIGHT WILL REMAIN ON FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. ADDITIONALLY, OCCASIONALLY STARTED TO GIVE FALSE WARNINGS WHEN NO CROSS TRAFFIC WAS IN THE AREA. NOW VEHICLES CAN BE AS CLOSE AS FIVE FEET BEFORE THE CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT WILL SIGNAL TRAFFIC. UPON ORIGINAL PURCHASE THE CTA WORKED AS DESCRIBED. ONLINE OFFICIAL FORD DOCUMENTATION CITES THE BLIS WILL WORK ONLY FOR VEHICLES AND NOT PEOPLE, INFRASTRUCTURE, BICYCLES, ETC. CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT WILL PICK UP VEHICLES APPROACHING FROM 65 FEET AWAY BUT NOT WHEN APPROACHING VEHICLES ARE MOVING FASTER THAN 15 MPH. HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=WIWHCL1VS4S AND HTTP://MEDIA.FORD.COM/IMAGES/10031/BLIS.PDF WE'VE TAKE THE TAURUS TO THE PURCHASE DEALER WHO KEEPS SAYING THE SYSTEM IS WORKING AS SEEN BY A TECH WALKING BEHIND THE CAR EFFECTIVELY ONLY TESTING THE REVERSE SENSOR SYSTEM BUT THEY WILL NOT TEST FOR CROSS TRAFFIC OR BLIND SPOT SITUATIONS AND THEY KEEP SAYING THAT CANNOT FIX SOMETHING THEY CANNOT SEE AS BROKEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520982
300 miles · May 13, 2013
Exterior Lighting
WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT IN OUR FORD TAURUS THERE IS A VERY NOTICEABLE HORIZONTAL LINE ACROSS THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. THIS DIVIDES THE WINDSHIELD IN HALF AND LOOKING THROUGH THE UPPER HALF IS SIMILAR TO LOOKING THROUGH DARK SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT WHILE THE LOWER HALF IS CLEAR. THIS MAKES IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SEE ANYTHING IN FRONT …
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WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT IN OUR FORD TAURUS THERE IS A VERY NOTICEABLE HORIZONTAL LINE ACROSS THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. THIS DIVIDES THE WINDSHIELD IN HALF AND LOOKING THROUGH THE UPPER HALF IS SIMILAR TO LOOKING THROUGH DARK SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT WHILE THE LOWER HALF IS CLEAR. THIS MAKES IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SEE ANYTHING IN FRONT OF THE CAR, ESPECIALLY SOMEONE WALKING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS OCCURS ON ROADS WHERE THERE IS NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IF THERE ARE ONCOMING VEHICLES WITH LIGHTS ON THIS LINE DISAPPEARS AND THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD IS CLEAR. IF THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SWITCHED TO THE BRIGHTS POSITION THE LINE ALSO DISAPPEARS. THIS IS SO DISTURBING THAT MY WIFE AND I TRY TO LIMIT OUR NIGHTTIME DRIVING TO OUR OTHER VEHICLE. I HAVE NOTICED THIS COMPLAINT A NUMBER OF OTHER TIMES IN YOUR DATABASE AND YOU CAN FIND THOSE COMPLAINTS HERE: HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2012/FORD/TAURUS/EXTERIOR_LIGHTING/PROBLEM.ASPX [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10511794
7,800 miles · Feb 7, 2013
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD ADJUST TO BRIGHTEN THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,8…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD TAURUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD ADJUST TO BRIGHTEN THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,800..... UPDATED 03-28-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE A VERY SHARP SHORT CUT OFF THAT LIMITS VISIBILITY GREATLY. THE CUT OFF PROJECTS A BLACK LINE THAT FLOATS UP AND DOWN ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT IS HYPNOTIC. THE FAILURE IS WITH THE DIM LIGHTS. UPDATED 04/18/2013 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10496779
1,450 miles · Aug 28, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
03/24/2012. 1ST FAILURE MILEAGE APPROX.1,450: DRIVING ON I-95S AT APPROX. 70 MPH, RAINING CONDITION, WIPERS IN USE, HEADLIGHTS ON. SUDDENLY THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WENT DARK, WIPERS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF WINDSHIELD, ENGINE CUT OFF. WAS ABLE TO STEER CAR FROM MIDDLE LANE TO ROAD SIDE AND BRAKED. PUT CAR IN PARK, LIGHTS ST…
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03/24/2012. 1ST FAILURE MILEAGE APPROX.1,450: DRIVING ON I-95S AT APPROX. 70 MPH, RAINING CONDITION, WIPERS IN USE, HEADLIGHTS ON. SUDDENLY THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WENT DARK, WIPERS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF WINDSHIELD, ENGINE CUT OFF. WAS ABLE TO STEER CAR FROM MIDDLE LANE TO ROAD SIDE AND BRAKED. PUT CAR IN PARK, LIGHTS STILL OUT, ENGINE WOULD NOT START. IN LESS A MINUTE, ON THE MIDDLE INSTRUMENT GAUGE A GREEN LIGHTED MESSAGE DISPLAYED: "POWER ACCESSORIES..." FOR A VERY SHORT TIME. THEN CAR RESTARTED. FORD SERVICES COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM OR ERROR CODE. 08/04/2012. 2ND FAILURE MILEAGE APPROX. 5,360: NICE HOT DAY OF SUMMER. AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAVEL CENTER PARKING LOT, DROVE ABOUT 25 YARDS IN THE PARKING LOT AT APPROX. 10 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WENT OUT AND THE ENGINE CUT OFF. CAR WOULD NOT START IN "NEUTRAL" BUT STARTED IN "PARK" POSITION RIGHT AWAY. FORD SERVICES COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM OR ERROR CODE. IN BOTH INCIDENTS, THE PASSENGER WAS ACCESSING THE "MULTI-MEDIA CONSOLE" FOR RADIO STATION OR GPS.
NHTSA ODI #10473489
1 miles · Jan 30, 2012
Exterior Lighting
2012 TAURUS THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE 2012 TAURUS HAVE A VERY SHARP SHORT CUTOFF THAT LIMITS VISIBILITY GREATLY.THIS CAN ONLY BE EXPERIENCED ON A HIGHWAY OR BACK ROAD WHERE THERE IS NO BACK LIGHTS OR OTHER VEHICLES PRESENT.THE CUTOFF PROJECTS A BLACK LINE THAT FLOATS UP AND DOWN ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT IS HYPNOTIC.IF THERE WAS A BIKE…
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2012 TAURUS THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE 2012 TAURUS HAVE A VERY SHARP SHORT CUTOFF THAT LIMITS VISIBILITY GREATLY.THIS CAN ONLY BE EXPERIENCED ON A HIGHWAY OR BACK ROAD WHERE THERE IS NO BACK LIGHTS OR OTHER VEHICLES PRESENT.THE CUTOFF PROJECTS A BLACK LINE THAT FLOATS UP AND DOWN ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT IS HYPNOTIC.IF THERE WAS A BIKE OR PERSON WALKING AHEAD ON THE SHOULDER YOU WOULD NEVER SEE THEM IN TIME.THIS PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY AN EYELID THAT DROPS DOWN OVER THE BULB WHEN IN THE DIM MODE.WHEN USING THE BRIGHTS, THE LIGHTS ARE FINE.BECAUSE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC YOU CANNOT ALWAYS USE YOUR BRIGHT SETTING. THIS PROBLEM IS ESPECIALLY BAD IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS: DOWNHILL; ON CURVES; IN DEER COUNTRY; THIS MAKES DRIVING THE ARKANSAS MOUNTAINS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AT NIGHT.
NHTSA ODI #10445837
Official recalls
5Apr 26, 2016
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Jun 2, 2015
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Jan 28, 2015
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
May 29, 2014
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Mar 27, 2013
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗