Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
160–25K
1025–50K
450–75K
875–100K
9100–150K
4150K+
51 reports with mileage · 27 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Steering. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports3 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
78 reports
177,000 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
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2022
Steering
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 contac…
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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
NHTSA ODI #11447416
130,000 miles · Mar 9, 2021
Steering
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 CI…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11400025
Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2020
Air Bags
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 …
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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 SCOTTSDALE, AZ IN THE YEAR OF 2020 AND I STILL FEEL THAT RACISM IS STILL ALIVE AND TRULY HAVE ENCOUNTERED HERE AT AUTONATION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I FEEL THAT FORD HAS A LOT OF EMPLOYEES WHO VALUE CUSTOMER'S LIVES, BUT THIS PARTICULAR LOCATION HAS SHOWN THEIR TRUE COLORS AS TO HOW THEY STAND FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AND SAFETY.
NHTSA ODI #11384214
102,002 miles · Nov 27, 2020
Electrical System
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 …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11376542
88,000 miles · Oct 11, 2020
EngineUnknown Or Other
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 LE…
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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!
NHTSA ODI #11363751
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
152,000 miles · Feb 17, 2020
Engine
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 ENG…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11309748
30,000 miles · Jan 21, 2020
EngineFire
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.
NHTSA ODI #11300675
110,050 miles · Jan 11, 2020
Steering
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2012 Ford Taurus Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year