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2013 Ford Taurus

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Ford Taurus do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 318.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

426 reports with mileage · 157 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 295 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 96 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 69 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

20 crash reports6 fire reports17 injury reports

Power Train complaints

44 reports
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5,000 miles · Dec 22, 2025
Electrical SystemPower Train

The contact's mother owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, several unknown warning lights illuminated when turning off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the dashboard. In addition, the gear shifter had seized in park(P). The vehicle was …

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The contact's mother owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, several unknown warning lights illuminated when turning off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the dashboard. In addition, the gear shifter had seized in park(P). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had several previous ongoing failures. The contact stated that the failure started shortly after the vehicle was purchased in 2013. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

NHTSA ODI #11706565

Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2025
Power TrainSteering

Just recently, my power steering started to fail when it’s in ‘S’ gear (I just started using it a few weeks ago). The steering wheel gets catchy and can be difficult to control, especially going around corners. It’s intermittent and it didn’t start until I started to use the ‘S’ gear. I had the power steering checked by a mechan…

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Just recently, my power steering started to fail when it’s in ‘S’ gear (I just started using it a few weeks ago). The steering wheel gets catchy and can be difficult to control, especially going around corners. It’s intermittent and it didn’t start until I started to use the ‘S’ gear. I had the power steering checked by a mechanic and they said it’s functioning properly. I do believe my car should be included in this recall before the steering goes out and something catastrophic happens. By the way, now that I’ve stopped using the ‘S’ gear, the glitchy steering issue has subsided.

NHTSA ODI #11677833

Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2024
Power TrainService BrakesSteering

Please allow submission of additional information regarding issues with my 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor. As stated on the previous complaint filed on 1/9/2024, I got my car service at AutoNation Ford Service Center on 12/16/2023, and I brought it back to the service center on Saturday, 12/23/2023 because of the car’s poor…

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Please allow submission of additional information regarding issues with my 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor. As stated on the previous complaint filed on 1/9/2024, I got my car service at AutoNation Ford Service Center on 12/16/2023, and I brought it back to the service center on Saturday, 12/23/2023 because of the car’s poor performance and engine had laminated on 12/17/2023. I went to pick up the car on Thursday 12/28/2023 in the morning, the Ford representative said the car is fine, and there is nothing wrong with the car. I say thank you and drive off. So, I am driving the car for about 5 minutes, it feels sluggish. Then the engine light comes on, I make a U turn and return the car to AutoNation Ford for service. As things stand now, my car is still AutoNation Ford service center, due to the defects which are causing poor performance while driving the 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor, issues such as: Rough Steering, Bad Ignition Switch, and braking issue. Per my previous statement, I drove the car for about on 12/28/2023, it felt extremely sluggish. The hard shifting in vehicle, and steering wheel was rough . The brakes have more issues than normal. The engine light came on.

NHTSA ODI #11565399

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

I have a check engine light on my dash. I have several codes. I have problems with the car like the fuel pump, catalytic converter not functioning efficiently, steering, etc. I know Ford has problems with its cars.

NHTSA ODI #11565376

209,840 miles · Sep 9, 2023
EnginePower Train

2 different PTU's have burned up, waterpump blew up

NHTSA ODI #11543527

Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

On 7/31/2022, and also about a month ago, my 2013 Ford Taurus Limited stalled out while driving and the wrench light came on. The car limped along until I could pull it over, but this could have been serious as I was on the highway doing 65mph just 2 minutes prior to it. It stalled coming up the upramp here in Phoenix. I got …

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On 7/31/2022, and also about a month ago, my 2013 Ford Taurus Limited stalled out while driving and the wrench light came on. The car limped along until I could pull it over, but this could have been serious as I was on the highway doing 65mph just 2 minutes prior to it. It stalled coming up the upramp here in Phoenix. I got it into the parking lot, and gave it gas and nothing at all, the engine just sputtered as the wrench light was on. I turned it off for 2 minutes, and restarted and able to get home 4 minutes away. This is the 2nd time this has now happened, and this is a huge safety concern. Ford Taurus had recalls on the Powertrain Control Module for other years of the Taurus, but I do not want to pay for this fix as this is a Ford safety issue for my model year 2013. I could have caused an accident on the highway if this stalled like this. Who do I contact to get this looked at. I can almost guarantee it is the powertrain control module as I see it online recalled and exact same issues. This car onl has 70k miles on it and in great condition, serviced all the time. Please let me know whom I may contact to resolve this safety issue? Should I call my local Ford dealership, but I think they charge $200 for scan of the car. Thank yo for your time. Brian Maltese 480-577-1456

NHTSA ODI #11476787

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2022
Power Train

Car keeps throwing wrench light on and looses all power while driving. Car has been back to dealership and they can not find any issues. Researching it seems to be a big on going issue with the 13 ford vehicles. I’m going to be in a major accident with this car and I’m still paying on it.

NHTSA ODI #11475626

Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2021
Power Train

While traveling down the highway and without warning, we lost the ability to accelerate. We had to coast over to the shoulder of the road and there was no response when pressing the gas pedal. The vehicle then began to sputter and the check engine light came on. We restarted the vehicle and the check engine light was off, and…

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While traveling down the highway and without warning, we lost the ability to accelerate. We had to coast over to the shoulder of the road and there was no response when pressing the gas pedal. The vehicle then began to sputter and the check engine light came on. We restarted the vehicle and the check engine light was off, and the car responded when the gas was pressed. Later on I was turning through an intersection and again the engine stopped responding. I coasted very slowly through the intersection, turned on the hazard lights and sat slightly off the road. I restarted the car several times and this time the check engine light stayed on. I checked the code and it showed "Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) system, actuator stuck open". I looked on the internet and saw that many of the 2009-13 Ford Escape owners had experienced these symptoms as well. This seems more like just a Ford problem and should be fixed by the manufacturer. Our car is a 2013 V6 Ford Taurus SEL, that has 60,000 miles on it. This so-called Limp-Mode that Ford has in place is dangerous. The engine should not completely stop responding to the pedal!

NHTSA ODI #11430102

114,755 miles · Mar 15, 2021
Power TrainSteeringSuspension

15V340000 14V393000 20V072000 15V812000 16V621000 13V270000 15V040000 13V227000

NHTSA ODI #11403030

87,400 miles · Sep 6, 2020
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

VEHICLE SHOT THE WRENCH SIGN AND LOST ALL ACCELERATION ON MAJOR HIGHWAY WITH NO SHOULDER... THROTTLE BODY IS BAD IN MOTION GOING STRAIGHT , 77 MILES PER HOUR , MAJOR HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11353371

Official recalls

9

20V072000 · Suspension:rear

Feb 10, 2020

Ford 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.

16V621000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Aug 25, 2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.

15V812000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

Dec 2, 2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to 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 replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.

15V340000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

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.

15V040000 · Structure:body:door

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.

14V393000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

Jul 2, 2014

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.

14V285000 · Exterior Lighting

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.

13V270000 · Latches/locks/linkages

Jun 26, 2013

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, with sufficient door openings and closings, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position without notice.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the safety locks. If necessary, the locks will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S07. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

13V227000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

May 31, 2013

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to 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 replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.

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.