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2013 Ford Taurus problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 Ford Taurus has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 9safety recalls
- 591owner complaints
- 20crash reports
- 6fire reports
- 25injuries reported
The most complained-about Ford Taurus year on file: 591 complaints, against an average of 113 for the other 7 model years.
Every Ford Taurus model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 Ford Taurus?
The components named most often in the 591 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 Ford Taurus owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 591 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2013 Ford Taurus stall, lose power or shut off while driving?108 owners · 18.3%
- Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2013 Ford Taurus?105 owners · 17.8% · Recall 15V340000
- Why won't my 2013 Ford Taurus start?24 owners · 4.1%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Ford Taurus?21 owners · 3.6%
- Why does my 2013 Ford Taurus idle rough, misfire or hesitate?18 owners · 3%
Fault codes 2013 Ford Taurus owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2013 Ford Taurus been recalled?
9 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Suspension: Rear 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.
Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: 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.
Steering: Electric Power Assist System 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.
Fix: 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: Door 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.
Fix: 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.
Power Train: Axle Assembly: Axle Shaft 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Exterior Lighting 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.
Fix: 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2013 Ford Taurus recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
EU Safety GateIt may be possible over time for the fuel delivery module in the fuel tank to develop a crack that could result in a fuel leak.Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2013 Ford Taurus owners report?
12 of the 591 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Vehicle warranty consda domla Vehicle was left new Battery salf failure Washer pump soco failure ranso 2503 miles and it diplo isvrecancy
Malicious use of AI. Vehicle was shut down in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the road, right on the crest of a hill, just around a curve in the middle of the night, at approximately 12:00 AM. I had to wait for about 5.5 hrs for a tow truck.
The power steering system is continually giving Power Steering Assist Failure and Service Advance Trac. The code U3000 was identified by Ford technician. This code is found in a Ford recall 15S18, my VIN is not included in this recall. The power steering quits working while the car is driving. The problem was confirmed through codes U3000 and Coo51 by Ed Morse Ford in Lebanon, MO. There was no accident to involve police or insurance representatives. Warning messages are mentioned above.
Mechanic told us while replacing the suspension that the steering rack has to be replaced.
The car regularly starts without pressing the brake down first. The car has they key but says no key detected and drives with or without it. This is a push start ignition car.
EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM FAULT UNABLE TO BLEED UP FUEL TANK VACUUM. POOR QUALITY PAINT AND INTERIOR.
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…
No heat gauge, oil pressure gauge on vehicle. Blend door issue, one side blows hot, other cold. Radio not working. Weird noise in dash by ignition. Ignition sticks when trying to start car, keeps turning over. Dimmer switch doesn't work. Car can be tracked by unknown people, without permission.
While driving to work in my 2013 Ford Taurus I went to take a left and the power steering was suddenly gone and the steering wheel was hard to turn. I nearly hit another car and had to brake hard to miss it. I parked at work and after work I started the car and it was fine until about a mile before I got home. Then it happened again and I could hear a scraping like sound when I turned. The steering became very jerky and resistant at lower speeds but I never got a warning light or message. I brought the vehicle in to an independent mechanic, where it was discovered that the power steering…
I purchased this car April 1 2025 the car drove fine up until this past week I got in the car it had a very long crank but started and it acted as if it wasn't getting fuel. So I shut it off waited and started it back it seemed OK I went and purchased some fuel cleaner and gas it straightened out then today it done the exact same thing except it stalled on me 3 times and the last stall almost caused a wreck I was able to get it started and drove back home too scared to drove it so I started looking up problems online and seen several issues like mine that other people had and they were related…
Purchased vehicle on 10/06/2022. Within a week noticed surging and /or loss of power. I also smelled buring of some sort. Contacted the dealership and tried to make arrangements for car to be diagnosed and repaired. Codes began to show on the dash. When I took it to be read it showed throttle issues. On 10/18/2022 I was at a complete stop at a stop sign. When I released the brake and touched the gas the car unexpectedly sured at high speed on its own. My vehicle hit another vehicle causing major damage to both cars. It was extremely terrifying having my car take off at a high rate of speed…
THE 2013 TAURUS HAS RIGHT AT 60,000 MILES ON IT AND IS MAINTAINED REGULARLY AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. I'VE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL FOR THE STEERING EPAS SYSTEM FAILING, BUT IT HAPPENED LAST WEEK. WITHOUT NOTICE OR WARNING, AS WE BACKED OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING CAPABILITY AND TURNING IT OFF AND RESTARTING DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE. AS I PULLED BACK IN THE STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING FAILURE OF THAT SYSTEM AS WELL.
2013 Ford Taurus: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 Ford Taurus reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 591 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Taurus; the most common categories were steering (296, 50.1%), fuel/propulsion system (98, 16.6%), engine (71, 12%). There are 9 safety recalls. 20 complaints mention a crash, 6 mention a fire, 25 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Taurus?
Across 591 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are steering (50.1% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (16.6% of complaints), engine (12% of complaints), electrical system (10% of complaints), power train (7.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 Ford Taurus have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2013 Ford Taurus; the most recent (campaign 20V072000, 2020-02-10) concerns Suspension: Rear. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2013 Ford Taurus stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
108 of the 591 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Ford Taurus (18.3%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "I purchased this car April 1 2025 the car drove fine up until this past week I got in the car it had a very long crank but started and it acted as if it wasn't getting fuel." (NHTSA complaint 11669991, June 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2013 Ford Taurus?
105 of the 591 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Ford Taurus (17.8%) describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. A related recall exists: campaign 15V340000 (steering: electric power assist system). The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). One owner wrote: "loss of steering likely to wreck because of no power steering. My safety and my family was put at risk during this process. The problem has been reproduced at the car repair shop. Warning light activated and message on dash." (NHTSA complaint 11709690, January 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why won't my 2013 Ford Taurus start?
24 of the 591 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Ford Taurus (4.1%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford taurus. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts with the check engine warning light flashing intermittently." (NHTSA complaint 11338479, July 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Ford Taurus?
21 of the 591 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Ford Taurus (3.6%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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 complaint 11565376, January 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2013 Ford Taurus idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
18 of the 591 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Ford Taurus (3%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "The backup Camera goes upside down. The car hesitates when accelerated when needing a boost like getting on freeway Parking brake won’t catch. This is 2nd time and needs to be fixed again" (NHTSA complaint 11736769, May 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Taurus
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2013 only. How these reports are made.