Vehicles / Ford / Taurus / 2012

2012 Ford Taurus

79 federal complaints (102 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 49 service bulletins · 5 Canadian recalls
See all 38 model years of the Ford Taurus →
Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
AWD
EPA economy
17 city / 25 hwy
Federal complaints
79
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Steering
17
Body & structure
16
Electrical system
16
Engine & cooling
13
Lighting
12
Other
6
Speed control
4
Brakes
4
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 10 complaints01 years old: 7 complaints2 years old: 5 complaints3 years old: 18 complaints4 years old: 8 complaints5 years old: 6 complaints56 years old: 1 complaints7 years old: 5 complaints8 years old: 7 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 4 complaints1011 years old: 5 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 79 of 79 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 9 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 10 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 5 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 2 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 7 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 7 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 1 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 46 of 79 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Steering

17 complaint records1 crash report
"Driving on the highway, when the car lights, radio, air conditioner, steering wheel, speed all goes out. The car wouldn’t crank back up and theft system keep coming on...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Body & structure

16 complaint records
"AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL LETTER , I TOOK THE CAR BACK ON 2015, DEALER HAD IT FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS AND THEY NEVER FIX THE PROBLEM NOW THEY NOT HELPING ME GET THIS MATTER RESOLVED. THE DEALER IS WAYWEST FORD AT IRVING...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Electrical system

16 complaint records
"Driving on the highway, when the car lights, radio, air conditioner, steering wheel, speed all goes out. The car wouldn’t crank back up and theft system keep coming on...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
16V247000Air BagsFord 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.Normally free
15V340000SteeringFord 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,...Normally free
15V040000StructureFord 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,...Normally free
14V285000Exterior LightingFord 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,...Normally free
13V109000Fuel System, GasolineFord is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2019281
2019-06-11
Suspension12,211Issue: On certain vehicles, a buildup of dirt and mud could cause the rear suspension toe links to break. This could result in a sudden loss of vehicle stability.
2015224
2015-05-27
Steering25,195On certain vehicles, a fault in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system could result in an immediate loss of power steering assist without warning to the driver.
2015035
2015-01-28
Structure9,956On certain vehicles, the return spring within the interior door handle assembly could become unseated, resulting in an interior handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
2014196
2014-05-28
Lights And Instruments13,200On certain vehicles registered and operated in areas where road salt is used on the roadways during winter months for extended time periods (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland-Labrador),...
2013093
2013-03-26
Fuel System193On certain vehicles, the fuel tank may have been manufactured incorrectly. As a result, some of the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact, and may leak.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
SSM 54601
Feb 2026
Electrical SystemFord and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code.
SSM 53040
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherWhile performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.
SSM 52476
Apr 2024
EquipmentAll accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery.
SSM 49210
Sep 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingSome 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil.
SSM 48123
Aug 2019
Electrical SystemFor Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern.
Show 44 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
SSM 48070
Jul 2019
EquipmentSome 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings.
SSM 47976
May 2019
Power TrainOn vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory.
SSM 47948
Apr 2019
EngineSSM 47948 - 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns,...
TSB 19-2051
Feb 2019
Equipment Adaptive/MobilitySome 2011-2019 Taurus/Police Interceptor Sedan vehicles may exhibit a loose and/or sagging headliner near the high mounted stoplamp. This may be caused by the headliner mounting bracket separating from the headliner.
SSM 47797
Feb 2019
EquipmentSome 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings.
SSM 47749
Jan 2019
EquipmentSome 2012-2019 Vehicles may require repairs to the Smartlink system. Smartlink is a Ford Licensed Accessory which has a warranty provided by the accessory manufacturer.
SSM 47662
Nov 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingFor 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts.
SSM 47230
Apr 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingSome 2007-2016 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Police Interceptor Sedan/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD and built on or before 30-Jun-2016 may exhibit a propane or natural gas odor during idle or low speed driving.
SSM 47201
Mar 2018
EquipmentReplacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle.
TSB18-2096
Mar 2018
StructureSome 2011-2017 Taurus/Police Interceptor Sedan vehicles may exhibit a loose and/or sagging headliner near the high mounted stoplamp. This may be caused by the headliner mounting bracket separating from the headliner. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SSM 47080
Feb 2018
Equipment2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be supporting their AppLink integration.
SSM 47009
Jan 2018
EquipmentThe Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE).
SSM 46900
Nov 2017
Electrical SystemSome vehicles may exhibit a no start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement. This may be due to the parameter reset procedure not being properly completed.
SSM 46412
Feb 2017
EquipmentSOME 2007-2016 EDGE/MKX/FLEX/MKT/MKZ/MKS/TAURUS/TAURUS POLICE/EXPLORER/EXPLORER POLICE EQUIPPED WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) AND BUILT ON OR BEFORE 30-JUN-2016 MAY EXHIBIT A TICKING AND/OR KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVELINE AREA.
SSM 46332
Jan 2017
EquipmentREPLACING THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SYNC/NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH EITHER AN AFTERMARKET SYNC/NAVIGATION KIT OR MODIFYING ORIGINAL SYNC/NAVIGATION PARTS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FEATURES IS NOT RECOMMENDED NOR SUPPORTED ON ANY FORD, MERCURY OR LINCOLN VEHICLE.
SSM 46295
Jan 2017
EngineTO HELP DIFFERENTIATE ENGINE OIL LEAKS FROM OTHER POSSIBLE SOURCES, A NEW WHITE-COLORED FLUORESCENT ENGINE OIL DYE IS AVAILABLE. WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM), SECTION 303-00 HAS BEEN REVISED TO REFERENCE THE NEW WHITE-COLORED DYE.
SSM 46210
Nov 2016
SteeringSOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
SSM 46132
Oct 2016
Service BrakesSOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED.
SSM 46102
Sep 2016
Seat BeltsSome vehicles may have a concern where the safety belt retractor webbing does not extract from the stowed position or exhibits excessive pressure on the occupant during use. This may be due to a normal condition which happens when the seatbelt retracts at a high rate of speed.
SSM 46085
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingThe Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns.
SSM-45815
May 2016
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONING (A/C) INOPERATIVE - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0645
16-0066
Apr 2016
Electrical SystemSome 2012-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen.
TSB160066
Apr 2016
EquipmentTouchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen
44863
Jul 2015
VisibilityFORD: NO SERVICE ACTION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS CONDITION. PLEASE USE AT YOUR DISCRETION. VARIOUS 2010-2015 VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A TURBULENCE NOISE, SIMILAR TO AN HELICOPTER NOISE, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE REAR DOOR WINDOW(S) OR SUNROOF ARE OPEN. *TA
ASI-45132
May 2015
Power TrainLINCOLN/FORD: AN OVERHAUL TRANSMISSION MOTORCRAFT KIT, AVAILABLE FOR SOME VEHICLES, CONTAINS AN INCORRECT VALVE BODE SEPARATOR PLATE AND WOULD NEED TO DISCARD 7Z490 PART AND USE BT4Z-7Z490 TO PREVENT HARSH DOWNSHIFTS. MODEL 2010-12 EDGE, MKX, FLEX, MKS, MKT, TAURUS. *PE
14R01
Sep 2014
EquipmentFORD: SOME 2010 TO 2014 FORD TAURUS AND 2013 TO 2014 POLICE INCEPTOR SEDAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM 2010 TO 2014 ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE 14S08 LICENSE PLATE LAMP ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT SAFETY RECALL. *TA
CSP-14N02
Aug 2014
Electrical SystemFORD/LINCOLN: THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE LOSS OF ABS SPEED SIGNAL RELATED COMMUNICATION THAT DISABLE OBDII SYSTEM MONITORS FOR PCM REPROGRAMMING. MODEL 2011-14 F-SUPER DUTY, ESCAPE, TAURUS, FUSION, MKT, MKZ. *PE
TSB-14-0113
May 2014
EngineFORD/LINCOLN: SOME VEHICLES, WITH ALUMINUM VALVE COVER, WILL EXPERIENCE AN EXCESSIVE CONDITION OF SMOKING ENGINE OIL AND/OR CONSUMPTION OF OIL, FROM TAIL PIPE, DURING NORMAL ENGINE TEMPERATURE OPERATION. MODEL 2010-2014 FLEX, TAURUS, EXPLORER, MKS, MKT. *PE
TSB-14-0105
May 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFORD/LINCOLN: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A ROUGH IDLE, IN GASOLINE TURBOCHARGED DIRECT INJECTION (GTDI) ENGINE, MAY OCCUR AFTER HOT START. MODEL 2012-2014 FLEX, TAURUS, EXPLORER, MKT. *PE
CSP-13B16
May 2014
Electrical SystemLINCOLN/FORD: IN POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM), THAT ALLOWS ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) AND OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED SENSOR (OSS) SIGNAL FAULTS, A SOFTWARE ERROR HAS OCCUR AND DISABLED ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) MONITORS WITH NO ILLUMINATION OF MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL).
ASI-44531
May 2014
SeatsLINCOLN/FORD: ON SOME VEHICLES AND TRUCKS, THERE IS A POPPING, SQUEALING, BINDING OR GRINDING NOISE COME FROM POWER SEATS WHEN MOVING BACKWARDS OR FORWARD. MODEL 2009-2015 F-150, TAURUS, FLEX, MKT, MKS, F-SUPER DUTY, EXPLORER. *PE
ASI-44564
May 2014
Service BrakesFORD/LINCOLN: DUE TO CORROSION BUILDUP BETWEEN BRAKE PAD AND ANCHOR BRACKET, VEHICLE EXPERIENCE A REAR BRAKE DRAG CONDITION AND NEED TO BE CHECKED FOR DEBRIS AND/OR CORROSION. MODEL 2011-2014 EXPLORER, FLEX, TAURUS, EDGE, MKX, MKT, MKS. *PE
TSB-14-0023
Jan 2014
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityFORD: AT REAR WINDOW GLASS, AROUND HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP AREA, HEADLINER IS DROPPING DOWN OR IS LOOSE, ON SOME VEHICLES, DUE TO MOUNTING BRACKETS SEPARATING FROM HEADLINER. MODEL 2011-2014 TAURUS. *PE
TSB-14-0019
Jan 2014
EquipmentFORD/LINCOLN: SOME VEHICLES WILL EXPERIENCE A LACK OF AIR CONDITIONING (AC) PERFORMANCE, WITH DUAL ENGINE COOLING FANS, WHILE STATIONARY OR MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS, AND/OR OVERHEAT. MODEL 2011-2012 TAURUS, MKS, EXPLORER, FLEX, MKT. *PE
TSB-13-12-21
Dec 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingFORD/LINCOLN: DUE TO A LACK OF PERFORMANCE BY AIR CONDITIONER, WHILE STATIONARY OR OVERHEATING OR SLOWLY MOVING, DUAL ENGINE COOLING FANS MAY NOT BE WORKING AND POSSIBLY NEED TO REPROGRAM THE PCM. MODEL 2011-2012 TAURUS, FLEX, MKS, MKT. *PE
ASI-44333
Dec 2013
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityFORD: DUE TO EXCESSIVE LUBE LOSS FROM PTU, OR INTERNAL PTU FAILURE, SOME TRUCKS, WILL EXPERIENCE CONTAMINATION OR SLUDGING OF PTU LUBE, RESULTING IN AN INCREASED INTERNAL LUBE TEMPERATURE. MODEL 2011-2014 EXPLORER, TAURUS SHO. *PE
TSB-13-6-17
Jun 2013
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityFORD:LINCOLN: ON SOME VEHICLES, THERE ARE VARIOUS RELATED CONCERNS ABOUT THE SYNC FEATURES, SUCH AS SYNC FEATURES INOPERATIVE, LACK OF OR SLOW RESPONSE TO PHONE AND VOICE BUTTON OPERATION.
ASI-32251
Jun 2013
Electrical SystemFORD/LINCOLN: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE INTELLIGENT ACCESS OR PUSH BUTTON START MAY HAVE AN INTERMITTENT IKT, SIMILAR SYMPTOMS AS DISCHARGED IKT BATTERY. MODELS 2012-2013 F-150, F SUPER DUTY, EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR, FLEX, EDGE, EXPLORER, TAURUS, MUSTANG. *PE
ASI-32276
Jun 2013
EngineFORD/LINCOLN: LONG BLOCK ENGINES SHIPPED WITH CAM SENSORS, CRANK SENSOR, CRANK SENSOR TONE WHEEL, COOLANT INLET TUBE, THE COMPONENTS MUST BE SWAPPED OVER ENGINE BEING REPLACED TO REPLACEMENT ENGINE BEFORE ENGINE IS INSTALLED. *PE
TSB-13-5-14
May 2013
WheelsFORD/LINCOLN: ON SOME VEHICLES, WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP OR SHIFTING BETWEEN DRIVE/REVERSE AND/OR REVERSE/DRIVE, A NOISE IS HEARD LIKE POP, TING, CLICK, COMING FROM FRONT WHEEL AREA. MODELS 2011-2013 TAURUS, EXPLORER, FLEX, MKS, MKT. *PE
ASI-32211
May 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingFORD: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE INTAKE AIR SYSTEM COMPONENTS MAY HAVE ENGINE OIL ACCUMULATION, IN LEFT HAND VALVE COVER BAFFLE MIGRATING THROUGH FRESH AIR INTAKE OF POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM. MODELS 2011-2013 EDGE, EXPLORER, MKX, TAURUS, MKS, MKT, FLEX. *PE
AS1-32241
May 2013
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityFORD: ON VARIOUS VEHICLES WITH MY TOUCH,AFTER ANY APIM PROGRAMMING, REPLACEMENT OR DISCONNECT FROM FRONT DISPLAY INTERFACE MODULE (FDIM), TOUCHSCREEN CALIBRATION MUST BE PERFORMED. MODEL YEARS 2011-2013. NO MODELS LISTED. *PE
CSP-12B43
Sep 2012
EquipmentFORD: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PROGRAMMED WITH INCORRECT BODY CONTROL MODULE (BSM) CALIBRATION RESULTING IN DEGRADED AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE WITH LACK OF COOLING AND SLOW TO COOL. MODEL 2013 TAURUS. *PE
ASI-22285
Mar 2012
EngineFORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN: SOME VEHICLES EXHIBIT A COLD WEATHER PHENOMENON WHERE FLUID HAS EXPELLED OUT OF VENT ON REAR DRIVE UNITS (RDU) AND FLUID, ON OCCASION, WOULD BURP OUT. *PE

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Ford Taurus →