Summary
The Ford Taurus has 70 recalls spanning the 1985–2019 production run; the most serious recent issue affects 2016 models, where an improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tube can leak engine oil onto hot surfaces and start a fire.
The final production years (2016–2019) have a handful of additional issues. On 2017–2018 models with mechanical key ignitions, the key can be removed from the ignition while the transmission is not in Park, allowing the vehicle to roll away. The 2017 model also has a steering gear heat shield that can corrode and fall off, exposing the steering gear to excess heat and temporarily reducing power steering assist. Across 2016–2019 models, the B-pillar door trim can detach while driving and become a road hazard.
The 2010–2014 era carries several fire and structural concerns. On 2015 models, fuel tank mounting straps can fracture and allow the tank to separate from the vehicle, creating a fuel leak and fire risk. The 2013 model has a fuel delivery module that can crack and leak fuel near an ignition source. The 2012 model has a fuel tank with a weakly sealed seam that can leak even without an impact. On 2010–2014 models registered in salt-belt states, corrosion inside the taillamp assembly can cause a short circuit and fire. The 2010–2013 models have an interior door handle return spring that can unseat, leaving the door vulnerable to unlatching in a side impact. A 2010 model year issue involves a license plate lamp in Canadian salt-belt provinces drawing excessive current, which can generate enough heat to cause a fire.
Going back to the 2000–2009 era, the 2003 model has an air filter element that can smolder or burn, risking an underhood fire. On 2002 models, adjustable brake and accelerator pedals can sit too close together, and simultaneous contact with both can produce an unintended speed increase. The 2001 model has seat belt buckle tongues that can partially latch or fail to eject when released slowly, leaving occupants improperly restrained in a crash, and child safety seat anchors that may not hold a child seat securely in a collision. The 2004 model has a power seat track with insufficient welds that can allow the seat to work loose.
The late 1990s saw several fire risks. The 1999 model, in salt-belt states, has front coil springs that can fracture from corrosion and puncture a tire. Also on 1999 models, a misrouted transmission oil cooler line can wear against a bracket, leak fluid onto the exhaust, and start a fire, and a dash insulator retainer clip can fall into the accelerator pedal pivot and prevent the engine from returning to idle. The 1997 model has a transmission servo cover that can blow off while driving, spraying fluid onto the catalytic converter and igniting a fire. On 1996 models, the park mechanism can fail to hold the vehicle stationary, and fuel pressure regulator and fuel tank issues on the same year raise fire risks; the 1996 SHO specifically has a fuel pressure regulator diaphragm that can rupture and leak fuel.
Further back, the 1995 model has a brake pedal push rod retainer clip that may be missing, allowing the push rod to separate from the pedal arm and eliminating braking ability entirely. The 1993 model has front coil springs in salt-belt states
